We know invoicing can be a bit of a faff, but the clearer your invoice, the better for your brand and business. A professional invoice is a great first impression – plus, it’s important for your clients to have all the information they need to pay you!
On top of this, the ATO has certain requirements for invoices if you’re registered for GST. So while it’s always a good idea to have clean, clear invoices, in some cases there are specific things you’ll actually need to include – for your own records, and your clients’.
Let’s lay it all out.
Free Invoice Template
Things to Include in Your Invoice
While there aren’t strict requirements for what your invoice should look like (unless you’re GST registered), there are definitely some essentials that’ll make you look professional and keep everyone happy. Here’s what to include:
- Your business details: Pop your business name, ABN, and logo (if you have one) at the top. You can also include contact details. Remember, you don’t need to be a registered company to have a business name and logo!
- Invoice number: Super useful for keeping track of all the invoices you’re sending out, so you can stay across who’s paid.
- Client details: All you really need is their name, but you can add their address and phone number if you want. If they’ve given you a purchase order number, make sure to include that too.
- Description of goods/services: Be clear about what you’ve provided. Both you and your client should know exactly what they’re paying for.
- Quantity and unit price: If you’re charging hourly, record the number of hours worked. If you’re charging per service, note how many services you provided. Then add your rate per hour or per service.
- Total cost: This is simply quantity × unit price. Easy maths!
- Expenses (if applicable): If your client agreed to reimburse you for costs, include these separately. You might need to provide proof of purchase, depending on your arrangement.
- Final total: Add up all your goods/services costs to get the grand total.
- Whether or not GST is included in your prices: Remember, if you’re registered for GST, you’re required to charge GST!
- Payment information: Add your preferred payment methods and bank account details. It’s smart to offer multiple payment options – bank transfer, credit card, or online payment services make it easy for clients to pay you quickly.
💡 If you’re not GST registered and your customer asks for a tax invoice, you’ll need to provide a regular invoice that includes the words “No GST has been charged”, or list the GST amount charged as $0.
Things to include in your invoice if you’re GST registered
If you’re GST registered, the ATO requires you to create and send “tax invoices”. These have specific requirements so your clients can claim back GST on their purchases.
You’ll need to provide a tax invoice if the purchase is taxable, the invoice is for more than $82.50 (including GST), or your customer asks for one.
A tax invoice must include:
- The words “tax invoice” on the document
- Your business name or trading name, and contact details
- Your ABN
- The date you issued the invoice
- A description of the items/services provided, including quantity and price
- The GST amount payable – either listed per item, or through a statement like “Total price includes GST” (if the GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total)
- If your invoice is for $1,000 or more (including GST), you’ll also need to include your customer’s business name or ABN
Invoicing made easy
Ready to make invoicing even simpler? Hnry keeps track of your invoices for you – including when they’re viewed and when they’re paid. Plus, our platform allows for credit card payment, making it easier for your clients to pay you the way they prefer.
On top of all this, we (politely) chase up late-paying clients on your behalf, so you don’t have to. Our users get paid an average of 8 days sooner – just from this one feature!
So go on then. What are you waiting for? Join Hnry, and make invoicing a breeze!
