Consulting Invoice Template Australia
A consulting invoice bills a client for advice and expertise, usually as a retainer, a fixed fee for a project or hours at an agreed rate. This template is set up for Australia: amounts in AUD, GST at 10% on each line. Change anything you like, then download it as a PDF.
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How to write a consultant invoice
- Separate the retainer from extra work billed by the hour, so the client sees what was outside the agreement.
- Add a short summary of the work done; it reminds the client of the value they received.
- Bill retainers at the start of the month and hourly work at the end.
- Get the engagement letter signed before you start.
Not sure what to charge? Work out your minimum rate with the freelance rate calculator, and agree the price first with the quote generator.
What an invoice must include in Australia
- That the document is intended to be a tax invoice
- The seller's identity
- The seller's ABN
- The date the invoice was issued
- A brief description of the items sold, including quantity (if applicable) and price
- The GST amount (if any) payable, or a statement such as 'Total price includes GST' where GST is exactly one-eleventh of the total
- The extent to which each sale on the invoice is a taxable sale
- For sales of $1,000 or more (GST inclusive): the buyer's identity or ABN
Invoice rules in Australia at a glance
- Tax
- GST, standard rate 10%. See all rates and the GST calculator
- Tax number
- ABN (Australian Business Number)
- Title
- Tax invoice (for GST-registered sellers). Sellers not registered for GST issue an 'Invoice' and must not use the words 'tax invoice'.
- Not registered for tax
- A business that is not registered for GST must not charge GST and should issue a standard invoice, not a 'tax invoice'. It should still show its ABN, because a business buyer may otherwise have to withhold tax from the payment.
- Small invoices
- Tax invoices under $1,000 do not need the buyer's identity; a seller does not have to provide a tax invoice on request for sales of $82.50 or less including GST.
- Payment terms
- No statutory default payment period for private B2B invoices; the agreed terms apply.
- Late payment
- No statutory late payment interest or fixed compensation for B2B invoices. Interest or late fees apply only if agreed in the contract or terms (and must not be an unenforceable penalty); courts can award pre-judgment interest. The Payment Times Reporting Scheme only requires large businesses to report how quickly they pay small suppliers; it is not a late fee and gives suppliers no right to interest.
- Keep records
- Generally 5 years.
Consulting Invoice Template Australia: frequently asked questions
How do I invoice a consulting retainer?
Add one line for the retainer with the month it covers, and separate lines for anything outside it. Many consultants invoice the retainer in advance at the start of each month.
What payment terms do consultants use?
Net 30 is common with larger companies; Net 14 or 15 suits smaller clients. Whatever you choose, put it in your engagement letter and on every invoice.
Do I have to charge GST on my invoices in Australia?
A business that is not registered for GST must not charge GST and should issue a standard invoice, not a 'tax invoice'. It should still show its ABN, because a business buyer may otherwise have to withhold tax from the payment.
How long must I keep invoices in Australia?
Generally 5 years.
Can I charge interest on late payments in Australia?
No statutory late payment interest or fixed compensation for B2B invoices. Interest or late fees apply only if agreed in the contract or terms (and must not be an unenforceable penalty); courts can award pre-judgment interest. The Payment Times Reporting Scheme only requires large businesses to report how quickly they pay small suppliers; it is not a late fee and gives suppliers no right to interest. Work it out with the late payment calculator.
Is this invoice template free?
Yes. Edit the template in your browser and download it as a PDF for free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Nothing you type is uploaded.
Sources
The rules on this page were checked in October 2026 and are general information, not legal or tax advice. Check the official sources or ask an accountant in Australia if you are unsure what your invoices must show.
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