Voice-over artist invoice template

How do voice-over artists usually invoice?

Voice-over artists invoice a basic session fee plus a usage fee that depends on where, how long and how widely the recording will be used, with broadcast adverts priced far above internal corporate work. Pick-ups after script changes are charged separately from the original session. Agencies and production companies pay on 30 day terms; direct clients ordering from a home studio often pay before the files are sent.

Voice-over artists in this example give the customer 30 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £100 to £300.

What should a voice-over artist put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, voice-over artists should:

• Separate the session fee from the usage fee and state the usage: media, territory, term.
• Charge pick-ups caused by script changes as a line of their own.
• Note the delivery format and whether the files are edited or raw.
• For agencies, quote their job number; for direct clients, make payment due before file release.

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 voice-over artists 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 voice-over artists is usually “Entertainment or journalism” at 12.5% 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.