Invoice template tips for builders and construction workers in Australia

If you run a building company or are a self-employed construction worker, you’ll probably issue invoices for your work. But does your invoice template comply with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements? Here are some tips.

Where can a builder get an Australian invoice template from?

Any print shop should be able to quote you for a branded invoice design, but you’ll need to add the obligatory information when you write each invoice. Alternatively, search online for free Word or Excel invoice templates, making sure they are compatible with ATO regulations.

Another option is to use Westpac’s Biz Invoice online invoicing tool, which incorporates an easy-to-use invoice template. It’s complimentary with Business One Low and High Plan business bank account and is managed in online banking.

With Biz Invoice, the Australian invoice template features all the required fields – and you can customise it with a business logo if you have one.

What details are needed on my invoice template for construction work?

In line with ATO guidelines, you should include the following on your invoice template:

• The heading ‘Tax invoice’ (assuming you charge GST)
• Your business and/or trading name (which could just be your name) 
• Information about the services provided 
• Your Australian business number (ABN)
• The invoice date (date of issue)
• The GST amount(s) either for each line item or in total.

You can include GST as a single amount using words such as ‘Total price includes GST’ if your invoice is for less than $1,000 in total and all items on it are subject to 10% GST. If the invoice is for more than $1,000, the GST amount must be featured beside each item.

Not sure about GST? Find out if you have to charge it in our Business basics for sole traders article.

Does the Westpac invoice template comply with ATO requirements?

The Biz Invoice online invoicing template features all the necessary fields detailed above. The tool can save you time too, by storing customer information and standard line items (such as your hourly rate and commonly used materials) to save typing the same details over and over, and to help avoid mistakes. Better still, you can send an invoice from your mobile or laptop as soon as you finish work or a specific job.

The online invoices for your building company or contract construction work could look as smart as this:

Are there any other features of trade invoices I should think about?

In addition to your invoices for building work ticking all the ATO compliance boxes, they could also include a few things that may help speed up payments. Things such as:

• Provide a choice of payment methods to encourage fast payments 
• Use the most appropriate person’s name on the invoice
• Feature your mobile number to receive any queries as soon as they arise
• Be clear about when the invoice is to be paid by.

It’s worth noting that with Biz Invoice you can choose to offer BPAY® payments in addition to bank transfers, which means you can accept credit card payments without a card machine.