After you raise a self-billed invoice you send the supplier a copy for their records. Most suppliers simply receive a PDF by email — they don’t need an account. Optionally, a supplier can create a free account to view and download their invoices and confirm when they’ve been paid.
Key points
- Suppliers receive a PDF copy by email — no account needed.
- An optional free portal lets them view, download and confirm payment.
- Both sides keep the invoice for their records.
Emailed copies
The simplest route is an emailed PDF the moment the invoice is raised. The supplier keeps it for their VAT records; you keep the copy for yours.
The optional supplier portal
A supplier can optionally sign up free to see every invoice raised for them across their customers, download copies and statements, and confirm receipt of payment. They never have to — invoices keep arriving by email either way.
This is general information, not tax advice — confirm your own position with your accountant or HMRC (see VAT Notice 700/62 on self-billing).