If you’re looking to send a tax invoice in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or established company, getting your Australian tax invoices right is important, especially if you’re registered for GST. Did you know that for any sales over $82.50, you must issue a tax invoice that meets specific requirements? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of sending a tax invoice in Australia, whether your sale is under $1,000 or over $1,000. You’ll learn the key components that every tax invoice needs, and we’ll even provide free templates you can download and use right away in MS Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and PDF. Plus, we’ll share a handy free tool to help make sending Australian tax invoices faster. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Tax Invoice?
- Download 25 Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in PDF, Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and MS Excel Formats:
- Free Tool to Send Tax Invoices:
- Key Components of an Australian Tax Invoice:
- Free Tool to Send Canadian Complaint Invoice
- How to Add a Discount on an Invoice Using a Free Tool: A Step by Step Guide
- Conclusion
What is a Tax Invoice?
A tax invoice is an official document that does two important things: it provides key details for both the buyer and seller, and it ensures you’re following Australian tax laws. If you’re registered for GST (Goods and Services Tax), your tax invoices need to meet specific requirements set by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
According to the ATO, a valid tax invoice must clearly say “Tax Invoice,” include your business name, your Australian Business Number (ABN), and the date the invoice was issued. It also needs to describe the goods or services you provided and show how much GST is being charged.
While it may seem like a lot of information to include, once you have a template set up, it’s just a matter of filling in the details. Having a correct tax invoice helps you stay compliant with the ATO and avoid payment delays from clients.
In the next sections, we’ll provide free downloadable templates and introduce some easy-to-use tools that help you create and send fully compliant tax invoices with minimal effort.
Download 25 Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in PDF, Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and MS Excel Formats:
Now that you understand what a tax invoice is and what it should include, you’re probably looking for an easy way to get started. To make things simpler, we’ve compiled a collection of 25 free Australian tax invoice templates across various formats that you can download, fill out, and send in just a few minutes. Whether you prefer PDF, Word, Google Docs, Google Sheets, or Excel, we’ve got you covered!
Here are the options you can choose from:
- Download Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in PDF
- Download Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in Word
- Download Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in Google Docs
- Download Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in Google Sheets
- Download Free Australian Tax Invoice Templates in MS Excel
While these templates are a quick, free, and easy way to send tax invoices, they come with a few limitations. The main issue is that you still have to track payments manually. Once you’ve sent an invoice, you’ll need to follow up with payment reminders yourself, and there’s no automatic system in place to help you stay on top of paid, unpaid, or overdue invoices.
These templates are perfect for occasional invoicing, but if you send invoices regularly, it’s worth considering an invoicing tool because tools not only make your invoices look professional, but they also, Offer direct payment options, Automate payment reminders, and Track all your invoices in one place.
In the next section, we’ll introduce you to a free invoicing tool you can use to streamline your process, save time, and get paid faster.
Free Tool to Send Tax Invoices:
If you’re sending invoices regularly, you know how time-consuming it can be to handle everything manually. Creating invoices, tracking payments, and following up with clients, it all takes time and energy that you could use for more important parts of your business. That’s why using an invoicing tool can be very productive for your business. If you haven’t tried one yet, now is the perfect time to get started, and a great option to consider is CheckYa.
CheckYa is a free invoicing tool designed to make invoicing quicker and easier. It’s completely free to use, with no upfront costs and no need to enter your credit card details. You can sign up and start sending professional invoices right away.
Here’s how CheckYa can help you:
1. Invoice in 135+ Currencies:
Whether your clients are local or international, CheckYa allows you to send invoices in more than 135 currencies. This makes it super convenient for clients to pay in their preferred currency, wherever they are.
2. Offer Multiple Payment Options:
One of the best features of CheckYa is the variety of payment methods it supports. Your clients can pay via credit card, debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, ACH, or PayPal. This flexibility makes it easier for clients to pay your invoice quickly, which means you’re more likely to get paid faster.
3. Automated Payment Reminder:
With CheckYa, you can automate this process. It sends out reminders two days before the due date, gently prompting your clients to pay on time without you having to chase them.
4. Easily Add Taxes and Discounts:
Applying taxes and discounts manually can be tricky, but CheckYa makes it simple. You can easily include GST or any other tax directly on the invoice, and apply discounts when needed so there’s no confusion about the final amount.
5. Record Manual Payments:
If a client pays you outside of the platform, like with a bank transfer or cash, CheckYa lets you manually log the payment. This keeps all your records in one place, so you can track everything efficiently.
6. Share Payment Processing Fees with Clients:
When accepting online payments, there are processing fees involved. With CheckYa, you have the flexibility to pass these fees to your clients. You can split the fees 50/50 or even have your clients cover the entire cost—it’s completely up to you.
7. Track Paid, Unpaid, and Overdue Invoices:
One of the most useful features of CheckYa is the dashboard where you can track all your invoices. You can easily see which ones have been paid, which are unpaid, and which are overdue, helping you stay on top of your payments.
Here’s how to get started with CheckYa in 3 simple steps:
1. Sign Up for Free
Go to the CheckYa website and create a free account—no credit card required. Once you’re in, click on “Invoices” and then “Create Invoice.” Before you can send your invoice, connect your payment method (CheckYa supports both PayPal and Stripe).
2. Enter Invoice Details
Add your customer’s information, your business details, an invoice number, and a description of what you’re billing for (line items). If needed, you can also add tax or discounts.
3. Preview and Send
Double-check the invoice by previewing it to make sure everything looks right. Once done, click “Send” and the invoice will be on its way to your client!
It’s that simple! You’ll be ready to start sending professional invoices in no time.
Key Components of an Australian Tax Invoice:
A tax invoice in Australia must include specific details to ensure compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements. When invoicing clients in Australia, the requirements for your tax invoice depend on whether the sale is under or over $1,000. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific guidelines to ensure you include all necessary information. Here’s what you need to know for each case:
For Sales Under $1,000
If the total sale is less than $1,000, your tax invoice needs to clearly display these seven essential details:
- Tax Invoice Label
The document must be identified as a “Tax Invoice” somewhere at the top. - Seller’s Identity
You must clearly state your business name or identity on the invoice. - Australian Business Number (ABN)
Your ABN must be included, so the client and tax office know your business is registered. - Invoice Date
Make sure to include the date when the invoice was issued. - Description of the Items Sold
Provide a brief description of the goods or services, including the quantity (if applicable) and the price. - GST Amount
If GST applies, show how much GST is included. This can either be shown as a separate amount or as a note that says, “Total price includes GST” if the GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total price. - Taxable Sales Information
The invoice must indicate which sales are taxable.
For Sales Over $1,000
For sales that are $1,000 or more, all the details mentioned above still apply, but you also need to add one additional piece of information:
1. Buyer’s Identity
You must include the buyer’s name or their ABN on the invoice. This ensures that both parties’ details are documented for large transactions.
If your tax invoice meets the requirements for sales over $1,000, you can also use this format for smaller sales. This keeps you compliant with ATO regulations making your invoicing process smoother, especially when dealing with larger amounts.
Conclusion:
Now that you are aware of what goes into an Australian tax invoice, the key components to include, and how to invoice for sales under $1,000 or over $1,000, you’re all set to send compliant, professional invoices. With access to free templates and tools like CheckYa, you can streamline the invoicing process, save time, and ensure you get paid promptly. Bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you need to send a tax invoice. By following these steps, you’ll avoid mistakes and ensure your business stays compliant with Australian tax laws, making invoicing faster. 
