Free Template

Tax Invoice Template

This tax invoice template is built for GST-registered Australian businesses and includes every field the ATO requires. It shows your business name and ABN, the words "Tax Invoice", GST at 10% on its own line and the GST-inclusive total, so your client can claim a GST credit without asking you for a corrected copy. It is a free invoice template: fill it in online or download it for Word or Excel.

Common services billed with this template

Typical use cases for the tax invoice template:

✓ Consultants, accountants and other professionals
✓ Trade and construction work: carpentry, plumbing, electrical and building
✓ Design, writing, photography and marketing work
✓ Software development, IT support and subscriptions
✓ Equipment hire and rental
✓ Wholesale and retail goods sold to GST-registered buyers

Typical line items

Fields you'll usually include on this invoice:

✓ The words "Tax Invoice" at the top, with your business information and ABN
✓ A unique invoice number and the date of issue on every invoice
✓ The buyer's name or ABN (required for taxable sales of $1,000 or more)
✓ A description of each item with quantity and unit price
✓ The subtotal, the GST amount at 10%, and the total including GST
✓ How to pay: BSB and account number, PayID, or a card link

Standard Payment Terms

Tax invoices usually carry 7, 14 or 30-day terms. Print the actual due date, not just "Net 14", so it is obvious when a client is late. The GST on a tax invoice is generally reported in the BAS period you issue it (accruals) or are paid (cash basis), depending on your accounting method.

Invoicing Tips

✓ Only issue a tax invoice once you are registered for GST. Before that, send an invoice with no GST line.
✓ Show the GST amount on its own line. If GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total, you can instead state "Total price includes GST".
✓ For taxable sales over $82.50 including GST, you must give a tax invoice within 28 days if the buyer asks for one.
✓ Use sequential invoice numbers so each tax invoice can be matched to your BAS.
✓ If a price changes after you issue the tax invoice, send an adjustment note rather than editing and re-sending the original.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✓ Leaving the words "Tax Invoice" off, so the document is not clearly identified as one
✓ Folding GST into the line totals with no GST amount or "includes GST" statement
✓ Forgetting the buyer's identity or ABN on a sale of $1,000 or more
✓ Charging GST when you are not registered for GST
✓ Using a US or UK template with sales tax or VAT fields instead of GST and ABN

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a document a tax invoice in Australia?

It must show it is intended to be a tax invoice, the seller's identity and ABN, the date of issue, a brief description of what was sold with quantity and price, the GST amount (or a statement that the total includes GST), and the extent to which each sale is taxable. For taxable sales of $1,000 or more it must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.

How is a tax invoice different from a regular invoice?

Any request for payment is an invoice. A tax invoice meets the ATO's requirements so a GST-registered buyer can claim a GST credit. Only GST-registered businesses issue tax invoices.

Do I have to issue a tax invoice for every sale?

You must provide one within 28 days if the buyer asks for it and the taxable sale is over $82.50 including GST. Many businesses issue one automatically for every GST-inclusive sale.

How long must I keep tax invoices?

Keep them for five years. Digital copies are fine as long as they are complete and readable.

What happens if a client pays late?

Send a polite reminder on the due date and again a week later. Late payments hurt cash flow, so keep a list of overdue invoices and follow each one up until it is paid. Charging interest only works if you agreed it before the work started.

Are exports shown on a tax invoice?

Many exports of goods and services are GST-free. You can still issue a tax invoice, and it should show that no GST is charged on those items.

Can I edit it in Word?

Yes. Fill it in online to calculate GST automatically and save a PDF, or use the Word and Excel invoice templates if you prefer to edit offline.

Which payment details should a tax invoice include?

The due date and at least one way to pay: a bank transfer (BSB and account number), PayID, or a credit card link. Put them on the invoice itself so the client's accounts team can pay without asking.

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