Free Template

Australian Invoice Template

Create professional invoices tailored for Australian businesses. GST-ready and ATO compliant.

Common services billed with this template

Typical use cases for the australian invoice template:

✓ Trade and construction services
✓ Professional services (legal, accounting, consulting)
✓ Retail and wholesale
✓ Hospitality, events and catering
✓ IT, software and digital services
✓ Health and allied health

Typical line items

Fields you'll usually include on this invoice:

✓ "Tax Invoice" header (if GST-registered) or "Invoice"
✓ Your business name, ABN and contact details
✓ Client name, address and ABN (over $1,000)
✓ Item description, quantity, unit price
✓ GST line at 10% (separate from subtotal)
✓ Total payable in AUD with payment terms and BSB/PayID

Standard Payment Terms

Net 14 is the most common SME term in Australia. B2B often uses Net 30. Government often pays Net 20.

Invoicing Tips

✓ Use your ABN on every invoice — without it the payer must withhold 47%
✓ Distinguish "Tax Invoice" (GST-registered) from "Invoice" (not registered) — they're different legal documents
✓ Default currency for Australian clients is AUD — don't leave it ambiguous
✓ Australian businesses increasingly use PayID and OSKO — include yours to get paid same-day
✓ Keep digital copies for 5 years per ATO record-keeping rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✓ Missing ABN — triggers 47% PAYG withholding
✓ Labelling as "Tax Invoice" without being GST-registered
✓ Forgetting GST is 10% (some still use the old 12.5% they used overseas)
✓ Using outdated bank-transfer details on the invoice
✓ Not following up on overdue invoices — 30-40% of Australian SME invoices are paid late

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required on an Australian invoice?

Minimum: seller name and ABN, invoice number and date, description of goods/services, total amount. GST-registered businesses must also display "Tax Invoice" and show GST separately. For sales over $1,000 add the buyer's name, address and ABN.

When do I have to register for GST?

When your annual turnover exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits). Once registered you must charge 10% GST on taxable supplies, issue tax invoices and lodge a quarterly Business Activity Statement.

Can I issue an invoice in another currency?

Yes — for overseas clients. You must still report values in AUD on your BAS and tax return, using the ATO's daily rate for the invoice date.

What's the difference between "Tax Invoice" and "Invoice"?

A Tax Invoice is a specific document required by the ATO from GST-registered businesses, allowing the buyer to claim GST credits. A regular Invoice is any request for payment and is used by non-GST-registered businesses.

How fast do Australian businesses get paid?

Average is around 30 days from issue, but the federal government has a 20-day SME payment policy. Including PayID details, sending PDF immediately and following up at day 7/14/21 dramatically cuts payment time.