Free Australian GST Invoice Template — ATO-Compliant Tax Invoice PDF

For All Tax Invoices (Sales of $82.50–$999.99 GST-inclusive)

The ATO requires the following on all Australian tax invoices:

• The words "Tax Invoice" — these exact words must appear prominently on the document. "Invoice" alone is not sufficient.
• Seller's identity — your business name or trading name
• Seller's ABN — your 11-digit Australian Business Number
• Date of issue — the date the invoice is created
• Brief description of the goods or services supplied
• GST amount — shown separately (not bundled into the total)
• Total price including GST

For Tax Invoices Over $1,000 (GST-inclusive)

For any single invoice totalling $1,000 or more (GST-inclusive), the ATO additionally requires:

• Buyer's identity — the purchaser's name or ABN
• Buyer's address (or ABN as an alternative identifier)
• The extent to which each supply is a taxable supply — in practice, this means clearly indicating which line items are subject to GST

What the ATO Does NOT Require (But Is Best Practice)

• Buyer's email address (not required but speeds up payment)
• Your bank details (not required but essential for payment)
• Payment terms (not required but protects against late payment)
• Your logo (not required but improves professionalism)

Step 1 — Choose Your Invoice Layout

Select from four professional designs: Classic, Sky, Professional, or Minimal. All four are pre-labelled as "Tax Invoice" in the template output and produce a clean, ATO-compliant PDF.

Step 2 — Enter Your Business Details

Add your business name (as registered with ASIC or your trading name), email address, phone number, and business address. Upload your company logo for professional branding. In the Notes field, add your ABN — e.g. "TAX INVOICE | ABN: 51 824 753 556."

Step 3 — Add Your Client / Buyer Details

Enter your client's business name and address. For invoices over $1,000 (GST-inclusive), including the buyer's ABN is ATO best practice. Add their ABN in the client name field — e.g. "Sunrise Retail Group Pty Ltd | ABN: 78 123 456 789."

Step 4 — Set Invoice Number, Date & Due Date

Assign a sequential invoice number (e.g. TAX-2026-001 or INV-001). Set the invoice date to today. Set a payment due date — Net 30 is standard for most Australian B2B invoices; Net 14 for smaller clients.

Step 5 — Select AUD as Currency

Select A$ AUD — Australian Dollar as your currency. The AUD symbol appears automatically across all fields.

Step 6 — Add Line Items

List each product or service with a clear description, quantity, and unit rate (excluding GST — the GST is added separately in Step 7). Include as much detail as possible to prevent disputes and allow your buyer to match the invoice to their purchase order.

Step 7 — Add GST at 10%

In the Tax field, enter "GST (10%)" and select % Percent. The template calculates 10% of your subtotal automatically and displays it as a separate line — exactly as the ATO requires. Your total will show the GST-inclusive amount.

Step 8 — Add Your Bank Details & Payment Terms in Notes

In the Notes field, include your ABN and the words "TAX INVOICE." In the Payment Terms field, add your EFT bank details: BSB, account number, account name, and the reference to use. This is how most Australian business payments are made.

Step 9 — Download PDF & Send

Click Download PDF to generate your ATO-compliant Australian tax invoice instantly. Email it to your client with a short covering note referencing the invoice number and due date.

Your Business Details (Seller)

• Business name or trading name (as registered)
• ABN (11-digit Australian Business Number) — mandatory
• Business address (street, suburb, state, postcode)
• Email and phone number
• Logo (optional but professional)
• The words "TAX INVOICE" — mandatory (add in Notes or ensure your template shows this)

Buyer / Client Details

• Client business name
• Client ABN (mandatory for invoices over $1,000 GST-inclusive)
• Client billing address
• Client email address
• Purchase order number (if the buyer requires one for their accounts payable)

Invoice Information

• Invoice number (unique, sequential)
• Invoice date (date of issue)
• Due date (payment deadline)
• Currency: AUD

Line Items

• Clear description of each good or service supplied
• Quantity and unit of measure
• Unit rate (exclusive of GST)
• Line total (exclusive of GST)
• Subtotal (sum of all lines, before GST)

GST & Total

• GST at 10% — displayed as a separate line item (ATO requirement)
• GST amount in AUD
• Total amount payable (GST-inclusive)

Payment Details (Notes Field)

• EFT bank details: BSB, account number, account name
• Payment reference (invoice number or company name)
• Accepted payment methods (EFT, BPAY, credit card, PayPal)
• Late payment terms (e.g. "Overdue accounts attract 2% monthly interest")

ATO-Compliant Structure

Every required ATO field is included and correctly labelled — "Tax Invoice" designation, ABN field in the Notes section, GST shown as a separate line item, GST-inclusive total. Nothing to add, nothing to guess.

