Invoicing in Australia

How to invoice in Australia

ABN, GST, BSB, and PayID. The fields an Australian tax invoice needs, and how JupiterInvoice handles them without forcing you into a US-style template.

The shape of an Australian tax invoice

The ATO sets out specific requirements for an Australian tax invoice. The substance is stable. Roughly:

  • The words "Tax Invoice" clearly shown (if you are GST-registered)
  • Your business or trading name
  • Your ABN (Australian Business Number)
  • The date the invoice was issued
  • A clear description of what was sold, the quantity, and the price
  • The GST amount, or a statement that the total includes GST
  • The buyer's identity or ABN for invoices above a certain value

For the authoritative current rules, see ATO: tax invoices.

The Australia-specific fields JupiterInvoice handles

ABN, GST, and the right wording

Add your ABN to your sender profile once and it appears on every invoice. The tax label defaults to GST. Mark an invoice as 'Tax Invoice' or plain 'Invoice' depending on your registration status.

AUD, BSB, account number

Bank fields support BSB (6-digit) and account number for local pay. Click-to-copy so your client's AP team can paste straight into their banking app.

PayID, Osko, and international

Add a PayID alias (email or phone) for instant local pay, BSB for traditional EFT, and SWIFT for international clients. Whatever your client uses, the details are on the invoice.

Learn more →

The bits that actually slow Australian invoices down

The format is straightforward. The friction is everything around it.

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Missing the 'Tax Invoice' wording

If you are GST-registered and your client's bookkeeper does not see the words 'Tax Invoice' on the document, they cannot claim the GST credit. We label it correctly by default.

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PO numbers from larger corporates and government

Big buyers and most government departments need a PO on the invoice. JupiterInvoice lets your client add it directly without you reissuing.

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Slow payments from corporates and councils

Net 30 is the norm but the long tail of Net 60 and beyond is real, especially for council and large corporate work. Faster bank details on the invoice cut at least the payment-rail delay.

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Sole trader vs Pty Ltd confusion

Clients often mix up your ABN and your company entity. JupiterInvoice carries multiple sender profiles so you can invoice as a sole trader for some clients and a Pty Ltd for others.

Australian invoicing FAQ

Do I need an ABN to send an invoice in Australia?
Strictly, no, but in practice yes. Without an ABN your client is required to withhold tax from the payment, so they will almost always ask for one. Getting an ABN is free through the Australian Business Register.
When do I need to charge GST on my invoices?
Once your business turnover crosses the GST registration threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily), you must charge GST on taxable sales. If you are not GST-registered, your invoice should not include a GST amount, and it should be titled 'Invoice' rather than 'Tax Invoice'.
What is the difference between 'Invoice' and 'Tax Invoice'?
'Tax Invoice' is the specific document required when the seller is GST-registered and charging GST. The wording matters: without it, the buyer cannot claim the GST credit. 'Invoice' is used when the seller is not GST-registered.
Can I send an Australian invoice in a foreign currency?
Yes, especially for international clients. If you are GST-registered, you generally still need to show GST in AUD using the appropriate conversion rate. JupiterInvoice supports multi-currency invoices and a historical FX rate by invoice date.
What is the best way for an Australian client to pay an invoice?
For local pay, BSB and account number for EFT, or PayID for instant transfers via Osko. For overseas clients, SWIFT details. Card payments via Stripe are common as a fallback for smaller invoices.
How long do I have to keep my invoices for the ATO?
The ATO generally requires business records, including invoices, to be retained for at least five years from when they are prepared, obtained, or the transaction is completed. JupiterInvoice retains every version of every invoice indefinitely.

A note on what this is. This page is a plain-English orientation to invoicing in Australia, not tax advice. The authoritative source for current rules is the ATO. For anything that materially affects your tax position, talk to an Australian accountant or registered BAS agent.

Send an Australian tax invoice in two minutes

Free. No signup. Save your ABN and BSB once and every future invoice carries them. Mark each one as Tax Invoice or Invoice depending on your GST status.

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