Free Invoice Template for Australian Sole Traders: What to Include

A good invoice template saves you time and gets you paid faster. Here is exactly what an Australian invoice should contain, a simple layout to follow, and the mistakes that most often delay payment.

What to include on every invoice

• The word "Tax Invoice" if you are registered for GST, otherwise "Invoice".
• Your name or business name and ABN.
• An invoice number that is unique and sequential, such as INV-0001.
• The issue date and a clear due date.
• Your client's name (and ABN for invoices of $1,000 or more).
• A description of the work, with quantities and prices.
• GST shown as its own line, or a note that the total includes GST, if you are registered.
• The total amount payable.
• How to pay you, such as your BSB and account number.

A simple layout that works

1. Top left: "Tax Invoice" and the invoice number. Top right: your business name, ABN and contact details.
2. Below that: the client's details on the left and the issue and due dates on the right.
3. Middle: a table with description, quantity, unit price and amount.
4. Bottom right: subtotal, GST and total.
5. Footer: payment details and any terms.

Common invoice mistakes

• No due date. "Please pay soon" is not a date. Say "Due 14 days from issue" or give the calendar date.
• Missing or wrong ABN. Clients can delay payment while they confirm your details.
• Vague descriptions. "Work done" invites questions. List what was delivered and when.
• Duplicate invoice numbers. They make records, and your accountant, harder to deal with.
• Charging GST when you are not registered. Read our GST guide if you are unsure.
• No payment details. Make it easy to pay you in one step.

Word, Excel or invoicing software?

A Word or Excel template is fine for the first few invoices. As you grow, retyping client details, tracking which invoices are paid and keeping numbers in order becomes tedious and error-prone. Invoicing software stores your clients and business details once and builds each invoice from the work you have recorded. Sole Invoice does this for $5 a month, with a free trial so you can see if it fits.

This article is general information only and is not tax or legal advice. See the ATO website for the current tax invoice requirements.