by Ariful | Feb 26, 2026 | UK Accounting
Understand Your First Accounting Period (It Sets Every Deadline)
Your first accounting period starts on your incorporation date and usually ends on the last day of the same month the following year. This often makes your first period slightly longer than 12 months. That date then drives your statutory accounts deadline and your corporation tax timeline.
For example, if you incorporated on 15 May 2025, your accounting reference date would be 31 May 2026. Set this date in your calendar now. Everything else follows from it.
Mark These Deadlines (Penalties Are Automatic)
Missing deadlines triggers automatic fines from Companies House and HMRC. They escalate. Protect your cash flow by treating these as non-negotiable:
- File Statutory Accounts (Companies House): In your first year, you must file within 21 months of incorporation. After that, it’s 9 months after your year end.
- Pay Corporation Tax (HMRC): You must pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. Payment is due even if your final accounts filing is still in progress.
- File Your Company Tax Return (CT600): You must file within 12 months of your accounting year end.
Do this monthly: update bookkeeping, reconcile the bank, and review taxes. This prevents last-minute errors and helps you file on time, every time.
Keep These Records for 6 Years (HMRC Will Expect Proof)
HMRC requires you to keep business records for at least 6 years. If HMRC asks, you must be able to evidence income, costs, and taxes with clear documentation. No gaps. No “best guesses”.
Keep these records consistently:
- Sales evidence: invoices and platform reports for Shopify, Amazon, and B2B sales.
- Purchase receipts and bills: including software, advertising, subscriptions, freight, and professional fees.
- Bank statements and card statements: always use a dedicated business account to keep transactions clean.
- Payroll records: payslips, RTI submissions, and director salary documentation where applicable.
This is where structured systems pay off. With proper accounting setup, you capture transactions monthly, attach source documents, and keep a complete audit trail—so your year-end is fast, accurate, and far less stressful.
VAT: Register on Time (Or You Create Backdated Risk)
VAT is one of the fastest ways a growing business becomes unintentionally non-compliant. If your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, you must register for VAT. This is not optional. Late registration can mean backdated VAT bills, penalties, and hours of clean-up.
Many businesses also choose voluntary VAT registration before the threshold. The benefits are straightforward:
- Reclaim VAT: claim back VAT on eligible business purchases.
- Look established: helpful for B2B credibility and supply chain conversations.
- Scale smoothly: you implement the right process before growth forces it.
With structured VAT workflow, you track the rolling threshold monthly and prepare returns with clean reconciliations—so VAT doesn’t become a surprise problem.
The Importance of Structured Systems: Cross-Border Considerations
Many accountants can file UK accounts. The difference is whether your accounting system is built for modern, cross-border trading from day one.
If you sell on Amazon Germany, run Shopify in the USA, or operate across multiple jurisdictions, you need a process that keeps records consistent across platforms, currencies, and tax rules.
Why This Matters in Your First Year (Not “Later”)
- Cross-border VAT: EU selling can trigger OSS/IOSS considerations. Getting it wrong can delay goods at customs and create unexpected VAT liabilities.
- Multi-currency bookkeeping: USD/EUR/GBP must be reconciled properly so your reports reflect real margins, not distorted FX noise.
- International compliance: structure your system to spot where you may create additional tax obligations, so you avoid duplicate reporting and expensive fixes.
A structured system now prevents painful rework later. Building clean accounts from day one means you scale smoothly as your business grows.
Your First Year Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure a smooth first year, follow this simple checklist:
- Appoint a Professional: Don’t DIY your accounts. A qualified accountant will likely save you more in tax than they cost in fees.
- Set Up Cloud Accounting: Connect your bank feeds and sales channels (Amazon, eBay, Shopify) immediately.
- Review VAT Monthly: Track your rolling 12-month turnover. Don’t wait for the end of the year to see if you’ve crossed the £90,000 limit.
- Set Aside Tax Money: As a rule of thumb, move 20-25% of your profit into a separate savings account so you aren’t caught short when the Corporation Tax bill arrives.
- Plan for International Growth: Even if you only sell in the UK now, structure your accounts to handle cross-border VAT later.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Ltd Company Owners
When is my first set of accounts due at Companies House?
