What Does an Invoice Look Like?
An invoice is a structured document that requests payment and records a sale. Below is the anatomy of a professional invoice — and what changes when it's an Australian tax invoice — with a labelled example you can copy.
Written by InvoiceSonic Editorial Team · Updated 5 June 2026
The anatomy of an invoice
- Header — the word "Invoice" (or "Tax Invoice"), your logo and a unique invoice number
- Your details — business name, ABN, address and contact info
- Client details — who the invoice is billed to
- Dates — the issue date and the payment due date
- Line items — a description, quantity, unit price and amount for each
- Totals — subtotal, GST (if any) and the total due
- Payment details — how and when to pay (bank/BSB or payment link)
What a tax invoice looks like (Australia)
A tax invoice looks much like a regular invoice, with a few required additions: the words "Tax Invoice", your ABN, and the GST amount shown clearly (or a statement that the total includes GST). For sales over $1,000 it must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.
Annotated invoice example
The numbered labels identify each required part. Replace every example value with your own.
1. Your Business Pty Ltd
ABN 12 345 678 901
2. TAX INVOICE
#INV-0001
3. Bill to
Client Name
4. Issue date
05 Jun 2026
Due date
19 Jun 2026
Download blank PDF · Edit in Word or Google Docs · Edit online
Australian tax invoice requirements
A valid Australian tax invoice must show the words “Tax Invoice”, your business name and ABN, the date of issue, a description of the goods or services, the GST amount (or a statement that the total includes GST), and the total price. For sales over $1,000 you must also include the buyer’s identity or ABN.
- Register for GST once your turnover reaches $75,000 per year — see ATO: Registering for GST.
- Without an ABN, the payer must withhold 47% of the payment under PAYG rules (ATO: PAYG withholding). Apply for a free ABN at abr.gov.au.
- Full rules: ATO: Tax invoices.
Or use our invoice generator to start from scratch.
From sent to paid
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FAQ
What's the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?
A tax invoice is issued by a GST-registered business and must show the words "Tax Invoice", your ABN and the GST amount. A regular invoice has no GST and isn't labelled "Tax Invoice".
Does an invoice need a logo?
No — a logo is optional. What matters are the required fields: your business name and ABN, the client, dates, line items, totals and payment details. A logo just makes it look more professional.
What should a simple invoice include?
At minimum: the word "Invoice", a unique number, your business name and ABN, the client's details, the date, a description of what you supplied, the total, and how to pay.