Start for free
Language: EN

Accounting and invoicing for UGC creators

You shoot videos that brands use as their own ads: hook, product in hand, call to action, delivered as a raw file. Per job a package of videos, variants and usage rights. Saldiqo writes the invoice for it, issues the deposit from the quote and lets you record what else the brand sent you.

Updated:

What comes up for UGC creators

A package instead of one video

Brands usually book three to ten videos with different hooks, plus raw footage and rights for paid ads. Without clear lines you argue about the scope later.

Many brands, many countries

A cosmetics brand from Berlin today, a shop from the Netherlands tomorrow. The tax type on the invoice depends on the client’s country.

Products before the shoot

You get the product for the shoot, often without an invoice. You should record what it was worth before you forget.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Invoice with package scopeVideos, variants, raw footage and usage rights as separate lines, so the brand sees what it gets.
  • Deposit before the shootThe quote becomes the deposit invoice. The final invoice deducts it.
  • Free products as payment in kindIf you get a product instead of money, you write the invoice as usual, state product and value in the description and mark it paid with the payment method other.
  • Brands in other EU countriesFor businesses in other EU countries you choose reverse charge, and Saldiqo adds the note.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • UGC video, 25 seconds, vertical, concept and shoot
  • Three extra hooks as variants
  • Usage rights for paid ads, three months
  • Raw footage in 4K
  • Payment in kind: product set worth 140
  • Deposit 50 % before the shoot starts

Tax and invoicing in the UK

What applies to invoices in the UK, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Standard rate 20 %, reduced rate 5 % and zero rate 0 %. Saldiqo calculates each invoice line with the rate you pick.
VAT registration
You must register once your taxable turnover passes £90,000 over any 12 months, or you expect to pass it within the next 30 days. You can deregister below £88,000. Until you are registered, your invoices show no VAT, and Saldiqo adds up your 12-month turnover for you.
What goes on an invoice
If you are VAT registered: your VAT number, the tax point, unit prices and the VAT total in pounds. A limited company shows its registered name on every invoice, and its company number, registered office and part of the UK on letters, order forms and the website.
E-invoicing
There is no mandate today. From April 2029 e-invoicing is planned for all B2B and B2G sales that carry VAT, through Peppol. The exact date and standard are not yet in law, and the government’s roadmap follows with the Budget on 28 October 2026.
VAT returns
VAT returns go to HMRC through Making Tax Digital, usually quarterly, due one month and seven days after the period. Saldiqo shows sales and VAT per rate and exports CSV. It does not submit to HMRC, and for Making Tax Digital you need software recognised by HMRC.
Record keeping
Keep VAT records for 6 years.
Late payment
Statutory interest on late business payments is the Bank Rate (3.75 % in the second half of 2026) plus 8 points, so 11.75 %. On top comes fixed compensation of £40, £70 or £100, depending on the amount owed (under £1,000, from £1,000, from £10,000). Consumers have no statutory interest.
Getting paid
Your sort code and account number are on every invoice. Customers pay by Faster Payments or Bacs, and banks check the account name with Confirmation of Payee. There is no QR standard in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

How do I bill usage rights?

As a separate line with duration and territory in the description. That lets you bill extended use later as its own invoice.

What do I do with free products?

Products you receive for a video usually count as income at their value for tax. Record product and value in the invoice and clear the rest with your tax adviser.

Do UGC creators in the UK have to charge VAT?

Only once they are VAT registered. Registration is required when taxable turnover passes £90,000 over any 12 months, or is expected to within the next 30 days. Below that you may register voluntarily. If you are not registered, you must not show VAT on your invoices.

Do UGC creators in the UK need e-invoicing?

Not today. A mandate for B2B and B2G sales with VAT is planned from April 2029, and the details were still open as of October 2026. You can keep sending PDF invoices for now.

How long should UGC creators keep invoices?

Keep VAT records for 6 years. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

Try Saldiqo for free

Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

Start for free

This page for other countries

Related niches

More industries

All industries

As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.