Your first statutory accounts are due 21 months after incorporation. After the first year, accounts are due 9 months after your company year end. Missing this deadline triggers automatic penalties.
When do I have to pay Corporation Tax?
You must pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. Pay on time to avoid interest and late payment consequences.
When is my Company Tax Return (CT600) due?
Your CT600 must be filed within 12 months of your accounting period end. Filing late can trigger HMRC penalties.
How long do I need to keep accounting records?
You must keep business records for at least 6 years. HMRC can request evidence of all income, costs, and tax payments during this period.
What happens if I miss a filing deadline?
Missing deadlines triggers automatic penalties from both Companies House and HMRC. Penalties escalate with repeated late filings. The safest approach is to treat all deadlines as non-negotiable and file early.
Do I need to register for VAT immediately?
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Many businesses choose voluntary registration before hitting this threshold to reclaim VAT on business purchases and appear more established.
by Ariful | Feb 26, 2026 | UK Accounting
Understand Your First Accounting Period (It Sets Every Deadline)
Your first accounting period starts on your incorporation date and usually ends on the last day of the same month the following year. This often makes your first period slightly longer than 12 months. That date then drives your statutory accounts deadline and your corporation tax timeline.
For example, if you incorporated on 15 May 2025, your accounting reference date would be 31 May 2026. Set this date in your calendar now. Everything else follows from it.
Mark These Deadlines (Penalties Are Automatic)
Missing deadlines triggers automatic fines from Companies House and HMRC. They escalate. Protect your cash flow by treating these as non-negotiable:
- File Statutory Accounts (Companies House): In your first year, you must file within 21 months of incorporation. After that, it’s 9 months after your year end.
- Pay Corporation Tax (HMRC): You must pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. Payment is due even if your final accounts filing is still in progress.
- File Your Company Tax Return (CT600): You must file within 12 months of your accounting year end.
Do this monthly: update bookkeeping, reconcile the bank, and review taxes. This prevents last-minute errors and helps you file on time, every time.
Keep These Records for 6 Years (HMRC Will Expect Proof)
HMRC requires you to keep business records for at least 6 years. If HMRC asks, you must be able to evidence income, costs, and taxes with clear documentation. No gaps. No “best guesses”.
Keep these records consistently:
- Sales evidence: invoices and platform reports for Shopify, Amazon, and B2B sales.
- Purchase receipts and bills: including software, advertising, subscriptions, freight, and professional fees.
- Bank statements and card statements: always use a dedicated business account to keep transactions clean.
- Payroll records: payslips, RTI submissions, and director salary documentation where applicable.
This is where structured systems pay off. With a tech-driven accounting setup, you capture transactions monthly, attach source documents, and keep a complete audit trail—so your year-end is fast, accurate, and far less stressful.
VAT: Register on Time (Or You Create Backdated Risk)
VAT is one of the fastest ways a growing business becomes unintentionally non-compliant. If your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, you must register for VAT. This is not optional. Late registration can mean backdated VAT bills, penalties, and hours of clean-up.
Many businesses also choose voluntary VAT registration before the threshold. The benefits are straightforward:
- Reclaim VAT: claim back VAT on eligible business purchases.
- Look established: helpful for B2B credibility and supply chain conversations.
- Scale smoothly: you implement the right process before growth forces it.
With a structured VAT workflow, you track the rolling threshold monthly and prepare returns with clean reconciliations—so VAT doesn’t become a surprise problem.
Why Cross-Border Experience Matters in Your First Year
If you sell internationally or plan to, you need a system built for cross-border trading from day one. This includes:
- Cross-border VAT: EU selling can trigger OSS/IOSS considerations. Getting it wrong can delay goods at customs and create unexpected VAT liabilities.
- Multi-currency bookkeeping: USD/EUR/GBP must be reconciled properly so your reports reflect real margins, not distorted FX noise.
- International compliance: spot where you may create additional tax obligations, so you avoid duplicate reporting and expensive fixes.
A structured system now prevents painful rework later. Building clean accounts that scale with you from inception is far more cost-effective than fixing them after problems arise.
