How to Write an Invoice as a Sole Trader

Writing an invoice as a sole trader is the same as writing one for any business — but you can use your own name as the issuer, and you must include your ABN if you have one. If you're registered for GST (over $75,000 turnover), your invoices need to be tax invoices.

To write a sole-trader invoice: 1. Put your full name (or trading name) and ABN at the top 2. Add your address, phone, and email 3. Generate a unique invoice number — use a system like INV-0001, INV-0002 4. Add today's date 5. List your client's name and address 6. Describe the work — hours, units, or fixed-price milestones — with rate and amount 7. Show subtotal, GST (if registered), and total due 8. Set payment terms (Net 7 or Net 14 is common for sole traders) 9. Add bank, BPAY, or PayID details 10. Save as PDF and email to the client

Always keep a copy for five years for ATO records. Without an ABN your client may need to withhold 47% — so apply for one before sending your first invoice. InvoiceSonic has a sole-trader template ready to use.