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Tradie invoice template for Australia: what a tax invoice must show

If you're registered for GST, your invoices need certain details for your customers to claim GST credits. If you're not, you shouldn't call your bill a tax invoice. Here's the checklist, straight from the ATO.

What a tax invoice must include

According to the ATO's Tax invoices page, a tax invoice for a taxable sale under $1,000 must include enough information to clearly work out seven things:

  1. That the document is intended to be a tax invoice
  2. The seller's identity
  3. The seller's ABN
  4. The date it was issued
  5. A brief description of what was sold, including quantity (if applicable) and price
  6. The GST amount payable, if any (or "Total price includes GST" when GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total)
  7. The extent to which each sale on the invoice is taxable

For sales of $1,000 or more, it must also show the buyer's identity or ABN. The same page says that if a customer asks for a tax invoice, you must provide one within 28 days, unless the sale is $82.50 (including GST) or less.

Not registered for GST?

Then you don't charge GST, and your bill should just be an "Invoice", not a "Tax invoice". It should still show your ABN, the date, what you did and the amount. The ATO's guide to setting up your business invoices covers this.

Start with a job sheet

The easiest invoices to write come from a good job sheet: the customer's details, the address, the date, hours on site, materials used and any variations they approved. Fill it in on site, and the invoice is just a copy of it with your prices.

Number and track your invoices

Give each invoice a unique number and keep a register showing the date sent, due date and whether it's been paid. Overdue invoices are much easier to chase in the first week than in the third month.

General information only, not tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked ato.gov.au page for the current version, or ask a registered tax agent about your situation.

Free tip: Write your payment terms (for example "Payment due within 7 days") and your bank details on every invoice, plus the job address. Customers pay faster when they don't have to ask anything.

Want it done for you? Tradie Job Sheet & Invoice (.xlsx + PDF)

Fill in the job card and our invoice fills itself in. It's titled "Tax Invoice" with 10% GST if you're registered, or just "Invoice" if you're not.

  • Job Sheet, Invoice, Invoice Register and Summary tabs
  • Blank one-page fillable A4 job sheet PDF for site use
  • Tracks paid and overdue invoices
  • You type the invoice number; no macros

US$9.99 one-time on Whop. Instant download.

See it on Whop →

Related guides

General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check the official pages linked above, or ask a registered tax agent, before you rely on anything here. Last checked 16 Nov 2026.