Skip to main content
austax.tools

Free Tradie Invoice Generator — Australia

Create a professional invoice tailored for tradie businesses in Australia. Create professional tax invoices with GST calculations, ABN, and payment details.

Create Your Invoice Now →

Common Invoice Line Items for Tradies

Here are typical items you might include on a tradie invoice:

Description Unit
Labour hour
Call-out fee each
Materials lot
Demolition and removal hour
Site clean-up each
Travel / mobilisation each

Typical Tradie Pricing in Australia

Rates vary by state and job complexity, but these are the kinds of ranges tradies commonly charge:

Item Typical range
Labour $65–$110 per hour
Call-out fee $60–$120 flat
Materials cost + 10–20% markup
Site clean-up $80–$200 flat
Travel / mobilisation $40–$90 flat

Compliance Tips for Tradies

  • ABN must appear on all tax invoices; without it the client may withhold 47% under the PAYG system.
  • GST registration is mandatory once turnover reaches $75,000 per year.
  • State licensing requirements apply — include your licence number on all documents.

How to Create a Tradie Invoice

Follow these steps to put together a tradie invoice with our free generator:

  1. Enter your business name, ABN, and address, then upload your logo so the invoice looks polished from the first send.
  2. Fill in the client's name and address, then give the invoice a sequential number such as INV-001.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Tradie Invoice

A tradie invoice should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how tradies 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 Tradies typically bill

  • Residential jobs are usually quoted as a fixed price; larger renovations are often split into a deposit plus progress payments.
  • A call-out fee is charged separately from labour to cover travel and assessment time, especially for emergency work.
  • Commercial clients typically expect 30-day payment terms; residential clients are usually asked to pay within 7–14 days.
  • Materials are commonly marked up or charged at cost with a separate labour line, so clients can see where the money goes.

Most tradies register for an ABN from their first job and register for GST once turnover reaches $75,000, though many register earlier so they can claim GST credits on tools, vehicles, and materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these common errors when preparing a tradie 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

Do tradies need to charge GST?
If your annual turnover is $75,000 or more you must register for GST and include it on all tax invoices. Even below that threshold, you can voluntarily register to claim GST credits on tools and materials.
What licence details should appear on a tradie invoice?
Include your state or territory licence number (e.g., NSW contractor licence). Some states require this by law for building and electrical work, and clients often check it before paying.
How should a tradie handle progress payments?
For larger jobs, break the total into milestones — e.g., 20% deposit, 40% at lock-up, 40% on completion. Issue a separate invoice for each stage with a clear description of the work completed.
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 tradie invoice?

Add your logo, customise colours, and download as PDF — completely free.

Open Invoice Generator →

Related calculators

Most searched navigate · open