Podcast producer invoice template

How do podcast producers usually invoice?

Podcast producers invoice a monthly retainer in advance for an agreed number of episodes, covering editing, mixing, show notes and publishing, with launch work such as artwork, music and hosting setup invoiced as a one-off project. Per-episode pricing suits irregular shows. Corporate clients pay on 30 day terms against a PO; independent hosts usually pay by card at the start of the month.

Podcast producers in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £40 to £80. A full day is typically £300 to £550.

What should a podcast producer put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, podcast producers should:

• List what the retainer includes: episodes per month, edit length, show notes, publishing.
• Invoice launch work (artwork, music, hosting setup) separately from the monthly fee.
• State the rollover rule for episodes not recorded in the month.
• Charge per-episode extras such as video versions or transcripts as separate lines.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do podcast producers charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for podcast producers is usually “Film, radio, television or video production” at 13% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.