Informal Invoice Template for Australia

An informal invoice is a simplified billing document that helps you request payment for goods or services while meeting Australian legal requirements. Unlike formal tax invoices, informal invoices offer more flexibility in formatting while still ensuring compliance with essential Australian business laws including GST obligations and consumer protection standards.

When do you need this document?

You'll need an informal invoice when providing services as a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner who wants a professional yet straightforward billing method. This document is particularly useful for sole traders, contractors, and service providers who need to bill clients regularly but don't require the strict formatting of formal tax invoices. It's ideal for businesses with simple billing needs, one-off services, or when dealing with clients who don't require detailed itemization. Many Australian small businesses use informal invoices for consulting work, creative services, maintenance tasks, or when providing goods to consumers rather than other businesses.

Key legal considerations

Your informal invoice must include specific mandatory information to comply with Australian business law. The business information header requires your business name, Australian Business Number (ABN), and complete contact details as mandated by the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. You must clearly state invoice numbers, dates, and payment terms to meet record-keeping requirements under the Tax Administration Act 1953. When charging GST, you need to calculate and display the GST amount separately, following the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. The client information section must include accurate billing details to ensure proper identification and payment processing. Privacy considerations under the Privacy Act 1988 require you to handle client information appropriately and securely store invoice records for the required retention period.

Legal requirements in Australia

Australian law mandates specific elements for business invoices to ensure fair trading practices and tax compliance. Under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, if your business is registered for GST, you must include your ABN and calculate GST correctly at 10% for applicable goods and services. The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 allows you to send invoices electronically, but you must ensure the recipient can access and retain the document. The Tax Administration Act 1953 requires you to keep invoice records for at least five years, including copies of all issued invoices and supporting documentation. Australian Consumer Law mandates that your invoice information must be clear, accurate, and not misleading, particularly regarding prices, payment terms, and business identification. You must also ensure your invoice complies with fair trading requirements, including honest representation of goods or services provided and transparent pricing structures.