Australian Tax Invoice Template
Free ATO-compliant tax invoice generator with ABN, 10% GST and AUD formatting — or a plain invoice if you are not registered for GST
An Australian tax invoice is required for taxable sales of A$82.50 or more, GST-inclusive, and must be headed 'Tax Invoice' and show your ABN, business name, invoice date, a description of items supplied, the GST amount and the total payable; invoices over A$1,000 also need the buyer's identity or ABN. GST is a flat 10%, registration is compulsory at A$75,000 turnover, and omitting your ABN obliges the payer to withhold 47% under PAYG rules.
Create professional, GST-compliant invoices for your Australian business with our free invoice template. Includes ABN support, automatic 10% GST calculation, and AUD formatting. Designed to meet Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements for tax invoices. If your turnover is under the A$75,000 GST registration threshold, you can issue a plain invoice instead — the generator handles both, and the difference matters legally.
Australia's Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a flat 10% tax on most goods and services. Businesses with an annual turnover of A$75,000 or more (A$150,000 for non-profits) must register for GST. Tax invoices are required for taxable sales of A$82.50 or more (GST-inclusive), and must include specific fields for the buyer to claim GST credits.
Why Use a Australia Invoice Template?
GST Compliant
Pre-configured with ATO-required tax invoice fields including your ABN, the words 'Tax Invoice', and separate GST amount display. Meets requirements for both standard and simplified tax invoices.
Automatic Tax Calculation
GST at 10% is automatically calculated and displayed. Adjust the rate for zero-rated or exempt supplies as needed.
AUD Formatting
Amounts are formatted in AUD (A$) with the correct number format: , for thousands and . for decimals.
Professional PDF Download
Generate and download your Australia invoice as a professional PDF ready to send to clients. No account required to create your first invoice.
What is GST in Australia?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Australia is a broad-based 10% tax on most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia. Some items are GST-free (basic food, medical services, exports) or input-taxed (residential rent, financial supplies). Only GST-registered businesses can charge GST and claim input tax credits.
Examples:
- Standard rate (10%): most goods and services
- GST-free (0%): basic food, health, education, exports
- Input-taxed: residential rent, financial supplies
Australia Invoice Requirements
The ATO requires specific information on tax invoices. The required fields vary depending on the transaction amount. For taxable sales of A$82.50 or more, your Australian invoice must include:
- ✓Business name and address
- ✓ABN (Australian Business Number)
- ✓Client name and address
- ✓Invoice number and date
- ✓Description of goods or services
- ✓GST amount (if applicable)
- ✓Total amount
- ✓Payment terms
Common Invoice Fields for Australia
A well-structured Australia invoice should contain the following fields to ensure compliance and professional presentation:
| Field | Description | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | Your legal or trading business name | Yes |
| ABN | Your 11-digit Australian Business Number | Yes |
| 'Tax Invoice' Header | The words 'Tax Invoice' for taxable sales over A$82.50 | Yes (for tax invoices) |
| Client Details | Client name, ABN (for invoices over A$1,000), and address | Yes |
| Invoice Date & Number | Date of issue and unique identifier | Yes |
| Line Items | Description, quantity, and unit price in AUD | Yes |
| GST Amount | The 10% GST amount shown separately | Yes (if GST registered) |
| Total Amount | Total payable including GST | Yes |
| Payment Details | BSB and account number for direct bank transfer | Recommended |
Australia Invoice Details
Currency
AUD (A$)
Tax System
GST (10% default)
Date Format
DD/MM/YYYY
Number Format
, for thousands, . for decimals
GST Information for Australia Invoices
GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Australia is a flat 10% tax on most goods and services. Some items are GST-free or input-taxed.
Common GST Rates:
- Standard rate: 10% (most goods and services)
Registration: GST registration is required if your annual turnover is A$75,000 or more (A$150,000 for non-profit organizations).
How to Create a Australia Invoice
- Click "Create Australia Invoice" above to open the invoice builder
- Select Australia as your country (it will be pre-selected)
- Enter your business information, including your ABN if applicable
- Add your client's details and contact information
- Add line items with descriptions, quantities, and prices in AUD
- The system will automatically calculate GST at the default rate of 10% (you can adjust if needed)
- Review the invoice for accuracy and compliance with Australia requirements
- Download your Australia invoice as a professional PDF
Australia Invoicing Tips
Remember the A$82.50 threshold: this is the GST-inclusive amount at which a tax invoice becomes mandatory. Below this, a simpler invoice suffices.
