A tradeperson handles multiple jobs in a day, starting from scheduling jobs, attending calls, and sending invoices. In Australia, you need to be compliant with invoices to avoid any legal issues. Also, creating the right invoice saves you time and reduces payment delays. It will also help you maintain good client relationships.
On the other hand, missing key details on your invoice can lead to payment delays, confusion, or even issues with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office). In this article, we will guide you on what to include in an invoice in Australia.
If you are a sole trader or a small company with no registration, then here are the things that you need to include in your invoice:
If you have a business logo, then it should be on your invoice. You can choose any top corner to place a logo on the invoicing document. In addition to this, add your details such as business name, your name, and ABN.
Make sure every invoice you send has a unique invoice number that is in sequence. This makes it easy to track invoices and payments.
Mention of dates is essential for clear and smooth payments. Mentithe on the invoice date (a date on which you issued the invoice to the customer) and due date (the last date for making payments). Clear deadlines encourage faster payments and reduce the chances of delays.
All you need to add is your customer’s name, but you can also add their address and contact number.
One of the most important parts of your invoice is explaining what you have done. It brings clarity about what you have actually done. Also, it avoids confusion for any missing or excessive services.
It is better to be specific about:
For example, “Bathroom plumbing repair – leak fix and pipe replacement” is far better than just “plumbing work.”
Clear descriptions build trust and reduce the chances of disputes.
Now, you need to mention the price of each of your services. It can be on an hourly basis or a fixed price. Breakdown costs into labour charges, material used, quantity, etc. Make sure you mention pricing in advance to the client to avoid any confusion or dispute after your job is finished.
If there is any agreement between you and your client for reimbursement costs incurred during work, then you can add that to your invoice.
Note: Reimbursed expenses are free from taxes. Also, you can’t claim them yourself as expenses.
Add all the prices you listed for your services and expenses. Mention this total price in the invoice. Always highlight the total amount due clearly.
This should stand out on the invoice so the client knows exactly what they need to pay—no confusion, no delays.
Make it easy for your clients to pay you. Include:
You can also add instructions like: “Please use the invoice number as a reference.”
While not mandatory, adding a signature field or notes section can improve professionalism.
If you’re registered for GST, your invoice must clearly state “Tax Invoice.” This tells your client that GST is included and allows them to claim it if applicable. Here is what you need to include in your Tax Invoice:
TradeDocs makes invoicing quick, simple, and affordable for tradepersons in Australia. You will get many invoice templates to use, and you can customise them as per your requirements. With TradeDocs, you can also schedule invoices to send them on time to avoid any delays in payments.
In addition, you can add notes and comments for any details for your customers. This job management software is specially designed for small to medium traders who want to improve cash flow without investing much in unnecessary features of invoicing tools.
You can try it for free for 14-days to explore its features and simplify your invoicing.
