What to put on a tax invoice in Australia (so you actually get paid)

A missing detail on an invoice can mean a delayed payment — or a customer who can't claim their GST credit and comes back to you annoyed. Here's exactly what an Australian tax invoice needs.

General information only, not tax advice. When in doubt, check the ATO's guidance.

When you need a "tax invoice"

If you're registered for GST, sales over $82.50 (inc. GST) should be issued as a tax invoice when the customer asks — and business customers will ask, because they need it to claim their GST credit. If you're not registered for GST, you issue a regular invoice (and must not show GST).

The tax invoice checklist

For sales under $1,000, a valid tax invoice needs:

• The words "Tax Invoice"
• Your business/trading name
• Your ABN (Australian Business Number)
• The date the invoice was issued
• A description of what you sold (items/services, quantities)
• The GST amount (or a statement that the total includes GST — e.g. "Total price includes GST")
• The total amount payable

For sales $1,000 or more, you also need:

• The buyer's identity (their name) or their ABN

Details that just help you get paid

These aren't strictly required, but they get invoices paid faster and look professional:

• A unique invoice number (so you and the customer can reference it)
• Payment terms and a clear due date
• How to pay — your bank account details
• Your logo and contact details
• An itemised breakdown so there are no "what's this for?" questions

Common mistakes to avoid

• No ABN. Without it, a business customer may be required to withhold 47% of the payment. Always include your ABN.
• Showing GST when you're not registered. If you're not registered for GST, you cannot charge or show a GST amount.
• Vague descriptions. "Labour — $2,000" invites disputes. "Supply and install 6 x LED downlights, incl. wiring — half day labour" gets paid.
• Sending it late. The best invoice in the world still has to be sent. Invoice the day you finish.

Make every invoice compliant automatically

Getting this right by hand every time is tedious. Invoicing software fills in your ABN, the "Tax Invoice" wording, the GST calculation and a unique number for you — so every invoice is valid and you never have one bounced back.

MateInvoice generates ATO-ready tax invoices for Australian tradies in seconds, with your branding, from your phone.

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