Australian painter and decorator invoice template tips

4-minute read

A decorating job isn’t finished until the invoicing is done – and the quicker you send your invoices, the faster you are likely to get paid. That’s just one reason to use an invoice template that’s quick and easy for you to manage.

Key take-outs
  • Some elements of your invoice template may help speed up payments
  • Your invoices must be compliant with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements
  • Invoice templates can be downloaded from various websites
  • An online invoicing solution could save you time and money

How can an invoice template help get me paid faster?

Fast payments are great for cash flow. Whether you’re creating your own invoice template or sourcing one from elsewhere (which we cover below), there are a few things worth incorporating that may help speed up payments:

 

  • Address invoices to the name of the person most likely to sign them off
  • Feature your name and mobile number and words such as ‘Please call me straight away if you have any queries’
  • Include the ‘pay by’ date in a prominent position
  • Make it as easy as possible for customers to pay you by offering a choice of payment methods.

What else should be included on my painter and decorator invoice template?

The government has formal guidelines for invoices issued by small businesses. To comply with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements the following information should be featured on your invoices:

 

  • The heading ‘Tax invoice’ (if you charge GST)
  • The date of the invoice
  • Your business name and/or trading name 
  • Your ABN (Australian business number)
  • Descriptions of the services and materials provided, including quantities
  • The GST amount(s) either for each line item or as a whole.

 

For invoices totalling less than $1,000: if all items listed are subject to 10% GST you can include the tax as a single amount using words such as ‘Total price includes GST’.

 

For invoices totalling more than $1,000: the GST amount must be featured beside each item.

 

If you’re just getting started and are not sure about the need to register for and charge GST, check out our Business basics for sole traders article.

Where can I get an invoice template for my decorating business?

A search online will reveal a variety of sources for invoice templates in Word and Excel format. Just make sure they are specific to Australian businesses. 


 

Some elements of your invoice template are compulsory while others are simply a good idea to incorporate. Once you’ve got that covered, make sure your invoices are well designed to reflect the quality of your painter and decorator workmanship.

Read more

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Are poor invoicing practices undermining your business cash flow? Here are 6 common invoicing mistakes businesses make, and how you can avoid them.

Business basics for sole traders

Here are some of the first things you should think about to get your business off on the right foot.

6 ways to get your invoices paid faster

Waiting around to get paid? Here are some steps you could take to ensure your invoices get paid on time.

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Things you should know

The information in this article is general in nature; does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors; and we recommend you seek independent professional legal and/or financial advice about your specific circumstances before making any decisions. Westpac does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party templates. You should make your own enquiries and seek professional legal advice where required.