Writers, developers, marketers and designers — a freelancer invoice should make it effortless for a client to pay you. This free template handles hourly or project billing, GST, and downloads as a professional PDF.
Skip the download — generate your freelancer 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 freelancer invoice
Common lines on a freelancer's invoice include:
- Project fee, or hours × hourly rate
- Milestone / stage payment
- Revisions or additional scope
- Expenses (stock, software, subscriptions) on-charged
- Deposit already paid
- Retainer for the month
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 freelancers
Agree your payment terms and any deposit before you start, and put them on the invoice. For ongoing clients, a monthly retainer invoice with Net 7 terms keeps your cash flow steady. See our guide on invoice payment terms.
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 freelancer invoice example
Example: monthly client project. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website content | 4 | $140.00 | $560.00 |
| Revision round beyond scope | 1 | $90.00 | $90.00 |
| Subtotal | $650.00 | ||
| GST at 10%, if registered and supply is taxable | $65.00 | ||
| Total including GST | $715.00 | ||
Make this useful for your client: Use the project name and delivery period. Put out-of-scope work on a separate line and match the invoice to the agreed quote. 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 freelancers invoicing guide. Need to save repeat clients and see when invoices are paid? 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 freelancers charge GST in Australia?
Only if registered for GST, which is mandatory once you turn over $75,000 a year. Under that, it's optional and you issue a plain invoice.
What should a freelancer invoice include?
Your name and ABN, the client, an itemised description of the work or project, the total (plus GST if registered), payment terms and your payment details.
Can I invoice for a deposit?
Yes — invoice the deposit up front, then record it in Amount Paid on the final invoice so it shows the remaining balance.
General information, not tax advice — check the ATO for your situation. Related: Consultant · Sole Trader Invoice Generator.
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