Understand the difference between GST-free and input-taxed supplies. GST-free supplies allow you to claim GST credits on related purchases, while input-taxed supplies do not.
Lodge your BAS on time to avoid the Failure to Lodge penalty, which starts at A$313 per 28-day period overdue.
Include your BSB and account number for direct bank transfer, which is the most common payment method in Australia.
Cross the A$1,000 mark and the rules change slightly: at or above that GST-inclusive amount you must also show the buyer's identity or ABN. Any one of their name, business name, address or ABN satisfies it.
Track your turnover on a rolling 12-month basis rather than by financial year. Once it reaches A$75,000 you have 21 days to register for GST, and the obligation is backdated to the day you crossed the threshold.
Never reuse an invoice number. Sequential, unique numbering is what lets you and the ATO tie a payment back to a specific supply during a review.
More on Australian invoicing
Ready to Create Your Australia Invoice?
Create a professional, GST-compliant invoice in AUD in minutes. No sign-up required.
Important Disclaimer
This invoice template is designed to help you create professional invoices for Australia. However, tax laws and requirements can vary and change. This tool does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant in Australia to ensure your invoices comply with all local regulations and requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What information is required on an Australian tax invoice?
An Australian tax invoice must include the words 'Tax Invoice', your ABN, business name, invoice date, description of items supplied, GST amount (for each item or as a total), and total payable. For invoices over A$1,000, the buyer's identity or ABN is also required.
When do I need to register for GST in Australia?
You must register for GST if your business has an annual turnover of A$75,000 or more (A$150,000 for non-profit organisations), or if you provide taxi or ride-sharing services regardless of turnover. You can voluntarily register below these thresholds.
What happens if I do not include my ABN on an invoice?
If you do not include your ABN on an invoice, the payer is generally required to withhold 47% of the payment amount under the PAYG withholding rules. Always display a valid, active ABN on every invoice to avoid this withholding.
What is the difference between a tax invoice and a regular invoice in Australia?
A tax invoice is required for taxable sales of A$82.50 or more (GST-inclusive) and must include specific details such as the words 'Tax Invoice', your ABN, the GST amount, and the total price. A regular invoice does not include these GST-specific details. Only tax invoices allow the recipient to claim GST credits on their BAS.
Can I issue a tax invoice if I am not registered for GST?
No. If you are not registered for GST you must not title the document 'Tax Invoice' and must not show a GST amount on it. Issue a plain invoice instead, headed simply 'Invoice', showing your ABN and the total payable with no GST line. Many sole traders under the A$75,000 turnover threshold get this wrong, and it causes a real problem for the client: their bookkeeper may claim a GST credit that does not exist. Adding a short note such as 'Not registered for GST' next to your ABN removes any ambiguity.
How do I invoice when some items have GST and others are GST-free?
Show the GST treatment on each line rather than only in the total. Mark every line item as either taxable or GST-free, then give separate subtotals for the taxable amount and the GST-free amount before the GST figure and the final total. A single blended total is not compliant for a mixed supply, because the buyer cannot work out which portion carries a claimable GST credit. Common GST-free categories include basic food, most medical and health services, most education courses, and exports.
What is a recipient-created tax invoice (RCTI)?
An RCTI is a tax invoice created by the buyer rather than the seller, which is common in agriculture, labour hire and media. It is only valid if both parties are registered for GST, a current written agreement between them allows RCTIs, and the invoice is issued within 28 days of the supply or of the value being determined. Without that written agreement in place beforehand, the RCTI is invalid and the ATO can deny the buyer's GST credit.
How long do I need to keep my Australian invoices?
The ATO requires you to keep records supporting your GST and income tax position for at least five years from the date the record was created or the transaction was completed, whichever is later. Electronic records are fully acceptable, so storing PDF invoices satisfies the requirement as long as they remain readable and complete. Note also that a buyer needs a valid tax invoice to claim a GST credit on any purchase over A$82.50 including GST.