Invoice template with no GST
For Australian businesses under the $75,000 threshold. No GST charged, no GST column, and correctly headed ‘Invoice’ rather than ‘Tax invoice’ — which is the part most templates get wrong.
- Correct document heading
- ABN included
- No GST column
- Free to use
- From
- Northside Electrical Pty Ltd
- ABN 12 345 678 901
- Bill to
- Harbourview Property Group
- ABN 98 765 432 109
- Invoice no.
- INV-1042
- Date issued
- 14 July 2026
| Description | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Site inspection & report | 1 | $450.00 |
| Installation labour (6 hrs) | 6 | $720.00 |
| Materials — as quoted | 1 | $286.00 |
What goes on an invoice when you are not registered for GST
There is no ATO-prescribed layout for a non-GST invoice the way there is for a tax invoice. These are the fields that make it usable, provable and hard to dispute.
| Field | Why it belongs there |
|---|---|
| The word “Invoice” | Not “Tax invoice”. The heading should match your registration status — anything else implies you are collecting GST. |
| Your business or trading name | So the customer knows who supplied the work and who to pay. |
| Your ABN | Holding an ABN is separate from GST registration. Without one on the invoice, a business customer may have to withhold 47% of the payment. |
| A unique invoice number | Keeps your records straight and gives both sides a reference when chasing payment. |
| The date issued | Fixes the invoice in time and starts your payment terms running. |
| The customer's name | And their business name and ABN if you are invoicing a business. |
| An itemised description | What you supplied, with quantity where it applies and the price for each line. |
| The total amount payable | With no GST line, because none is being charged. |
| Payment terms and method | When it is due and how to pay — bank details, or your preferred method. |
Do not add GST
If you are not registered, you must not charge GST. It is worth saying plainly because the most common way it happens is accidental: a template downloaded from elsewhere arrives with a GST row already in it, and the row stays.
Being under the threshold is normal
Plenty of Australian businesses operate below $75,000 for years — side businesses, part-time trades, consultants between contracts, people testing an idea. Not being registered for GST is not a sign of anything except turnover, and it makes your invoicing simpler, not less legitimate.
You can register voluntarily
Businesses under the threshold may register for GST if they choose. The usual reason is to claim GST credits on business purchases — worth doing if you buy significant equipment or materials. The cost is that you must then charge GST on everything you sell, which effectively raises your price by 10% to consumers who cannot claim it back, and you take on BAS obligations. It is a decision worth taking to your accountant rather than making from a web page.
The day you cross the threshold
Once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 you have 21 days to register. From your registration date, your invoices become tax invoices, you charge 10% GST, and the GST amount must be shown separately. In InvoiceGen this is one setting — switch GST on and every invoice from that point forward uses the tax invoice layout.
Keep the old invoices
Business records must generally be kept for at least five years, and that includes the invoices you issued before registering. Crossing the threshold does not reset the clock on anything.
Invoice without the GST guesswork
Set your GST status once. InvoiceGen produces the right document, with the right heading, every time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I issue an invoice if I am not registered for GST?
Yes. You issue a plain invoice rather than a tax invoice, and you do not charge GST. The document should show your business name, your ABN, a unique invoice number, the date, a description of what you supplied with quantities and prices, the total, and your payment terms.
Should the document say 'Tax invoice' if I am not registered for GST?
No. Heading it 'Tax invoice' implies you are registered and charging GST. If you are not registered, the document should be headed 'Invoice'. InvoiceGen changes the wording automatically based on your GST setting.
Do I still need an ABN if I am not registered for GST?
They are separate registrations. You can hold an ABN without being registered for GST, and if you are carrying on a business you generally should. If you supply another business and do not quote an ABN on the invoice, they may be required to withhold 47% of the payment.
At what point do I have to start charging GST?
When your GST turnover reaches $75,000 — $150,000 for non-profits. You then have 21 days to register. From your registration date your invoices become tax invoices and you charge 10% GST. Taxi, limousine and ride-sourcing drivers must register regardless of turnover.
What if I charge GST by mistake when I am not registered?
You have collected an amount you were not entitled to collect, and the customer cannot claim it as a GST credit. Reissue a corrected invoice without the GST and refund the difference. If it happened repeatedly, speak to your accountant or the ATO rather than leaving it.