Freelance Invoice Template New Zealand
A freelance invoice bills a client for work you did as an independent professional, usually by the hour, the day or the project. This template is set up for New Zealand: amounts in NZD, GST at 15% on each line. Change anything you like, then download it as a PDF.
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How to write a freelancer invoice
- Describe each deliverable so the client's accounts team can match it to the project without asking.
- Bill extra work separately and say who agreed it, so scope changes do not turn into disputes.
- Invoice as soon as a milestone is delivered rather than at the end of the month.
- Agree your payment terms and late fee in your contract or quote 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 New Zealand
- Since 1 April 2023 'tax invoices' were replaced by 'taxable supply information' (TSI). It no longer has to be one document or be titled 'tax invoice'.
- Supplies of $200 or less: seller's name or trade name, date of the invoice or supply, description of the goods or services, and the amount paid or payable.
- Over $200 up to $1,000: the above plus the seller's GST number, and either the GST-exclusive amount, GST amount and GST-inclusive amount, or the GST-inclusive amount with a statement that it includes GST.
- Over $1,000: the above plus the buyer's name and at least one identifier (address, phone number, email, trading name, NZBN or website) where the buyer is GST-registered.
Invoice rules in New Zealand at a glance
- Tax
- GST, standard rate 15%. See all rates and the GST calculator
- Tax number
- GST number
- Not registered for tax
- A business that is not GST-registered does not charge GST and should not show a GST amount or a GST number on its invoices.
- Small invoices
- For supplies of $200 or less, only basic information is needed (no GST number or buyer details); TSI must be given to a GST-registered buyer within 28 days of a request for supplies over $200.
- Payment terms
- No statutory default payment period for B2B invoices; the agreed terms apply.
- Late payment
- No statutory late payment interest or fixed compensation for B2B invoices. Interest applies only if agreed; courts can award interest under the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016. The Construction Contracts Act 2002 sets payment claim rules for construction work only.
- Keep records
- At least 7 tax years.
Freelance Invoice Template New Zealand: frequently asked questions
What should a freelance invoice include?
Your name and contact details, the client's details, a unique invoice number, the date, a description of the work with hours or a fixed price, any tax, the total, the due date and how to pay you.
Should freelancers charge by the hour or by the project?
Both work. Hourly suits open-ended work; a fixed project price suits clear deliverables and rewards working efficiently. Use the freelance rate calculator to find your minimum rate either way.
Do I have to charge GST on my invoices in New Zealand?
A business that is not GST-registered does not charge GST and should not show a GST amount or a GST number on its invoices.
How long must I keep invoices in New Zealand?
At least 7 tax years.
Can I charge interest on late payments in New Zealand?
No statutory late payment interest or fixed compensation for B2B invoices. Interest applies only if agreed; courts can award interest under the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016. The Construction Contracts Act 2002 sets payment claim rules for construction work only. 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 New Zealand if you are unsure what your invoices must show.
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