GST (10%) Auto-Calculated

Enter your line item prices excluding GST. The template automatically calculates 10% GST on the subtotal and displays it separately — exactly as the ATO requires for a valid tax invoice.

ABN Field in Notes

Add your ABN directly in the Notes field — e.g. "TAX INVOICE | ABN: 51 824 753 556." This ensures your ABN appears prominently on every downloaded PDF.

Buyer ABN Support

For invoices over $1,000 (GST-inclusive), include your buyer's ABN in the client name field — e.g. "Sunrise Retail Group | ABN: 78 123 456 789." This satisfies the ATO requirement for buyer identification on higher-value invoices.

AUD Pre-Selected

The template pre-selects Australian Dollar (A$) as the default currency, so every field shows the correct AUD symbol immediately.

EFT Payment Details in Notes

Add your BSB, account number, and account name directly in the Payment Terms field. EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) is the dominant payment method for Australian business invoices — having your details clearly on the invoice speeds up payment significantly.

4 Professional PDF Layouts

Classic, Sky, Professional, or Minimal — all four produce a sharp, branded PDF that looks as professional as any output from MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks, without the subscription cost.

Logo Upload

Upload your business logo (PNG, JPG, SVG) for a fully branded tax invoice. Important for Australian businesses that want to project professionalism and brand consistency across all client touchpoints.

Discount & Shipping Fields

Apply trade discounts or early payment discounts, and add freight or delivery charges as separate line items. All calculations update automatically.

Instant PDF — No Watermark, No Signup

Download a completely clean, ATO-compliant Australian tax invoice PDF instantly. No InvoiceHub4U branding. No account required. No cost.

Australian Small Businesses (Pty Ltd & Ltd Companies)

Companies registered with ASIC that are GST-registered use this template to issue compliant tax invoices to business and retail clients. From marketing agencies and IT companies to construction firms and retailers.

Australian Sole Traders & Self-Employed Individuals

Freelancers, contractors, tradespeople, consultants, and self-employed professionals who have crossed the $75,000 GST registration threshold use this template for all client billing.

Australian Freelancers & Creatives

Graphic designers, web developers, photographers, writers, and other creative professionals who are GST-registered and need a clean, ATO-compliant invoice without expensive software.

Tradies & Construction Businesses

Plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters, painters, and other trades registered for GST use this template to invoice residential and commercial clients for labour and materials.

Consultants & Professional Services

Management consultants, IT consultants, accountants, financial planners, HR advisors, and marketing consultants billing Australian and international clients for professional services.

Agencies & Digital Studios

Digital marketing agencies, web design studios, SEO agencies, and PR firms billing clients on retainer or project basis — using this template to issue ATO-compliant monthly or project invoices.

IT & Technology Businesses

Software developers, managed service providers, IT support companies, and SaaS businesses selling to Australian clients and needing a compliant GST tax invoice for every sale.

Healthcare & Allied Health Professionals

Physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, and other allied health professionals — noting that some health services are GST-free under ATO rules, while others are taxable.

Events, Catering & Hospitality

Event planners, caterers, function venues, and hospitality businesses invoicing corporate clients for events, catering packages, and venue hire.

Exporters & International Traders

Australian businesses exporting goods or services internationally — noting that exports are generally GST-free at 0%, but a tax invoice is still required for the transaction record.

Who Must Register for GST in Australia?

You must register for GST in Australia if:

• Your GST turnover (gross business income) is $75,000 AUD or more per year
• Your non-profit organisation's GST turnover is $150,000 AUD or more per year
• You provide taxi or rideshare services (regardless of turnover)
• You want to claim fuel tax credits

You may voluntarily register below these thresholds — and there are often good reasons to do so, particularly if your clients are businesses that can claim GST credits.

