You finished the job, packed the tools, and the client is happy. Now you need an invoice that gets paid quickly and keeps your records clean. For Australian tradies, that means clear labour and materials, your ABN, payment terms, and the right GST wording if you are registered.
What Australian tradies should include on an invoice
1. Your business details
Include your business name, ABN, phone number and email. If you are a sole trader using your own name, that is fine. If you trade under a business name, use the name your customer recognises.
2. The right invoice label
If you are registered for GST, label the document “Tax Invoice.” If you are not registered for GST, label it “Invoice” and do not charge GST.
3. Client and job details
For trade work, the job address matters. Put it on the invoice even if the billing contact is somewhere else. This makes it much easier to connect the invoice to the job later.
4. Labour and materials
Break out labour and materials instead of writing one vague line. Itemising makes the invoice easier to approve and harder to dispute.
5. GST if applicable
If you are GST-registered, show the GST amount or clearly state that the total includes GST. If the sale is $1,000 or more, include the buyer’s identity or ABN where required.
6. Payment terms
Tell the client exactly when and how to pay. For residential jobs, due on receipt or Net 7 is common. For commercial jobs, Net 14 or Net 30 may be more realistic, but it should still be written clearly.
Free Australian tradie invoice template
[Your Business Name]
ABN: [Your ABN]
[Phone] | [Email]
[Invoice / Tax Invoice]
Invoice #: INV-001
Issue Date: [Date]
Due Date: [Date]
Bill To: [Client Name / Business Name]
Job Address: [Street, Suburb, State]
Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
Labour — [description of work] | [X hrs] | $[rate]/hr | $[amount] |
Materials — [item/material] | [qty] | $[unit price] | $[amount] |
Call-out fee | 1 | $[amount] | $[amount] |
Disposal / travel / other | 1 | $[amount] | $[amount] |
Subtotal: $[amount]
GST: $[amount if registered]
Total Due: $[amount]
Payment: [Bank transfer / Card / Payment link]
Bank details: [Account name, BSB, account number]
Payment due by [date]. Late payments may delay future work or warranty scheduling.
Example line items for tradies
Trade | Better description |
|---|---|
Electrician | Replace two double power points and install new safety switch |
Plumber | Emergency call-out, leak inspection, mixer tap replacement |
Carpenter | Supply and install custom shelving, including materials |
Cleaner | Post-renovation clean, 4 hours, materials included |
Landscaper | Lawn preparation, turf install, green waste removal |
Common mistakes
Only writing “labour.” Give enough detail to show what was done.
Forgetting materials. Materials should be visible, especially when they are a large part of the job.
Leaving GST unclear. If you are registered, show it. If you are not, do not charge it.
No job address. Job location is useful for clients, warranties and your own records.
No payment link or bank details. Every extra step slows payment down.
Send it before you leave the driveway
The best time to invoice is while the job is still fresh and the client is satisfied. Clervo is built for that exact moment: create the invoice on your phone, add labour and materials, send it immediately, and track whether it has been paid.
Should you invoice before or after the job?
For small call-outs, invoice as soon as the work is complete. The client has just seen the result, the job is fresh, and there is no reason to wait until the end of the week.
For larger jobs, use deposits or progress invoices. A deposit can cover materials before you start. A progress invoice can bill at agreed milestones, such as rough-in complete, fit-off complete, or final handover. This protects your cash flow and reduces the amount sitting unpaid at the end.
Make materials defensible
Clients rarely object to paying for materials when they can see what was supplied. They do object when materials are buried in a vague total. If materials are a meaningful part of the job, list them separately or group them clearly.
You do not need to turn the invoice into a supplier receipt, but you should give enough detail that the client understands why the total changed from the original quote.
This article is for general information only and is not tax, legal or accounting advice. Check the latest ATO guidance or speak with a registered tax professional for your situation.
Last updated: September 2026