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Freelance Invoice Template Australia: GST Rules + Free Download (2026)

7 min read

Australian freelancers have specific invoicing requirements — your ABN must be on every invoice, and GST changes what you're required to include. Here's exactly what your invoice needs to comply with ATO rules.

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Do you need to charge GST?

Under $75,000 turnover/year → GST registration is optional

You don't have to register for GST. Your invoice says 'Invoice' (not 'Tax Invoice') and you don't add 10%. Many new freelancers stay below this threshold for years.

Over $75,000 turnover/year → GST registration is mandatory

You must register, charge 10% GST, and issue Tax Invoices. You also file a BAS (Business Activity Statement) quarterly or monthly to remit the GST you've collected.

Ride-sharing or taxi drivers → GST required from day one

The $75,000 threshold doesn't apply — you must register regardless of turnover.

Australian invoice template (GST-registered)

TAX INVOICE

[Your Name / Business Name]

ABN: [XX XXX XXX XXX]

[Address, State, Postcode]

[your@email.com]

Invoice #: INV-001

Date: [Date]

Due: [Due Date]

Bill To

[Client Company]

[ABN: XX XXX XXX XXX (if known)]

[Address]

Description

Amount (AUD)

[Service description — date range]

$0.00

[Service description]

$0.00

Subtotal (ex. GST)$0.00

GST (10%)$0.00

Total (inc. GST)$0.00

BSB: [XXX-XXX]Account: [XXXXXXXXX]

PayID: [your@email.com or phone]

GST-registered invoices must say "Tax Invoice" and show GST as a separate line. Non-GST invoices just say "Invoice".

Australian invoice requirements (13 fields)

Fields marked as required have legal or practical significance in Australia:

Your name or business nameRequired

As registered with the ATO. Sole traders use their legal name.

ABN (Australian Business Number)Required

Mandatory for all business invoices. Apply at abr.gov.au — it's free.

Your addressRequired

Physical or postal. PO Boxes are fine.

Contact details

Phone and email recommended but not legally required.

The word 'Invoice' or 'Tax Invoice'Required

Must say 'Tax Invoice' if you're GST-registered and charging GST.

Invoice number

Not legally required but strongly recommended for your own records.

Invoice dateRequired

Date the invoice is issued.

Due date

Not mandated — but essential for getting paid on time. Use Net 14 or Net 30.

Client name / business nameRequired

Who you're billing.

Description of servicesRequired

Clear description of what was provided and when.

Amount charged (AUD)Required

Subtotal, then GST separately, then total.

GST amount (if registered)Required

Show GST as a separate line: 'GST (10%) — $X'. See below for registration thresholds.

Payment details

BSB + account number, PayID, or payment link. Without this, clients can't pay you.

What happens if you don't include your ABN?

If you don't quote your ABN on an invoice, the payer is legally required to withhold 47% of the payment and send it to the ATO. This is the top marginal tax rate — so your client sends you 53 cents in the dollar instead of the full amount.

This is called PAYG withholding for no-ABN payees. It's not a fine — it's just how the system works. The solution is simple: always include your ABN. Applying for one takes a few minutes at abr.gov.au.

5 invoicing tips for Australian freelancers

Use PayID for faster payment

Australian bank transfers can take 1–3 business days. PayID (linked to your phone or email) enables instant NPP payments. Include it alongside your BSB and account number.

Quote in AUD unless agreed otherwise

If you're working with overseas clients in USD or GBP, note the currency clearly: 'AUD $1,500' or 'USD $1,200'. This avoids disputes when exchange rates move.

Set Net 14, not Net 30, for most clients

Net 30 is standard in the US but unnecessarily long for Australian domestic clients. Net 14 is increasingly common in Australia and improves your cash flow significantly.

Keep invoices for 5 years

The ATO requires you to keep tax records for 5 years from the date you lodged your tax return. Keep PDFs in a dated folder — cloud storage works fine.

GST-registered? File your BAS on time

Late BAS filings attract penalties. If you're registered for GST, set a calendar reminder for your BAS due dates (quarterly: 28 October, 28 February, 28 April, 28 July).

Australian freelance invoice FAQ

Do I need an ABN to freelance in Australia?

You don't legally need an ABN to perform work, but you need one to invoice without having 47% withheld. Applying is free and takes about 10 minutes at abr.gov.au. Most freelancers get one before sending their first invoice.

What's the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice in Australia?

A tax invoice is issued by a GST-registered business and must say 'Tax Invoice', show the GST amount, and include the supplier's ABN. A regular invoice (for non-GST-registered freelancers) just says 'Invoice' and doesn't separate GST.

Can I invoice in foreign currency as an Australian freelancer?

Yes. Invoicing in USD, GBP, or EUR for overseas clients is common. Just state the currency clearly on the invoice. You'll need to report the AUD equivalent in your tax return, converted at the ATO's published exchange rates.

What payment methods should I include on an Australian invoice?

BSB + account number (standard), PayID (instant NPP payment), and optionally a Stripe or PayPal link for international clients. Most Australian clients prefer bank transfer — it's free for both parties.

Do I need to include a client's ABN on my invoice?

It's not legally required for you to include your client's ABN on your invoice — that's more relevant for their records. However, if your client is GST-registered, they'll need your ABN and the GST amount to claim their input tax credits.

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