Sample Invoice Template - Australia

You must use a tax invoice if your business is registered for GST. A tax invoice includes the GST amount and shows your ABN. If your annual turnover is below the registration threshold (currently $75,000 for most businesses), you can issue a regular invoice instead. However, if you're registered or expect to exceed the threshold, always use a tax invoice format. This ensures compliance and allows your clients to claim input tax credits if they're GST-registered.

Your Australian Business Number (ABN) is mandatory on tax invoices. Include it alongside your business name. If you're a Pty Ltd company, include "Pty Ltd" in your business name. Your full business address is required. A sole trader should use their trading name and ABN. The ABN must be clearly visible and easily identifiable. Your client's ABN (if they have one) should also appear on the invoice. This information helps with GST compliance and gives clients confidence in your legitimacy.

GST is calculated at 10% on the subtotal (excluding GST). Multiply your total service or product cost by 0.10 to find the GST amount. For example, a $2,000 service has $200 GST, making the total $2,200. Display both the pre-GST and post-GST amounts on your invoice. Line items should show the amount before GST, then add the total GST at the bottom. This is called GST-exclusive pricing when you show the base separately, or GST-inclusive when you quote the final amount. Accurate calculations are critical—incorrect GST can trigger ATO compliance issues.

Required fields include: invoice number, date, your business name and ABN, client name and ABN (if applicable), itemized description of services or products, quantity, price per item, GST amount, and payment due date. Your full business address is mandatory. The invoice number must be sequential and unique. Include your contact details for client inquiries. Payment terms should be clearly stated. Most other fields (like purchase order numbers or project codes) are optional but helpful for organization. Missing required information could invalidate a tax invoice.

Common Australian payment terms are "Net 7," "Net 14," "Net 30," or "Due on Receipt." The term specifies when payment is expected. For example, "Net 30" means payment is due 30 days from the invoice date. Government and corporate clients often expect longer payment periods. For freelancers and contractors, shorter terms like Net 7 or Net 14 are more common. State the payment method (bank transfer, credit card, cash) clearly. Australian Consumer Law prohibits unfair payment terms, so avoid excessively long periods. Consider offering a small early-payment discount to improve cash flow.

Yes, this template is fully customizable for any industry or business type. Digital agencies, contractors, consultants, and service providers can adapt it to their needs. Add or remove line items based on your services. You can modify the template to suit freelancers, sole traders, partnerships, or companies. Include industry-specific details if relevant (project codes, timesheets, hourly rates). Adjust payment terms and methods to match your business practice. The core compliance elements—ABN, GST calculation, invoice number, date—must remain unchanged. The visual layout and branding can be fully personalized while maintaining professional standards.

You must keep all invoice records for five years from the date the invoice was issued. This includes both invoices you've sent and copies received from suppliers. The ATO may audit your records during this period, so organized record-keeping is essential. Store invoices securely—either digitally or in hard copy. Digital storage must be easily accessible and backed up. This requirement applies to all registered businesses, regardless of size. Proper record retention protects you if the ATO questions your tax position and demonstrates compliance with Australian tax law.

Service invoices describe work performed (hours, rates, deliverables), while product invoices list items with unit prices and quantities. Both must include GST and follow Australian compliance rules. Service invoices often show hourly rates or project fees, while product invoices include unit quantity. You can combine both on a single invoice—the template supports web design services with discrete deliverables like hourly support, retainers, or fixed-price projects. Include enough detail in the description so clients understand what they're being charged for. Australian Consumer Law requires invoices to be clear and accurate regardless of invoice type.