Tax invoice requirements in Australia: a tradie's checklist
Updated 9 October 2026
Short answer
If you're registered for GST, a tax invoice must show seven things: that it's a tax invoice, your business name, your ABN, the date, what you sold (with quantity and price), the GST amount, and how much of each item includes GST. For sales of $1,000 or more, add the buyer's name or ABN too.
Not registered for GST? Send a normal invoice with your ABN, no GST and no "tax invoice" heading.
The seven things a tax invoice must show
- That it's a tax invoice. The words "Tax invoice" at the top is the usual way.
- Your identity. Your business or trading name.
- Your ABN.
- The date it was issued.
- A brief description of what you sold, including the quantity (if relevant) and the price. "Labour, 4 hours" and "Supply 900mm vanity" both work.
- The GST amount. Show it as a separate line, or, if GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total, a statement such as "Total price includes GST".
- How much of each sale includes GST. This matters when some items are GST-free.
For a sale of $1,000 or more (including GST), the tax invoice must also include the buyer's identity or ABN.
The thresholds that trip people up
| Rule | What it means for a tradie |
|---|---|
| $75,000 GST turnover | You must register for GST once your annual turnover reaches $75,000. Below that, registering is optional. |
| $82.50 (inc GST) | Your customer needs a tax invoice from you to claim GST credits on purchases over $82.50. |
| $1,000 (inc GST) | Add the buyer's name or ABN to the tax invoice. |
| 28 days | If a customer asks for a tax invoice, you have 28 days to provide it. |
If you're not registered for GST
Plenty of new sole traders sit under the $75,000 threshold. In that case:
- Don't add GST to your prices, and don't show a GST line.
- Don't call the document a "tax invoice". "Invoice" is fine.
- Do include your ABN. Without it, a business customer may have to withhold tax from your payment.
- Keep an eye on your turnover. Once you reach $75,000, register within 21 days and start charging GST.
Good practice beyond the legal minimum
The ATO list is the minimum. Invoices get paid faster when they also show:
- An invoice number and a due date.
- The job address and a reference to the quote or job.
- How to pay: bank details (BSB and account) and, ideally, a pay-online link.
- Any deposit already paid, taken off the balance.
- Your licence number, if your trade needs one.
Card fees on invoices
If you add a card surcharge to invoices paid by card, the rules on how much you can charge (and whether you can charge one at all) depend on current RBA and ACCC rules. See can tradies charge a card surcharge in Australia.
Let the app do the checklist
Once your ABN and GST status are set up, an invoicing app fills in the required details every time. In Jobbit, your ABN is checked against the Australian Business Register and GST is added only if you're registered. Invoices can carry your bank details and a pay-online link, and paid invoices can sync to Xero or QuickBooks for your accountant.
FAQ
What's the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?
A tax invoice is the document a GST-registered business issues so the buyer can claim GST credits. It has to include the seven details the ATO lists. If you're not registered for GST, you issue a plain invoice: don't call it a tax invoice and don't charge GST.
Do I need to put my ABN on an invoice?
Yes, an ABN is one of the required details on a tax invoice. If you're not registered for GST you should still quote your ABN. A business customer may otherwise have to withhold tax from your payment (the 'no ABN' withholding rule).
When does a tax invoice need the customer's details?
When the total price is $1,000 or more (including GST), the tax invoice must also show the buyer's identity or their ABN.
How quickly do I have to provide a tax invoice?
If a customer asks for a tax invoice, you must give them one within 28 days of the request.
Can my invoicing app create tax invoices automatically?
Most tradie apps can, as long as your business details, ABN and GST registration are set up correctly. Check the first one the app produces against the list on this page.
Sources
Rules summarised from the Australian Taxation Office, checked 9 October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice. Check the ATO pages or ask your accountant about your situation.
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