How to create a best practice electrician invoice template for Australia
4-minute read
As a licensed electrician in Australia you are required to work to the highest standards, and your customers will expect that of you. So, it’s important that your business paperwork – including your invoices – reflects the high quality of your workmanship.
Key take-outs
- A smart invoice helps give your business credibility
- The ATO requires specific information to be featured on invoices
- Offering payment options may help get you paid faster
What does a good electrician invoice template look like?
Your invoices (along with all your other stationery) are actually part of your marketing material, as they serve to reinforce the values of your business – while requesting payment of course!
Keep your invoices clean, smart, simple, and easy to read and you won’t go too far wrong. If your business has branding, you can choose typefaces and colours that complement your logo for a ‘good look’.
Where can I get an invoice template for my trade?
Invoices sent out by sole traders and small companies in Australia are required to feature certain obligatory information, so make sure the template you choose for your invoicing is correct for Australian businesses.
Talk to a designer or print shop about a bespoke invoice design, which could be adapted from your letterhead. Or search online for free downloadable invoice templates in Word or Excel – checking that they are Australian Tax Office (ATO) compliant.
What needs to be on my electrician invoice template?
To comply with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements and for best practice, your invoice template should feature the following information and fields:
- The title ‘Tax invoice’ if you charge GST
- Your business and/or trading name
- The quantity and description of the services provided
- Your ABN (Australian business number)
- The date of the invoice
- The GST amount(s) either for each line item or as a whole.
You can include the tax as a single amount using words such as ‘Total price includes GST’ if your invoice is for a total of less than $1,000 and all items on it are subject to 10% GST. The GST amount must be featured beside each item if the invoice is for more than $1,000.
Not sure if you need to register for GST? You may find the answer in our Business basics for sole traders article.
What could make my invoice template ‘best practice’?
In addition to creating invoices for electrical work that are clear, professional looking and compliant with ATO requirements, you can also incorporate a few things that may help get you paid faster. Here are some tips:
- Offer customers a choice of payment methods to make paying you easy
- Address your invoices to the most appropriate person
- Include your mobile number to address immediate queries
- Specify the date payment should be made by.
As an electrician, you’ll know that time is money – so saving a bit of time yourself makes sound business sense. It could be a good idea to bear this in mind when sourcing and creating an easy-to-use invoice template for your electrical business.
Read more
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.