Your First Year Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure a smooth first year, follow this simple checklist:
- Appoint a Professional: Don’t DIY your accounts. A qualified accountant will likely save you more in tax than they cost in fees.
- Set Up Cloud Accounting: Connect your bank feeds and sales channels (Amazon, eBay, Shopify) immediately.
- Review VAT Monthly: Track your rolling 12-month turnover. Don’t wait for the end of the year to see if you’ve crossed the £90,000 limit.
- Set Aside Tax Money: As a rule of thumb, move 20-25% of your profit into a separate savings account so you aren’t caught short when the Corporation Tax bill arrives.
- Plan for International Growth: Even if you only sell in the UK now, structure your accounts to handle cross-border transactions later.
Frequently Asked Questions for New Ltd Company Owners
When is my first set of accounts due at Companies House?
Your first statutory accounts are due 21 months after incorporation. After the first year, accounts are due 9 months after your company year end. Missing this deadline triggers automatic penalties.
When do I have to pay Corporation Tax?
You must pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. Pay on time to avoid interest and late payment consequences.
When is my Company Tax Return (CT600) due?
Your CT600 must be filed within 12 months of your accounting period end. Filing late can trigger HMRC penalties.
How long do I need to keep accounting records?
You must keep business records for at least 6 years. This includes sales invoices, purchase receipts, bank statements, and payroll documentation. HMRC can request these records at any time to verify compliance.
What happens if I miss a deadline?
Missing deadlines triggers automatic penalties from both Companies House and HMRC. Penalties escalate with repeated breaches. Penalties for late accounts filing start at £150 (if up to 3 months late) and increase significantly for longer delays. Late Corporation Tax payment incurs interest and potential penalties of up to 5% of the tax due.
Do I need to register for VAT immediately?
You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. You can also register voluntarily before this threshold. Monitor your turnover monthly to ensure you register on time and avoid backdated VAT liabilities.
by Ariful | Feb 26, 2026 | UK Updates
New HMRC Security Measures: The ‘0990’ Requirement
HMRC has stepped up its game to fight fraud. As of late January 2026, there is a new hurdle for anyone registering for VAT. If you are a new seller or moving your business structure, you must take note of the VAT registration application reference number.
This number, which always starts with ‘0990’, is now a mandatory requirement when you enroll for VAT services on your online business tax account. Why the change? Fraudsters were previously intercepting legitimate VAT numbers and opening accounts before the actual business owners could. This caused massive headaches and delays in getting VAT returns filed.
By requiring the ‘0990’ reference, HMRC ensures that only you—the rightful owner—can access your online services.
Pro Tip: Keep this number safe. If you lose it, the recovery process can be tedious. If we are handling your VAT return services, make sure to forward this reference to us immediately so we can get your digital dashboard synced without delay.
VAT Obligations for Direct Ecommerce Sales
If you are a non-UK seller or a UK business selling directly to customers through your own website, the rules around the £135 threshold remain the “golden rule.”
For Orders Under £135
When you sell goods to a UK customer and the total value is £135 or less, you must charge VAT at the point of sale (the checkout). You are then responsible for reporting and paying this VAT to HMRC via your quarterly return. This is why having expert ecommerce accountants is vital: calculating these micro-transactions across thousands of orders is a recipe for a headache if you don’t have the right software integrations.
For Orders Over £135
When the order value exceeds £135, the rules shift. Standard import VAT and potentially customs duties apply. Usually, the customer (the importer of record) pays these to the courier before delivery, unless you have opted for a “Delivered Duty Paid” (DDP) shipping model.
Managing the difference between these two categories is essential. If you get it wrong, your customers might be hit with unexpected “handling fees” from Royal Mail or DPD, which leads to bad reviews and returned items.
The Marketplace Effect: Selling on Amazon and eBay
If you primarily sell through Online Marketplaces (OMPs) like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, your VAT life is slightly simpler, but you still have responsibilities.
For goods stored in the UK and sold by non-UK sellers, the marketplace is generally responsible for collecting and remitting the VAT to HMRC for orders under £135. However, don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security. You still need to maintain impeccable records. HMRC can, and will, audit your marketplace reports to ensure the “deemed supplier” rules are being followed correctly.
