Businesses have been issuing and receiving tax invoices since the introduction of GST over 20 years ago. How do you know if your invoices are compliant and are you aware of the Australian Tax Office invoicing requirements? There are many businesses sending and receiving invoices that are not compliant.

If you are registered for GST and the value of the sale is more than $82.50 GST inclusive you must provide your customers with a tax invoice.

 What are the basics of invoicing

For tax invoices with a sale less than $1,000, you are required to include the following seven details;

  1. Ensure the words ‘Tax invoice’ are prominent
  2. Clearly display your full business name and address
  3. You Australian Business Number (ABN) should be displayed
  4. The date the invoice was issued
  5. A description of the items sold, including the quantity (if applicable) and the price
  6. Display the total and the GST amount. This can be displayed through two options;
    1. Display the GST separately and then the total value of what is sold (including GST) Example 1
    2. Total price of sale (including GST) with the wording “Total price including GST) Example 2
  7. The extent to which each sale on the invoice is a taxable saleExample 1 of a tax invoice from the ATO website
  8. For tax invoices with a sale of $1,000 or more, you are required to show the buyer’s identity or ABN

Example 2 of a tax invoice from the ATO website

If you want to make sure you are meeting the invoicing requirements or find you are struggling to get your invoices out in time, we can help you with your invoicing.