Invoice template for Australian tradies

What goes on a tradie invoice

A professional tradie invoice needs more detail than a receipt or a verbal quote. It protects you if there is a payment dispute, gives the client a clear breakdown of what they are paying for, and — if you are GST-registered — provides them with the tax invoice they need for their own records.

Here is what a complete tradie invoice should include:

Your business details

• Your business name (or your own name if operating as a sole trader)
• Your ABN — mandatory on tax invoices
• Your contact details (phone, email, address if relevant)
• Your logo, if you have one

Client details

• Client name or business name
• Client address or job site address
• Client ABN (required on invoices over $1,000 where the buyer is a business)

Invoice reference

• The words “Tax Invoice” (if you are GST-registered and the total is $82.50 or more)
• A unique invoice number (sequential numbering keeps things simple)
• Invoice date
• Payment due date

Structuring labour and materials

The clearest tradie invoices break the job into its component parts. Clients appreciate being able to see what they are paying for — and it reduces disputes.

Labour: Show the number of hours, the hourly rate and the total. For example:

• Bathroom renovation — labour: 14 hrs @ $95/hr = $1,330.00

Materials: List materials as a separate line item or group them:

• Tiles, grout and adhesive: $480.00
• Tapware and fixtures: $310.00

Or, if you prefer to keep it simple:

• Materials (as per quote): $790.00

Call-out fee: If you charge a call-out or travel fee, add it as its own line item:

• Emergency call-out — flat rate: $250.00

Project management: For larger jobs, a project management or supervision fee may be appropriate:

• Project management: $350.00

Adding GST

If you are registered for GST, add a GST line after your subtotal. GST in Australia is 10%.

To calculate: multiply the subtotal by 0.10 to get the GST amount. The total is the subtotal plus GST.

If you are not registered for GST (below the $75,000 annual turnover threshold), do not add a GST line. A note such as “GST not applicable — not registered” is optional but can help clients who ask.

Quote vs. invoice

A quote is a written estimate provided before the job starts. It sets out what you will do and how much you will charge. Once accepted by the client, a quote creates a contractual basis for the work.

An invoice is issued after the work is completed (or at agreed milestones for longer projects). It requests payment for the work done.

For most tradie jobs, the process is:

1. Quote the job in writing
2. Client accepts the quote
3. Complete the work
4. Issue a tax invoice based on the accepted quote

If the final job comes in under or over the quoted amount (due to additional materials or extra time), note the variation clearly on the invoice. Surprises on invoices are the most common source of payment delays.

Progress invoices for larger jobs

For projects that run over multiple weeks — a full bathroom renovation, a new electrical fit-out, a large plumbing job — invoicing in stages (progress invoicing) reduces your risk and improves your cash flow.

A common approach:

• Deposit invoice: 20–30% upfront before work begins
• Progress invoice: 40–50% at an agreed milestone (e.g., rough-in complete)
• Final invoice: Remaining balance on practical completion

Each invoice should reference the project, the stage it covers, and any amounts already paid.

Payment terms for tradies

Standard payment terms in Australia for trade invoices are 14 days. Some tradies use 7-day terms; commercial and government clients may expect 30 days.

For new clients or clients you have had difficulty with before, a deposit before starting work is reasonable and increasingly common. A 20–30% deposit locks in the client’s commitment and covers early material costs.

Example tradie invoice

Below is a typical layout. All figures and ABNs are examples only.

TAX INVOICE

Brennan Plumbing & Gas ABN 81 347 528 296 (example) Phone: 0412 000 000 (example)

To: Henderson Family Trust Job address: 47 Maple Street, Ringwood VIC 3134 (example)

Invoice: INV-0089 Date: 30 July 2026 Due: 13 August 2026

Payment due 13 August 2026. EFT: BSB 062 000 / Account 1234 5678 / Ref: INV-0089

Getting paid faster

A few things that make a measurable difference to how quickly tradies get paid:

Send the invoice immediately. The sooner the client receives it, the sooner the payment clock starts. Invoicing on-site or the same day as completion is the single most effective improvement most tradies can make.

Include clear payment instructions. Specify your bank account details, a payment reference and the exact amount due. Make it as easy as possible for the client to pay.

Set a due date. “Payment required within 14 days” is clearer than “payment due upon receipt.” Clients take due dates more seriously.

Follow up promptly. A friendly reminder a day after the due date — not a week after — is the most effective time to chase. The longer you leave it, the harder it gets.

Use automated reminders. InvoiceSent can send automatic follow-up emails when invoices become overdue, so you do not need to remember to chase every client.

Last reviewed: July 2026