Free Contractor Invoice Generator — Australia
Create a professional invoice tailored for contractor businesses in Australia. Create professional tax invoices with GST calculations, ABN, and payment details.
Create Your Invoice Now →Common Invoice Line Items for Contractors
Here are typical items you might include on a contractor invoice:
| Description | Unit |
|---|---|
| Contract labour | hour |
| Day rate | day |
| Project milestone | each |
| Equipment hire | day |
| Site allowance | day |
| Travel and accommodation | each |
Typical Contractor Pricing in Australia
Rates vary by state and job complexity, but these are the kinds of ranges contractors commonly charge:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Contract labour | $70–$130 per hour |
| Day rate | $500–$1,200 per day |
| Project milestone | $1,000–$20,000+ |
| Equipment hire | $100–$400 per day |
| Site allowance | $40–$100 per day |
Compliance Tips for Contractors
- ABN must appear on all invoices; otherwise the payer must withhold 47% under PAYG.
- Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) may apply — check if your industry is covered.
- Contractor agreements should clarify GST status, payment terms, and intellectual property ownership.
How to Create a Contractor Invoice
Follow these steps to put together a contractor invoice with our free generator:
- Enter your business name, ABN, and address, then upload your logo so the invoice looks polished from the first send.
- Fill in the client's name and address, then give the invoice a sequential number such as INV-001.
- Add each product or service as its own line item with a description, quantity, and unit price — the generator totals GST and the grand total automatically.
- Add your BSB and account number so the client can pay by direct transfer, then download the finished invoice as a PDF.
What to Include on a Contractor Invoice
A contractor invoice should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how contractors typically operate in Australia.
Fields to include
- ABN: Your Australian Business Number must appear on every tax invoice — leaving it off risks 47% no-ABN withholding on the payment.
- GST treatment: Show the GST amount separately, or state that the total price includes GST if it is exactly 1/11 of the price.
- Invoice number: A unique, sequential number for every invoice you issue makes reconciliation and BAS preparation far easier.
- Payment details: Include a due date and your BSB/account number (or payment link) so clients can pay without asking.
How Contractors typically bill
- Day rates or hourly rates are the norm for site-based contracting; fixed project fees are more common for defined deliverables.
- Invoices are usually issued fortnightly or monthly to match the client's accounts payable cycle.
- A purchase order number from the client is commonly quoted on the invoice to speed up processing.
- Site allowances and travel are billed as separate line items rather than folded into the day rate.
Contractors must quote an ABN to avoid 47% no-ABN withholding, and register for GST once turnover reaches $75,000 — many industries covered by contractors also require a Taxable Payments Annual Report from the businesses that hire them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common errors when preparing a contractor invoice:
- Leaving off the ABN, which can trigger 47% no-ABN withholding on the payment.
- Mixing GST-inclusive and GST-exclusive prices on one invoice without labelling which is which.
- Reusing invoice numbers, which makes it harder to reconcile payments and complicates your next BAS.
Frequently asked questions
Am I a contractor or an employee?
The ATO looks at the whole working arrangement — control over how work is done, tools ownership, financial risk, and ability to delegate. If the business controls how and when you work, you may be an employee regardless of your contract.
Do contractors need to pay their own super?
If you are genuinely self-employed, you are not entitled to super from the hiring business. However, you can (and should) make voluntary contributions. If the ATO deems you an employee, the hirer must pay super.
Should a contractor issue a tax invoice or a recipient-created tax invoice (RCTI)?
Normally the contractor issues the tax invoice. An RCTI arrangement, where the payer creates the invoice, requires a written agreement and is common in mining and transport industries.
Do I need an ABN on my invoice?
Yes. If you have an ABN, it must appear on every tax invoice. Without an ABN, the payer may withhold 47% of the payment.
When is a tax invoice required?
A GST-registered business must issue a tax invoice for any sale over $82.50 (including GST) when the buyer requests one.
What if my invoice is for less than $1,000?
Sales under $1,000 need seven details: the words "tax invoice", your identity, your ABN, the issue date, a description of what was sold, the GST amount (or a statement that the price includes GST), and which items are taxable. Sales of $1,000 or more must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.
Ready to create your contractor invoice?
Add your logo, customise colours, and download as PDF — completely free.
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