Free Sole Trader Invoice Template (Australia)

Quick answer

A sole trader invoice in Australia needs your name (or registered business name), your ABN, an invoice number, the date, a description of what you supplied, and the total payable. If you’re GST-registered, add the GST amount and label it “Tax Invoice”; if you’re not, call it a plain “Invoice” with no GST line. Both versions are below.

Sole trader tax invoice template (GST-registered)

TAX INVOICE

From:
Name / business name: [Your Name or Trading Name]
ABN: [Your ABN]
Email: [Email]
Phone: [Phone]

Bill To:
Client name: [Client Name or Business + ABN if $1,000+]
Email: [Client Email]

Invoice details:
Invoice number: [INV-0001]
Invoice date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Due date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Description of services:
- [e.g., Bookkeeping services - June 2026]

Line items:
- [Service / item 1]                      $[amount]
- [Service / item 2]                      $[amount]

Subtotal (ex GST): $[amount]
GST (10%):         $[amount]
Total:             $[amount]

Payment terms:
- Payment due in [7/14/30] days
- Bank transfer: [BSB / Account]
- Reference: Invoice number

Sole trader invoice template (not registered for GST)

Under $75,000 turnover and not registered? Use this version - note the different heading, no GST line, and the optional clarifying note many clients appreciate:

INVOICE

From:
Name / business name: [Your Name or Trading Name]
ABN: [Your ABN]
Email: [Email]

Bill To:
Client name: [Client Name]

Invoice details:
Invoice number: [INV-0001]
Invoice date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Due date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Description of services:
- [e.g., Copywriting - website refresh]

Line items:
- [Service / item 1]                      $[amount]

Total: $[amount]
Note: No GST has been charged - not registered for GST.

Payment terms:
- Payment due in [7/14/30] days
- Bank transfer: [BSB / Account]
- Reference: Invoice number

The wording rules for the non-GST version matter more than most people expect - our guide on invoicing when not registered for GST covers what you must (and must not) write.

ATO-ready basics for sole traders

• Your name or registered business name + ABN
• Invoice number + invoice date
• Description of what you supplied
• Total payable (+ GST amount if registered)
• Customer name or ABN on invoices of $1,000 or more
• Payment terms and bank details

The field-by-field detail is in the ATO tax invoice requirements checklist, and the full workflow - from ABN to chasing payment - is in how to invoice as a sole trader.

Note: General information only, not tax advice.

Template vs tool: what most sole traders end up doing

A copy/paste template works for your first few invoices. The problems show up later: duplicate invoice numbers, GST maths errors, no record of what’s been paid, and re-typing your details every time. Free Invoice App keeps the same simple format but saves your details once, numbers invoices automatically, handles the GST and non-GST wording for you, and emails a professional PDF your client can pay. The Starter plan is free with 7 sends per month, no credit card.

Frequently asked questions

What must a sole trader put on an invoice?

Your name or business name, ABN, invoice number, date, a description of what you supplied, and the total. Add the GST amount and the “Tax Invoice” label only if you’re GST-registered, and the customer’s name or ABN once an invoice hits $1,000.

Do sole traders need an ABN to invoice?

Practically, yes - without one a business client must withhold 47% of your payment. ABNs are free at abr.gov.au. More in do you need an ABN to invoice?

Should it say “Tax Invoice” or just “Invoice”?

“Tax Invoice” only if you’re registered for GST. Not registered means a plain “Invoice”, no GST line.

Can I invoice under my own name?

Yes. Sole traders can invoice under their personal name with their ABN, or under a registered business name tied to the same ABN.

Is a Word or Excel template good enough?

For your first few invoices, sure. Beyond that, an invoicing tool prevents duplicate numbers and GST errors and tracks payment status - see why in our free invoice template guide.