Invoice Template Australia: Free Download + GST Requirements
Australian invoicing has specific ATO (Australian Taxation Office) requirements β especially if you're registered for GST. Here's exactly what must be on your invoices and where to get a free template.
Australian invoice requirements
Every invoice issued by an Australian business must include:
GST tax invoice requirements
If you are GST-registered, invoices for A$82.50 or more (including GST) must be tax invoices with additional requirements:
ATO Tax Invoice Requirements
- β Must say "Tax Invoice" prominently at the top
- β Supplier's ABN
- β Date of issue
- β Description of goods/services
- β GST amount shown separately, or "Total includes GST of $X"
- β For invoices over A$1,000: also include the recipient's identity (name or ABN)
GST rate: 10%
Simple invoice vs tax invoice in Australia
| Situation | Invoice type required |
|---|---|
| Not GST-registered (any amount) | Regular invoice β no GST, no 'Tax Invoice' heading |
| GST-registered, invoice under A$82.50 (incl. GST) | Simplified tax invoice β ABN + basic details |
| GST-registered, invoice A$82.50βA$999.99 | Full tax invoice β all ATO requirements |
| GST-registered, invoice A$1,000+ | Full tax invoice + recipient identity |
Free Australian invoice template
Chaser's free invoice builder works for Australian freelancers. Set your currency to AUD, add your ABN as a custom field, and your PDF will include all required information.
- β AUD currency support
- β Custom fields for ABN and GST number
- β Instant PDF β no download needed
- β Automated payment reminders included free
Getting paid faster as an Australian freelancer
Australian payment terms typically run Net 30β45 for larger clients. Here's how to improve your payment speed:
Frequently asked questions
What is required on an Australian invoice?
Every Australian invoice must include: your name (or business name), your ABN (Australian Business Number), the date, a description of the goods or services, and the amount. If you are GST-registered, the invoice must say 'Tax Invoice', include your ABN, show the GST amount separately (or state 'Total includes GST of $X'), and include the issue date.
Do I need an ABN to invoice in Australia?
You do not legally need an ABN to invoice, but businesses that pay invoices without an ABN are required to withhold 47% of the payment (top withholding tax rate) and remit it to the ATO. In practice, you will need an ABN on your invoices for any business client to pay you without withholding.
When do I need to register for GST in Australia?
You must register for GST when your annual turnover reaches or is likely to reach A$75,000 (A$150,000 for non-profit organisations). Below this threshold, GST registration is voluntary. If you are not registered, you cannot charge GST on your invoices and must not include a GST component.
What is the difference between a tax invoice and a regular invoice in Australia?
A tax invoice is required when the total including GST is A$82.50 or more and you are GST-registered. It must say 'Tax Invoice', show the GST amount, include your ABN, and meet ATO requirements. A regular invoice (without GST) is used by businesses not registered for GST.
What are typical payment terms for Australian freelancers?
Most Australian freelancers use Net 14 to Net 30 payment terms. Government agencies typically pay within 30 days. Large corporates may request Net 30β45. For small business clients, Net 14 is common and reasonable. Including a direct bank transfer (BSB + account number) or payment link significantly speeds up payment.
Professional invoicing for Australian freelancers
AUD support + automated payment reminders. Free for 3 invoices.
Try Chaser free β