Understanding the difference between B2B and B2C business models is also crucial here. If you sell to another UK business (B2B), the marketplace rules might not apply in the same way, and you may need to issue a full VAT invoice.
EU Businesses Selling to the UK: The Reverse Charge Exemption
Are you an EU-based business shipping to UK customers? There is an important distinction to remember regarding the reverse charge exemption.
Registered EU businesses can often remove VAT from the checkout when selling to UK businesses that provide a valid VAT number. This keeps the B2B trade flowing smoothly. However, remember that this exemption is a “one-way street” in this specific context: it applies to EU-to-UK shipments.
If you are a UK business selling back into the EU, you have to navigate the EU’s IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) rules, which are the mirror image of the UK’s £135 rules.
Looking Ahead: Mandatory E-Invoicing in 2029
The UK government is moving toward a fully digital tax ecosystem. While “Making Tax Digital” (MTD) is already here for VAT, the next big leap is mandatory e-invoicing.
The government has confirmed that by 2029, all VAT invoices must be digital. This means no more PDF invoices sent via email that require manual entry. Instead, software will “talk” to software using a standardized format.
What should you do now?
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the “Budget 26” announcements. The government will publish a roadmap later this year.
- Audit Your Tech: Are you still using spreadsheets? It’s time to move to cloud-based systems like Xero or QuickBooks.
- Consult Your Accountant: We are already prepping our clients for this transition. Being early adopters will save you from the 2029 scramble.
Essential VAT Rate Reminders
It sounds basic, but applying the wrong VAT rate is one of the most common reasons for HMRC penalties.
- Standard Rate (20%): Most ecommerce goods (electronics, fashion, home goods).
- Reduced Rate (5%): Specific items like children’s car seats or certain energy-saving materials.
- Zero Rate (0%): Most books, children’s clothes, and most food items.
Double-check your Shopify or Amazon tax settings. If you accidentally charge 0% on a 20% item, that 20% comes out of your profit margin when HMRC comes knocking.
Why Ecommerce Sellers Trust Professional Support
Navigating UK tax isn’t something you have to do alone. Professional support can help you scale without the fear of an HMRC audit. From setting up your UK limited company accounting to managing complex cross-border VAT returns, expert guidance and the right tools make all the difference.
Don’t worry about the complexities of “deemed supply” or “reverse charges.” Focus on sourcing great products and growing your brand. Let professionals handle the numbers.
by Ariful | Feb 26, 2026 | UK Updates
New HMRC Security Measures: The ‘0990’ Requirement
HMRC has stepped up its game to fight fraud. As of late January 2026, there is a new hurdle for anyone registering for VAT. If you are a new seller or moving your business structure, you must take note of the VAT registration application reference number.
This number, which always starts with ‘0990’, is now a mandatory requirement when you enroll for VAT services on your online business tax account. Why the change? Fraudsters were previously intercepting legitimate VAT numbers and opening accounts before the actual business owners could. This caused massive headaches and delays in getting VAT returns filed.
By requiring the ‘0990’ reference, HMRC ensures that only you—the rightful owner—can access your online services.
Pro Tip: Keep this number safe. If you lose it, the recovery process can be tedious. If we are handling your VAT return services, make sure to forward this reference to us immediately so we can get your digital dashboard synced without delay.
VAT Obligations for Direct Ecommerce Sales
If you are a non-UK seller or a UK business selling directly to customers through your own website, the rules around the £135 threshold remain the “golden rule.”
For Orders Under £135
When you sell goods to a UK customer and the total value is £135 or less, you must charge VAT at the point of sale (the checkout). You are then responsible for reporting and paying this VAT to HMRC via your quarterly return. This is why having expert ecommerce accountants is vital: calculating these micro-transactions across thousands of orders is a recipe for a headache if you don’t have the right software integrations.
For Orders Over £135
When the order value exceeds £135, the rules shift. Standard import VAT and potentially customs duties apply. Usually, the customer (the importer of record) pays these to the courier before delivery, unless you have opted for a “Delivered Duty Paid” (DDP) shipping model.