How to Register for GST in Australia

Register for GST through the ATO:

• Online via the ATO Business Portal or myGov
• Through a registered tax agent or BAS agent
• By phone on 13 28 66

You will need your ABN to register. If you don't have an ABN, apply at abr.gov.au first — it's free and usually processed within minutes.

What is the GST Rate in Australia?

The Australian GST rate is a flat 10% on all taxable supplies of goods and services. This rate has been unchanged since GST was introduced in Australia on 1 July 2000.

What is GST-Free in Australia?

Not everything attracts GST. The following categories are GST-free (zero-rated):

• Basic food — most unprocessed food items, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bread
• Exports — goods exported outside Australia and certain export-related services
• Medical and health services — most hospital and medical services provided by registered practitioners
• Education — most tuition fees at schools, universities, and registered training organisations
• Childcare — most approved childcare services
• Religious services — certain activities of religious institutions
• Precious metals — first supply of gold, silver, platinum (meeting purity thresholds)

What is Input-Taxed in Australia?

Input-taxed supplies are different from GST-free — you don't charge GST on them, but you also cannot claim GST credits on related purchases:

• Financial supplies — most lending, borrowing, and financial services
• Residential rent — leasing or renting residential property
• Selling residential premises — sale of existing residential property (not new residential property, which is taxable)

When Must a Tax Invoice Be Issued?

A GST-registered business must issue a tax invoice within 28 days of a customer requesting one. Best practice (and standard business practice) is to issue it at or immediately after the point of sale or delivery.

Do I Need to Issue a Tax Invoice for Every Sale?

You must issue a tax invoice for every taxable sale over $82.50 (GST-inclusive). For sales of $82.50 or less, a receipt or cash register docket is sufficient — a full tax invoice is not required, though it is never wrong to issue one.

What is a BAS?

A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a form lodged with the ATO — either monthly, quarterly, or annually — that reports:

• GST collected on your sales (from your tax invoices)
• GST paid on your purchases (from supplier tax invoices)
• Net GST payable or refundable (GST collected minus GST paid)
• PAYG withholding (if you have employees)
• PAYG instalments (if applicable)

How Your Tax Invoices Affect Your BAS

Every tax invoice you issue contributes to your GST collected total on your BAS. Every tax invoice you receive from suppliers contributes to your GST credits (input tax credits). The difference is what you pay to — or receive back from — the ATO.

How Often Do I Lodge a BAS?

• Monthly — if your annual GST turnover is $20 million or more
• Quarterly — if your annual GST turnover is under $20 million (most small businesses)
• Annually — if you voluntarily registered for GST and your turnover is under $75,000

Why Accurate Tax Invoices Matter for BAS

If your tax invoices are missing required information (ABN, GST amount, "Tax Invoice" heading), your clients cannot claim GST credits — which may cause them to dispute your invoices or delay payment. Similarly, supplier invoices you receive must be valid tax invoices before you can claim the GST credit on your BAS.

Record Keeping for GST

The ATO requires you to keep records of all tax invoices — both issued and received — for 5 years. Store your downloaded PDF invoices in a clearly organised folder or accounting system. Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) with a clear naming convention works well for small businesses.

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

The most common payment method for Australian B2B invoices. Always include your BSB (6-digit Bank State Branch code) and account number in the Payment Terms field. The standard format: "EFT to: BSB 062-000 | Account: 12345678 | Account Name: [Your Business Name] | Reference: [Invoice Number]."

BPAY

Some larger businesses pay via BPAY. If you have a BPAY biller code, include it in the Notes field. Less common for small business invoicing but worth including if available.

Credit Card

If you accept card payments via Square, Stripe, or a payment terminal, include your payment link or terminal details in the invoice notes.

PayPal & Online Payment Platforms

Freelancers and digital businesses sometimes accept PayPal, Wise, or Airwallex for international or domestic payments. Include your payment email or link in the Notes field.

Cheque

Increasingly rare in Australian business but still used by some government bodies and older businesses. Include your business name and address as the payee.

Cash

For in-person services. Always issue a receipt after cash payment. Note that for amounts over $10,000, Australian anti-money-laundering laws prohibit cash payments in certain transactions.

