Free invoice sample templates

INVOICE TEMPLATE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED australia

Looking for invoice template examples for self-employed in Australia? Check our designs, choose the one that fits you the best, and create your invoice.

The best invoice templates for self employed in australia

Looking for a self employed invoice template for Australia? We have created a free invoice forms that you can easily edit or download to your computer. Select your preferred format and start using the template now.

free invoice template for sole traders australia

Stripe template

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invoice template example for sole traders australia

Classic template

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download invoice template for sole traders australia

Modern template

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invoice sample for sole traders australia

Simple template

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What is typical for self-employed in Australia?

 

how to run a business as a self employed in australia

Self-employed in Australia typically run their own businesses as sole traders or operate through a company or partnership structure. They are responsible for their own tax obligations, including registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and, if applicable, for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their annual turnover exceeds $75,000.

Self-employed Australians are required to file an annual income tax return and pay taxes based on their business income, after deducting allowable expenses.

gst guidelines

There are specific guidelines you should follow when issuing GST invoice:

1. Invoice is for $1,000 or more: The GST amount must be included for each item that appears on the invoice. This allows to feature a mix of GST items and GST-free items.

2. Invoice is for less than $1,000: In this case, you can simply include GST in the invoice total, for example 'Total price includes GST'.

How GST works in Australia

The single GST rate in Australia is 10%. Only businesses registered for GST are charging GST on their tax invoices. Learn more below.

GST and GST registration

When starting a new business, you will not be registered for GST by default. You will need to get an ABN and add it to every invoice.  If you register for GST, you will start generating and sending tax invoices. Only GST registered businesses will include the title 'Tax Invoice' on their invoices.

The difference is that a tax invoice will include GST details. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) defines six reasons for mandatory registration for GST:

  • When your business or enterprise has a GST turnover (gross income from all businesses minus GST) of $75,000 or more

  • When you start a new business and expect your turnover to reach the GST threshold (or more) in the first year of operation

  • if you're already in business and have reached the GST threshold

  • If your non-profit organisation has a GST turnover of $150,000 per year or more

  • When you provide taxi or limousine travel for passengers (including ride-sourcing) regardless of your GST turnover – this applies to both owner drivers and if you lease or rent a taxi

  • If you want to claim fuel tax credits for your business or enterprise

Tax Return and Business Activity Statement

Every Australian business needs to lodge an annual tax return, stating all your income and expenses for the previous financial year. A financial year starts on 01 July and finishes on 30 June next year. 

If you register for GST, whether it is a voluntary or mandatory registration, you will be required to lodge your quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS). On this statement, you will state your quarterly revenues, GST charged on the revenues, and GST from the expenses. 

BAS can be lodged via the ATO portal, as part of the MY GOV app and online dashboard. Based on the result, you will be required to pay the difference between the GST on the revenue and expenses. 

In your BAS, ATO can also calculate a prepayment on your future tax return which will be based on the expected income in the current financial year and your previous taxable income.

useful tips for self employed

What should be included on an invoice for self-employed people?

When creating a self employed invoice, you should include all details correctly to ensure it will be paid on time. Make sure to include these items below in self employed invoice template:

  • Invoice number - serves as a unique identifier for each of your invoice and works as a reference for tracking purposes,

  • ABN (Australian Business Number) - your unique 11-digit number that you should add on invoice.

  • Tax invoice - only applicable if you're registered for GST, it should be visible on the top of the invoice.

  • Due date - specific date when an invoice should be paid by your client.

  • Your business details - add here your business name, address, email and phone number.

  • Your client's details - add here your client's business name, address, email and phone number.

  • Item, description and price - include all services provided with short description and respective price.

  • Payment terms & methods - specify payment terms and include all accepted payment methods (bank transfer, Paypal, or others).

  • Total amount - summarize total amount to pay and any discount or tax rate (if applicable).

self employed invoicing
Invoice tracking app

How to fill out your self employed invoice

Creating self employed invoices is simple with our self employed invoice examples. You can download it in your desired format and start adding your details. If you're not sure how to fill in the invoice and you want to be sure you covered everything, follow this self employed guideline:

1. Add invoice number at the top (left or right corner) of your document and create a unique number

2. Continue with adding your business details together with your client's ones.

3. List all the items (services provide), their short description, price and total amount to pay.

4. Apply tax or discount if applicable

5. Add the payment terms and state all the payment methods for your clients - the easier for your client, the better.

6. Export your file into PDF and send it to your client via email.

If you want to have all your invoices under one roof, provide online payments for your clients and send them automatic payment reminders, we have it all in Billdu invoicing software where you can try it all out in 30-day free trial.

More free invoice templates australia

Have you not found your desired self-employed template? We have more free templates in our Free Generator Australia

Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS FREELANCE JOB?

A freelance job is a form of self-employment where individuals provide services to clients on a project basis rather than being committed to a long-term employment contract. Freelancers usually work independently, set their rates and schedules for their work, and are responsible for managing their own business affairs.

WHAT IS SELF EMPLOYED?

To be self-employed means to work for oneself rather than an organization or company.

WHAT IS A SOLE TRADER?

A sole trader is a self-employed person who runs their own business alone and is legally responsible for all of its aspects.

WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR?

An independent contractor is a self-employed individual or service provider that works with clients on a contract basis for a set period. A contractor is part of a company but not a regular employee.

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON AN INVOICE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED PEOPLE?

If you're issuing an invoice as a self-employed person, include your business and the client's name and contact information, the services provided, and their respective price. Don't forget to include all the important dates, the invoice number, tax, and discount if applicable

You can try the process for yourself in our Free Online Invoice Generator, where you can create invoices easily in just a few steps.

WHICH FORMAT TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR INVOICE?

It's up to you which format you choose for your invoice. Select your preferred format from our available contractor invoice templates, including Word, Excel, and Google Sheets. 

Alternatively, you can create your template easily in just a few steps in our Free Online Invoice Generator.

CAN I ADD MY LOGO TO PERSONALIZE THE FREELANCE INVOICE TEMPLATE?

Yes, if you have a business logo, you can include it in your invoices to make your brand more recognizable and ensure your invoices stay out of the crowd.

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Self employed invoice template australia
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