Managing the difference between these two categories is essential. If you get it wrong, your customers might be hit with unexpected “handling fees” from Royal Mail or DPD, which leads to bad reviews and returned items.
The Marketplace Effect: Selling on Amazon and eBay
If you primarily sell through Online Marketplaces (OMPs) like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, your VAT life is slightly simpler, but you still have responsibilities.
For goods stored in the UK and sold by non-UK sellers, the marketplace is generally responsible for collecting and remitting the VAT to HMRC for orders under £135. However, don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security. You still need to maintain impeccable records. HMRC can, and will, audit your marketplace reports to ensure the “deemed supplier” rules are being followed correctly.
Understanding the difference between B2B and B2C business models is also crucial here. If you sell to another UK business (B2B), the marketplace rules might not apply in the same way, and you may need to issue a full VAT invoice.
EU Businesses Selling to the UK: The Reverse Charge Exemption
Are you an EU-based business shipping to UK customers? There is an important distinction to remember regarding the reverse charge exemption.
Registered EU businesses can often remove VAT from the checkout when selling to UK businesses that provide a valid VAT number. This keeps the B2B trade flowing smoothly. However, remember that this exemption is a “one-way street” in this specific context: it applies to EU-to-UK shipments.
If you are a UK business selling back into the EU, you have to navigate the EU’s IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) rules, which are the mirror image of the UK’s £135 rules.
Looking Ahead: Mandatory E-Invoicing in 2029
The UK government is moving toward a fully digital tax ecosystem. While “Making Tax Digital” (MTD) is already here for VAT, the next big leap is mandatory e-invoicing.
The government has confirmed that by 2029, all VAT invoices must be digital. This means no more PDF invoices sent via email that require manual entry. Instead, software will “talk” to software using a standardized format.
What should you do now?
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the “Budget 26” announcements. The government will publish a roadmap later this year.
- Audit Your Tech: Are you still using spreadsheets? It’s time to move to cloud-based systems like Xero or QuickBooks.
- Consult Your Accountant: We are already prepping our clients for this transition. Being early adopters will save you from the 2029 scramble.
Essential VAT Rate Reminders
It sounds basic, but applying the wrong VAT rate is one of the most common reasons for HMRC penalties.
- Standard Rate (20%): Most ecommerce goods (electronics, fashion, home goods).
- Reduced Rate (5%): Specific items like children’s car seats or certain energy-saving materials.
- Zero Rate (0%): Most books, children’s clothes, and most food items.
Double-check your Shopify or Amazon tax settings. If you accidentally charge 0% on a 20% item, that 20% comes out of your profit margin when HMRC comes knocking.
Why Ecommerce Sellers Trust Their Accountants
Navigating UK tax isn’t something you have to do alone. Specialists in ecommerce help entrepreneurs scale without the fear of an HMRC audit. From setting up your UK limited company accounting to managing complex cross-border VAT returns, the right support offers the tools and expertise you need.
Don’t worry about the complexities of “deemed supply” or “reverse charges.” Focus on sourcing great products and growing your brand. Let your accountant handle the numbers.
by Ariful | Feb 26, 2026 | EU VAT Updates
The 2026 Landscape: Why Sweden VAT Matters Now
Sweden remains one of the most structured tax environments in the world. For 2026, Skatteverket has tightened its grip on digital fraud while simultaneously raising thresholds to help smaller businesses breathe. If you are selling to Swedish consumers (B2C) or businesses (B2B), you need to know exactly where you stand to avoid hefty penalties.
At Sterlinx Global Ltd, we help sellers manage these complexities every day. From initial registration to monthly filings, our goal is to keep you selling while we handle the paperwork.
Do You Need to Register? Understanding the 2026 Thresholds
The first question every seller asks is: “When do I actually have to start paying Swedish VAT?”
In 2026, the rules depend heavily on where your business is established and how much you are selling.
1. The Domestic Registration Threshold
For businesses established in Sweden, there is good news. The VAT registration threshold has been increased to SEK 120,000. If your annual turnover stays below this limit, you aren’t required to register for VAT. However, keep a close eye on your growth; once you cross that line, you must notify Skatteverket immediately.
