Australian tax invoice generator

Australian tax invoice FAQ

What does the ATO require on an Australian tax invoice?

Per ATO requirements, a tax invoice for sales over AUD$82.50 (incl GST) must include: (1) the words "Tax invoice", (2) supplier identity (business name + ABN), (3) the date issued, (4) brief description of items including quantity and price, (5) GST amount (or statement that the amount includes GST), and (6) the buyer's identity if the sale is over AUD$1,000. Issueable titles the PDF "TAX INVOICE" when country is set to AU and GST is charged.

What's an ABN and why does it matter?

Australian Business Number, an 11-digit identifier issued by the ATO for businesses operating in Australia. Required on every tax invoice. Without an ABN, customers must withhold 47% (top marginal rate) when paying invoices over $75; that's a hard penalty for not having one. Sole traders below the GST threshold can still get an ABN voluntarily; most do because it removes the withholding requirement.

When do I need to register for GST?

Annual turnover of AUD$75,000 or more (or $150,000 for non-profit organizations) triggers mandatory GST registration. Once registered, you charge 10% GST on taxable supplies and can claim GST credits on business purchases. Below threshold, you can voluntarily register if useful (claiming GST credits on inputs, or signaling "real business" to B2B customers). Issueable lets you set the GST rate; leave at 0% if not registered, set to 10% once registered.

GST 10%, what's taxable and what isn't?

Most goods and services are taxable at 10%. Basic food, education, health services, and some financial services are GST-free. Some items are input-taxed (residential rent, financial supplies). An invoice that mixes taxable and GST-free items has to show which items are taxable. Issueable applies GST to the whole invoice, so bill GST-free items on a separate invoice; most service businesses only charge the 10% rate anyway.

What about BAS, Business Activity Statement reporting?

GST-registered businesses lodge BAS quarterly (or monthly for larger businesses, annually for small ones). The BAS reports GST collected, GST paid, PAYG withholding, and other taxes. Issueable produces invoices; pair with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online (Aus), or similar accounting software for actual BAS submission. The invoices feed into the accounting software's reports; Issueable handles the document generation.

Should I show prices including or excluding GST?

B2B (between GST-registered businesses): typically show GST-exclusive prices on line items with the GST broken out separately, then GST-inclusive total. B2C (consumer-facing): prices must include GST in the displayed price (under the Australian Consumer Law in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 / ACCC guidance). For invoices specifically, both formats are acceptable as long as GST is clearly identified, "all prices include 10% GST" is a common short-form on B2C tax invoices.

How do I invoice international customers?

Goods exported from Australia are typically GST-free. Many services to non-residents are also GST-free, though connected-with-Australia rules apply (services consumed in Australia by a non-resident may still be taxable). State "GST-free supply, export of services" or similar on the invoice and apply 0% GST. The buyer pays in their currency (USD, EUR, etc.); Issueable offers 15 common currencies, including USD and EUR.

How long do I keep tax invoices?

ATO requires 5 years from the date of relevant transaction. Digital storage is acceptable; PDFs with proper backups work. Some larger businesses keep records longer for ASIC and other regulators. Issueable produces archive-friendly PDFs you can store with your accounting software or in cloud backup.