Free template

Building invoice template

A builder's invoice should say "Tax invoice" if you're registered for GST, and show your ABN, the date, what you did, the GST and the total. Fill in the template below and print it, or send it from Tradies Line with a pay link, free.

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Tax invoice

Your business name

ABN or NZBN · Phone · Email

Invoice number
 
Date
 
Due date
 

Bill to

Customer name, phone and email

Job address

Building invoice template line items
ItemQtyPriceAmount
PreliminariesSite set-up, insurance and permits
 
 
 
Demolition and site preparationWhat comes out
 
 
 
MaterialsBy stage
 
 
 
LabourBy stage
 
 
 
SubcontractorsEach trade on its own line
 
 
 
Provisional sums and allowancesWhat they cover and what happens if they run over
 
 
 
Waste removalSkip bins and tip fees
 
 
 
Subtotal
 
GST
 
Total
 

How to pay

Bank details or pay link, and when payment is due.

Not registered for GST? Change "Tax invoice" to "Invoice" and leave the GST line out. Customer hasn't paid? Here's how to chase an unpaid invoice.

What an invoice should show in Australia

  • If you're registered for GST, call it a tax invoice. If you're not registered, don't use the words "tax invoice". ato.gov.au
  • A tax invoice under $1,000 must show that it's a tax invoice, who you are, your ABN, the date, what you sold with the quantity and price, the GST (or "Total price includes GST" when the GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total), and how much of each sale is taxable. ato.gov.au
  • For sales of $1,000 or more, it must also show the customer's name or ABN. ato.gov.au
  • If a customer asks for a tax invoice, give it within 28 days, unless the sale is $82.50 or less including GST. ato.gov.au
  • Also worth adding: a unique invoice number, your contact details, and when and how you want to be paid. business.gov.au

In New Zealand

  • Since 1 April 2023, New Zealand doesn't require a "tax invoice". You keep and give "taxable supply information" instead. business.govt.nz
  • Over $200 up to $1,000: your name or trade name and GST number, the date, a description, and either the amount before GST, the GST and the total, or the total with a statement that it includes GST, if everything is at the standard rate. ird.govt.nz
  • Over $1,000: also the buyer's name and an identifier such as their address, phone, email or NZBN, if the buyer is GST registered. ird.govt.nz
  • If a GST-registered buyer asks, give it within 28 days for sales over $200. ird.govt.nz

Tips for building invoices

  • Break the job into stages, each with its own price.
  • Mark provisional sums clearly, and say how variations will be agreed in writing.

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The invoice comes from the job with a pay link. With reminders on, the unpaid ones are chased by email, then by text and short AI calls once TradiesLine Pay is connected.

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Questions about building invoices

What should a building invoice include?

The work you did, each on its own line, such as preliminaries, demolition and site preparation, materials, labour. Then "Tax invoice" if you're registered for GST, your ABN, the date, the GST and the total, and when and how you want to be paid. Source: ato.gov.au, business.gov.au.

What's worth adding to a building invoice?

Say which stage the invoice is for and what's been paid so far, so the customer can see the balance.

How much deposit can I ask for?

In New South Wales, home building law caps the deposit at 10 percent. In Queensland, QBCC sets the most at 20% for work of $3,300 or less, 10% from $3,301 to $19,999, and 5% over $20,000. Invoice the deposit on its own, then progress payments by stage. Source: nsw.gov.au, qbcc.qld.gov.au.

Rules checked against each government page on 6 October 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. See also the building quote template, the Tradies Line page for building, all templates, or more questions about quotes and invoices.

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