What a Tax Invoice Needs to Include

Every job ends with an invoice, and most tradies send them without ever checking what the ATO actually requires. Get it wrong and your clients can't claim their GST credits, commercial customers will bounce the invoice back, and you'll be the one chasing the money.

When you need a tax invoice

If you're registered for GST, you must provide a tax invoice when a customer asks for one on a sale over $82.50 including GST. In practice, most electricians issue one for every job. If your business turns over $75,000 or more a year, you must be registered for GST.

What a tax invoice must include

According to the ATO, a tax invoice for sales under $1,000 must show:

• The words "tax invoice", ideally at the top
• Your business name and ABN
• The date the invoice was issued
• A brief description of what was supplied, such as labour and materials
• The GST amount, or a statement that the total price includes GST
• The total price

For sales of $1,000 or more, the invoice must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.

Extras worth including

• Your electrical contractor licence number
• The job address and any quote or job reference
• Payment terms, due date and bank details
• A note on the compliance certificate lodged, such as the CCEW number in NSW

Why your quote matters here

The cleanest invoices start with a clear quote. When the scope, price and GST are already set out properly in an accepted quote, the invoice is just a matter of confirming what was done. Variations should be documented as they happen, not argued about after the fact.

Frequently asked questions

What must a tax invoice include in Australia?

A tax invoice must include the words "tax invoice", the seller's business name and ABN, the issue date, a description of what was sold, the GST amount or a statement that the price includes GST, and the total price. Sales of $1,000 or more must also show the buyer's identity or ABN.

When do I need to issue a tax invoice?

GST-registered businesses must provide a tax invoice within 28 days if a customer requests one for a sale over $82.50 including GST. Many tradies issue a tax invoice for every job as standard practice.

Do electricians have to register for GST?

You must register for GST if your business has an annual GST turnover of $75,000 or more. Below that, registration is optional.

Should an electrical invoice include a licence number?

It isn't part of the ATO's tax invoice requirements, but including your contractor licence number on quotes and invoices is good practice and may be required by your state's licensing rules on certain documents.