AusInvoice
Under $75k threshold • No GST required • Free PDF

Invoice template without GST — Australia

Not registered for GST? Create a correct Australian invoice without GST. Includes your ABN and all required fields — without the “Tax Invoice” label that you must not use unless you are GST-registered.

Free for first 3 invoices • No signup required

Invoicing without GST — what you need to know

If your annual turnover is under $75,000, you are not required to register for GST. This is common for new freelancers, part-time contractors, and businesses that are just starting out. Invoicing without GST is completely legal and appropriate in this situation.

The critical rule is this: do not use the words “Tax Invoice” on your document. A tax invoice is a document that records a GST transaction. If you are not charging GST, there is no GST transaction, and your document must not claim to be a tax invoice.

Instead, your document is simply called an “Invoice”. You still need your ABN, your client's details, a description of the work, and the total amount. AusInvoice handles this automatically — toggle GST off and the document title changes from “Tax Invoice” to “Invoice”.

Watch the $75,000 threshold

Once your annual turnover reaches or is likely to reach $75,000 in any 12-month period, you must register for GST within 21 days. Monitor your income and register proactively — penalties apply for late registration. Learn more →

Non-GST invoice vs tax invoice — side by side

Element
Non-GST Invoice
Tax Invoice
Document title
"Invoice"
"Tax Invoice"
Your ABN
Required
Required
Your name
Required
Required
Date
Required
Required
Description of supply
Required
Required
GST amount
Not shown
Shown per item
Total amount
Required
Required (inc. GST)
Buyer's ABN
Not required
Required ($1,000+)
Who can issue
Any business
GST-registered only

Common mistakes when invoicing without GST

These errors are surprisingly common among new freelancers and small business owners.

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Writing "Tax Invoice" when not GST-registered

This is the most common and most serious mistake. If you are not GST-registered, your invoice must say "Invoice" — not "Tax Invoice". Mislabelling creates compliance issues for both you and your client.

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Adding a "GST: $0" line or "GST not applicable" note when unnecessary

You do not need to explicitly state GST is not charged unless your client asks or your contract requires it. A simple invoice without GST at all is perfectly valid. However, some clients prefer clarity — AusInvoice can accommodate either style.

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Omitting your ABN

Your ABN must appear on every invoice regardless of your GST registration status. Without it, the payer is required to withhold 47% of the payment — which means you get 47% less than you invoiced.

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Not monitoring turnover as it approaches $75,000

Many sole traders are unaware that the $75,000 threshold applies to any 12-month period, not just the financial year. If your turnover in the last 12 months (rolling) has reached or is expected to reach $75,000, you must register within 21 days.

Related resources

Sole Trader Invoice Template

Complete invoicing guide for sole traders, including ABN and GST rules.

Tax Invoice Template

Once you register for GST, use this ATO-compliant tax invoice template.

The $75,000 GST Threshold

When do you need to register for GST? Full explanation.

Tax Invoice vs Regular Invoice

Understand the difference and when to use each.

ABN Validator

Check that your ABN is valid before you invoice.

GST Invoice Generator

Generate invoices with GST once you are registered.

Non-GST invoice FAQ

Can I invoice without charging GST?
Yes. If you are not registered for GST — which is the case if your annual turnover is under $75,000 — you do not charge GST and you do not use the words "Tax Invoice" on your document. You simply issue an "Invoice" that lists your services and the total price without any GST component.
What must I include on an invoice if I am not GST-registered?
Your invoice must include: your name or business name, your ABN, the date, a description of the goods or services, the quantity and price, and the total amount payable. Payment details (BSB/account or PayID) are not legally required but are strongly recommended so your client can pay easily.
What happens if I write "Tax Invoice" but I am not registered for GST?
This is incorrect and can cause problems. If you issue a document titled "Tax Invoice" when you are not GST-registered, your client may incorrectly attempt to claim GST credits from the ATO — which they are not entitled to. This can create compliance issues for both you and your client. Always use "Invoice" (not "Tax Invoice") if you are not GST-registered.
Do I need an ABN even if I am not GST-registered?
Yes. Your ABN and your GST registration are two separate things. You can have an ABN without being registered for GST. Your ABN must appear on all invoices regardless of your GST status. Without an ABN, the payer must withhold 47% of your payment.
What if my client asks me for a "tax invoice"?
Explain that you are not registered for GST and therefore cannot issue a tax invoice. Your client only needs a tax invoice to claim GST credits — which is only relevant if you are charging GST. If you are not charging GST, there is no GST for them to claim back, so a regular invoice is all that is needed.
Should I consider registering for GST voluntarily?
There are scenarios where voluntary GST registration makes sense — particularly if your clients are GST-registered businesses that can claim back the GST as an input tax credit. In that case, your prices become more competitive because the GST cost is neutral to them. However, voluntary registration adds administrative overhead (BAS filing). Discuss this with your accountant.

Create a correct invoice without GST

Toggle GST off and AusInvoice generates the right format automatically.