Open Source Invoice Template for Australia
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What is a Open Source Invoice?
The Open Source Invoice Template was developed to address the need for a standardized, legally compliant invoicing solution for Australian businesses. It incorporates all requirements specified by the Australian Taxation Office for valid tax invoices, including GST considerations, while maintaining flexibility for various business types. The template is designed to be freely accessible, modifiable, and distributable under open source principles, making it particularly valuable for small businesses, startups, and freelancers who need a reliable invoicing solution without additional software costs. It supports both electronic and print formats, accommodating modern business practices while ensuring compliance with Australian regulatory requirements, including the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and related legislation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What information must an Australian tax invoice include?
Under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, a tax invoice for a GST-registered business generally needs to show: Your business name and Australian Business Number (ABN); The words "Tax Invoice" shown prominently; The invoice date and a unique invoice number; A description of the goods or services, with quantities and prices; The GST amount shown separately, or a statement that the total includes GST. For invoices over $1,000 you also include the buyer's name and their ABN if they're GST-registered.
When do I need to issue a tax invoice in Australia?
If you're registered for GST, you generally must issue a tax invoice for taxable sales over $82.50 (including GST) when the customer asks for one. The Australian Taxation Office requires invoices to be issued within 28 days of making a taxable supply. Any Australian business providing goods or services, from freelancers and retailers to contractors, needs compliant invoices to keep proper records and claim GST credits.
How is GST calculated and shown on an Australian invoice?
GST in Australia is charged at 10% on most taxable supplies. On a tax invoice the GST amount should be shown separately from the base price, or the invoice should state that the total price includes GST. Showing GST clearly helps your customer claim GST credits where they're entitled to and keeps your records accurate for reporting to the Australian Taxation Office.
Do I need an ABN to issue an invoice?
Businesses issuing a tax invoice generally need to include their Australian Business Number (ABN). If you don't quote an ABN, the payer may be required to withhold tax from the payment. If you're not registered for GST, you can still issue a regular invoice, but it shouldn't be titled "Tax Invoice" or show a GST amount. Specific circumstances vary, so check your position against current ATO guidance.
Are electronic invoices legally valid in Australia?
Yes. The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 gives electronic documents, including e-invoices, the same legal standing as paper versions, provided authentication and record-keeping standards are met. When handling customer details on invoices, the Privacy Act 1988 also applies, so store and disclose personal or business information appropriately.
Can I edit this open source invoice template for my business?
Yes. This template is freely available to use, modify and distribute, so you can adapt it to your business, add your logo, and adjust payment terms. It includes both mandatory fields (like ABN, GST and the "Tax Invoice" statement) and optional sections such as late payment fees, due dates and dispute resolution terms. Keep the mandatory tax elements intact so each invoice stays compliant with Australian tax law.
About the Open Source Invoice
Creating professional, legally compliant invoices is essential for Australian businesses to maintain proper records, claim GST credits, and meet taxation obligations. An Open Source Invoice template provides you with a standardized format that incorporates all requirements under Australian law, ensuring your invoices are valid for tax purposes and protect your business interests.
When do you need this document?
You need an Open Source Invoice when running any Australian business that provides goods or services to customers. This includes freelancers issuing invoices for consulting work, retail businesses selling products, service providers billing for maintenance or professional services, and contractors completing project work. If you're registered for GST, you must issue tax invoices for sales over $82.50, making a compliant template essential. The template is particularly valuable for small businesses and startups that need professional invoicing without expensive accounting software, and for businesses wanting to customize their invoice format while maintaining legal compliance.
Key legal considerations
Your invoice must include specific mandatory information to comply with Australian taxation law. Essential elements include your business name and Australian Business Number (ABN), the invoice date and unique invoice number, and detailed descriptions of goods or services provided with quantities and prices. For GST-registered businesses, you must clearly show the GST amount separately and include the statement "Tax Invoice" prominently. Payment terms, due dates, and your contact details should be clearly specified to avoid disputes. Consider including late payment fees and dispute resolution clauses to protect your cash flow. The template should also accommodate electronic invoicing requirements under the Electronic Transactions Act 1999, ensuring digital invoices carry the same legal weight as paper versions.
Legal requirements in Australia
Australian invoice templates must comply with the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, which mandates specific information for tax invoices. For invoices over $1,000, you must include the buyer's name or business name and their ABN if they're GST-registered. All GST amounts must be calculated at the current rate of 10% and shown separately from the base price. The Australian Taxation Office requires invoices to be issued within 28 days of making a taxable supply. Your template must also consider the Privacy Act 1988 when handling customer information, ensuring proper data protection measures. Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, your invoices must not contain misleading information about prices, quantities, or terms. Electronic invoices must meet standards under the Electronic Transactions Act 1999, including proper authentication and record-keeping requirements.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Open Source Invoice is drafted to comply with Australia law. Key legislation includes:
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (including Australian Consumer Law): Sets out business obligations regarding consumer rights, fair trading, and transparency in business transactions
Privacy Act 1988: Regulates how personal and business information must be handled, stored, and disclosed in business documents
Electronic Transactions Act 1999: Provides legal framework for electronic commerce and validates electronic documents, including e-invoicing
Copyright Act 1968: Relevant for open source licensing and protecting intellectual property rights in the template design
Small Business Fair Dismissal Code: Provides guidelines for payment terms and fair business practices that might need to be reflected in invoice terms
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