2. The EU Distance Selling Threshold (OSS)
If you are an EU-based seller shipping goods to Sweden, you likely fall under the One-Stop Shop (OSS) rules. The EU-wide threshold is €10,000.
- Below €10,000: You can charge the VAT rate of your home country.
- Above €10,000: You must register for OSS and charge the Swedish VAT rate (usually 25%) on all sales to Swedish customers.
3. Non-EU Sellers and IOSS
For our friends selling from outside the EU (like the UK or USA), the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is your best friend for consignments under €150. It simplifies the process at the border and ensures your customer isn’t hit with unexpected “handling fees” upon delivery.
Swedish VAT Rates in 2026: What to Charge
Charging the wrong rate is one of the fastest ways to trigger an audit. Sweden has three primary rates that you need to program into your checkout:
- Standard Rate (25%): This applies to the vast majority of goods and services, including clothing, electronics, and most household items.
- Reduced Rate (12%): Primarily for foodstuffs, hotels, and some artistic items.
- Super-Reduced Rate (6%): This applies to books (including e-books), newspapers, passenger transport (like taxis), and certain cultural events.
Pro Tip: For 2026, the Swedish government has introduced a temporary reduction for specific food categories to 6% to combat inflation. Always check the specific category of what you are selling to ensure you aren’t overcharging your customers or underpaying the taxman.
The Marketplace Facilitator Rules
Are you selling on Amazon or eBay? Then the “Marketplace Facilitator” rules apply to you. In many cases, the marketplace is responsible for collecting and remitting the VAT on your behalf if you are a non-EU seller. However, this does not always exempt you from needing a VAT number.
Holding stock in a Swedish warehouse (like an Amazon FBA center in Sweden) almost always triggers an immediate requirement for a local Swedish VAT registration, regardless of your sales volume. You can learn more about how this impacts your business model on our B2B vs B2C business models page.
How to Register for VAT in Sweden
Registering with Skatteverket isn’t an overnight process. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to receive your Swedish VAT number. For the official guidance, see Skatteverket’s VAT registration page here: https://skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglishengelska/businessesandemployers/startingandrunningaswedishbusiness/registeringabusiness/registeryourbusinessforvat.4.6e1dd38d196873bc1e1376.html. Here is the simplified checklist to get started:
- Gather Documentation: You’ll need your Certificate of Incorporation, proof of identity for directors, and evidence of your business activities (like invoices or contracts).
- Submit the Application: This is done via the Skatteverket portal or via paper forms for non-resident businesses.
- Appoint a Representative: If you are based outside the EU, you may be required to appoint a fiscal representative who is jointly liable for your VAT payments.
- Receive Your SE Number: Your Swedish VAT number will start with the prefix “SE” followed by 12 digits.
To make this easier, we offer a dedicated service for VAT registration in Sweden. We handle the back-and-forth with the Swedish authorities so you don’t have to learn Swedish tax law by heart.
2026 Compliance: Filing and Deadlines
Once you have your number, the real work begins. You must file VAT returns even if you have zero sales for a specific period.
- Reporting Frequency: This is usually determined by your turnover. Most small to medium ecommerce sellers file quarterly, though very large businesses file monthly.
- Deadlines: Typically, the return and payment are due by the 26th day of the second month following the reporting period.
- Digital Reporting: Sweden is moving toward stricter SAF-T (Standard Audit File for Tax) requirements. Ensure your accounting software can export the necessary data formats to stay compliant.
New for 2026: Fraud Prevention & “ViDA”
Skatteverket has upped its game this year. The 2026 Budget Bill granted the tax agency more power to deregister entities suspected of “carousel fraud” or missing trader schemes. They are also preparing for the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) amendments coming in 2027, which will eventually make real-time digital reporting mandatory across the EU.
This is why maintaining clean records is essential. Use a professional accounting service to ensure every transaction is logged correctly.
Essential Invoicing Requirements
A Swedish VAT invoice isn’t just a receipt; it’s a legal document. To be valid in 2026, your invoices must include:
- Your full business name and address.
- Your SE VAT number.
- A unique, sequential invoice number.
- The date of issue.
