What to put on a tradie invoice in Australia
ONARA Ops · 5 min read · Updated 29 June 2026
A clear, correct invoice gets you paid faster and keeps you on the right side of the ATO. It is easy to leave off something important, or to send something scrappy that slows the payment down.
Here is exactly what to put on a trade invoice in Australia, plus a couple of tricks to get paid sooner.
The details every invoice needs
At a minimum, a trade invoice should show your business name and ABN, the word Invoice (or Tax Invoice if you are registered for GST), a unique invoice number, the date, and the customer's name.
Then a clear description of the work, the amounts for each line, and the total. Finish with your payment terms and how to pay you, whether that is a card link, your bank details, or both.
Invoice vs tax invoice (GST)
If your business is registered for GST, you must issue a tax invoice that shows the GST amount and your ABN. If you are not registered, you simply issue an invoice with no GST added.
You are required to register for GST once your turnover reaches $75,000 a year. Below that it is optional. If you are unsure, check with your accountant.
What a tax invoice must show
The ATO expects a tax invoice to clearly include the words Tax Invoice, your identity and ABN, the date, a description of what was sold, and either the GST amount or a statement that the total includes GST.
For invoices over $1,000, you also need to show the buyer's identity or ABN. Getting these right means the customer can claim their GST credits and you stay compliant.
How to get paid faster
Number your invoices in sequence and send them the moment the job is done, while the work is fresh in the customer's mind. Make paying easy by including a card payment link and your bank details right on the invoice.
Set clear, short terms, for example payment due within 7 days, and follow up early and politely if it slips. Speed and clarity do most of the work.
Make it look professional
A tidy, branded invoice gets taken more seriously, and paid sooner, than a scribbled total or a plain email. Your logo, a proper number and clean layout signal that you run a real business.
ONARA Ops generates branded tax invoices with your ABN, GST worked out automatically, a pay-now button and your bank details, in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my ABN on an invoice?
Yes. Include your ABN on every invoice. If you don't quote an ABN, the business paying you may be required to withhold 47% of the payment for tax.
When do I have to issue a tax invoice?
When you are registered for GST. A tax invoice must show specific details set by the ATO, including the words Tax Invoice, your ABN and the GST amount.
Do I have to charge GST?
Only if you are registered for GST, which is required once your turnover hits $75,000 a year. Below that it is optional. Check with your accountant.
How do I get paid faster?
Send the invoice immediately, make it easy to pay with a card link and bank details on the invoice, set short clear terms, and follow up early.
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