1. Missing "Tax Invoice" Heading

The most common and most consequential mistake. The words "Tax Invoice" must appear on the document — "Invoice" alone is not sufficient under ATO rules. Without this, your buyer cannot claim GST credits.

2. ABN Not Included

Your ABN must appear on every tax invoice. If you forget it, your buyer's accounts payable team will return the invoice for correction — delaying payment. Include it in the Notes field on every invoice.

3. GST Not Shown Separately

GST must appear as a separate line item — not bundled into the total. "Total: $1,100 (incl. GST)" is not sufficient. The ATO requires the GST amount to be clearly identified: "GST (10%): $100.00" with "Total: $1,100.00."

4. No Buyer Details on Invoices Over $1,000

For invoices of $1,000 or more (GST-inclusive), the buyer's identity must be included. Missing buyer details on high-value invoices means they technically don't meet ATO requirements for full tax invoices.

5. Wrong ABN

Double-check your ABN before sending. An incorrect ABN means your buyer cannot verify your GST registration and may refuse to pay or request a corrected invoice. Verify your ABN at abn.business.gov.au.

6. Charging GST When Not Registered

If you are not registered for GST, you cannot charge GST. Doing so is illegal. Check your registration status carefully — if you're unsure whether you should be registered, consult a registered tax agent.

7. Not Charging GST When Registered

The reverse — once you're registered, you must charge GST on all taxable supplies. Forgetting to add GST means you personally absorb the tax on that sale, reducing your effective income.

8. Incorrect GST Rate

Australian GST is 10% — not 15%, not 8%. Using the wrong rate is a compliance error. The template defaults to 10%; always verify before adding any custom rate.

9. Not Keeping Invoice Records for 5 Years

The ATO requires all tax invoice records to be kept for 5 years. Losing invoice records can create serious problems during a tax audit. Save every PDF in a clearly organised, backed-up folder.

10. Including GST on GST-Free Supplies

If you supply GST-free goods or services (e.g. basic food, exports, most medical services), you must not charge GST. Issue a regular invoice at 0% GST for these supplies. Charging 10% GST on GST-free supplies is a compliance error.

What is GST?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a broad-based consumption tax of 10% applied to most goods, services, and other items sold or consumed in Australia. It was introduced on 1 July 2000 under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999.

What is an ABN?

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11-digit identifier issued to all businesses and entities operating in Australia. It is issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) and administered by the ATO. Every GST-registered business must include their ABN on all tax invoices.

What is the ATO?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the Australian government's principal revenue collection agency. It administers GST, income tax, PAYG, superannuation, and other tax obligations for individuals and businesses.

What is a BAS?

A Business Activity Statement (BAS) is a form lodged with the ATO that reports a business's tax obligations — primarily GST collected and GST credits — over a reporting period (monthly, quarterly, or annually).

What is an Input Tax Credit?

An input tax credit (ITC) is the GST credit a business claims for the GST it paid on business purchases. For example, if you buy $1,100 of equipment (including $100 GST) for your business, you can claim $100 as an input tax credit on your BAS, reducing the net GST you owe.

What is a Taxable Supply?

A taxable supply is any supply of goods or services that is subject to GST at 10%. Most goods and services in Australia are taxable supplies, except those that are GST-free or input-taxed.

What is a GST-Free Supply?

A GST-free supply is a supply on which no GST is charged (effectively 0% GST). The seller does not charge GST, but can still claim GST credits on related purchases. Examples: basic food, exports, most medical services, most educational services.

What is an Input-Taxed Supply?

An input-taxed supply is one where no GST is charged on the sale, but the seller also cannot claim GST credits on related purchases. Examples: financial services, residential rent, sale of existing residential property.

What is a Tax Period?

A tax period is the time interval over which a business reports and pays GST to the ATO — either monthly, quarterly, or annually.

What is PAYG Withholding?

Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding is the system under which employers and certain businesses withhold tax from payments to employees, contractors, and others, and remit it to the ATO. It is reported on the BAS alongside GST obligations.

What is the Small Business Income Tax Offset?

A tax offset available to sole traders and small business owners in Australia that reduces the income tax payable on business income. Not directly related to GST but relevant to Australian sole traders using this invoice template.