FREE INVOICE TEMPLATE WITH ABN AND GST FOR AUSTRALIAN SOLE TRADERS
If you're a sole trader, contractor, or freelancer in Australia, you need to send invoices that meet ATO requirements. But most people either use a Word doc that looks unprofessional, or pay $35/month for Xero just to send a PDF.
Here's what actually needs to be on your invoice, and how to create one for free.
WHAT THE ATO REQUIRES ON A TAX INVOICE
If you're registered for GST and the sale is over $82.50 (including GST), the ATO requires these elements on your tax invoice:
- ✓The words "Tax Invoice" — stated clearly, usually at the top
- ✓Your identity — business name or your name as the seller
- ✓Your ABN — Australian Business Number, 11 digits
- ✓Date of issue
- ✓Description of items or services — what was provided
- ✓GST amount — either shown separately or stated as "Total price includes GST"
- ✓Total amount — the price including GST
- ✓Buyer's identity — for invoices over $1,000, you need the buyer's name or ABN
NOT REGISTERED FOR GST?
If your annual turnover is under $75,000 and you're not GST-registered, you don't need to charge GST. But you still need to include your ABN and must not show a GST amount. Your invoice should state the total is GST-free.
Important: If you don't include your ABN on an invoice, the business paying you may be required to withhold 47% of the payment for tax purposes. Always include your ABN.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ON YOUR INVOICE
Beyond the legal requirements, a professional invoice should also include:
- Invoice number — sequential (INV-001, INV-002, etc.) for your records
- Payment terms — e.g. "Due within 14 days" or "Due on receipt"
- Bank details — BSB, account number, account name so clients can pay by bank transfer
- Your contact details — phone number or email
- Job reference — address or description so the client knows what it's for
YOUR OPTIONS FOR CREATING INVOICES
| Method | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word/Google Docs | Free | Familiar | Looks unprofessional, manual numbering, easy to miss required fields |
| Canva template | Free | Looks good | No auto-numbering, no GST calc, can't track if paid |
| Xero | $35/mo | Full accounting | Overkill for most sole traders, expensive |
| Invoice2go | $10/mo | Simple invoicing | No job tracking, no profit visibility |
| TheBrickBook | Free | Invoicing + job tracking + profit calculator | iOS only (for now) |
HOW TO CREATE AN INVOICE WITH THEBRICKBOOK
TheBrickBook lets you generate a professional PDF invoice directly from a job you've been tracking. Here's how:
- Complete the job — mark it as "Completed" in the app
- Tap "Generate Invoice" — your business details, ABN, and GST are auto-filled from your profile
- Choose a template — pick from 3 clean, professional designs
- Review and send — share the PDF via text, email, or AirDrop
The invoice automatically includes your ABN, GST calculation, bank details, job description, and a unique invoice number. No typing. No formatting. No missing fields.
And because the invoice is linked to the job, you can see the full picture: what you invoiced, what you spent, and what you actually earned.
SEND YOUR FIRST INVOICE IN 30 SECONDS
TheBrickBook generates professional PDF invoices with your ABN, GST, and bank details. Free.
Download Free for iOSCOMMON INVOICING MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Forgetting your ABN — the client may withhold 47% of your payment
- Charging GST when you're not registered — this is illegal. Only charge GST if you have a valid GST registration
- Not numbering invoices — the ATO expects sequential invoice numbers if you're audited
- Vague descriptions — "Services rendered" isn't enough. Be specific: "Lawn mowing and hedge trimming at 14 Smith St, Forbes"
- No payment terms — if you don't specify when payment is due, don't be surprised when it takes months
Getting your invoices right isn't just about looking professional — it protects you at tax time and makes sure you get paid on time.