Independent contractors across any industry — this free invoice template itemises your work, adds 10% GST and your ABN, and downloads as a PDF that clients and their payroll teams can process without fuss.
Skip the download — generate your contractor invoice online for free. It fills the template, calculates GST and totals, and exports a PDF in under a minute.
What to put on a contractor invoice
Common lines on a contractor's invoice include:
- Contract work — hours or days × rate
- Fixed deliverable / milestone fee
- Materials or equipment supplied
- Travel and expenses
- Overtime or weekend loading
- Deposit or progress claim already paid
Plus the essentials every Australian invoice needs: your business name and ABN, the client's details, a unique invoice number and dates, the total (with 10% GST if you're registered), and your payment details. See how to write an invoice and the tax invoice requirements.
A tip for contractors
Always quote your ABN — without it, the business hiring you may be legally required to withhold 47% of your payment. If you work through a labour-hire or agency, match their PO number on your invoice so it clears approval fast.
GST and your ABN
GST registration depends on your turnover and the work you do. For most businesses, the ATO registration threshold is $75,000 in current or projected annual GST turnover; ride-sourcing has a different rule. If you are GST-registered and the supply is taxable, show GST and use “Tax Invoice”. If you are not registered, use “Invoice” and do not charge GST. See our GST guide and ABN guide.
Worked contractor invoice example
Example: milestone billing. The figures are illustrative, not recommended rates. Copy the descriptions into the Australian invoice generator and replace the quantities and prices with your own.
| Line item | Qty | Rate before GST | Amount before GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed milestone: site preparation | 1 | $900.00 | $900.00 |
| Approved variation: extra materials | 1 | $180.00 | $180.00 |
| Subtotal | $1080.00 | ||
| GST at 10%, if registered and supply is taxable | $108.00 | ||
| Total including GST | $1188.00 | ||
Make this useful for your client: Refer to the contract, purchase order or approved variation. Describe the completed milestone rather than billing an unexplained percentage. If you are not registered for GST, use “Invoice”, set GST to zero, and remove the GST line. Check the ATO tax invoice requirements before sending a tax invoice.
For more detail, read the related contractors invoicing guide. Need to send milestone invoices and keep payment status together? InvoiceSonic, from the same team, handles sending and tracking; this site's free tool creates a PDF for you to send yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Do contractors need an ABN to invoice?
In practice, yes. Without an ABN the payer must withhold 47% of your payment under the no-ABN withholding rule. ABNs are free from the Australian Business Register.
Should a contractor charge GST?
Once your turnover reaches $75,000 a year you must register and charge 10% GST. Below that it's optional.
Is the contractor invoice template free?
Yes — no signup, no watermark, unlimited invoices.
General information, not tax advice — check the ATO for your situation. Related: Tradie · Consultant.
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