In Australia, you can invoice without an ABN, but it usually isn’t a good idea. Without one, the business paying you generally has to withhold tax from your payment — so most people who invoice regularly get an ABN. Here’s how it works.
ABN vs GST registration
An ABN (Australian Business Number) identifies your business; it’s free and separate from GST. GST registration is a further step, required once your turnover reaches the GST threshold (currently $75,000). You can have an ABN without being registered for GST.
What happens if you invoice without an ABN
If you don’t quote an ABN on your invoice, the payer may be required to withhold a large portion of the payment under “no-ABN withholding” rules and send it to the ATO. To avoid that, provide your ABN — or, for a one-off, a “Statement by a supplier” form in limited cases.
Tax invoice vs regular invoice
If you’re registered for GST, you issue a tax invoice that shows the words “Tax Invoice”, your ABN and the GST. If you’re not registered for GST, you issue a regular invoice with your ABN but no GST.
Create an Australian invoice free
Our free invoice generator adds your ABN and, if you charge GST, titles the document “Tax Invoice” and applies 10% GST — no sign-up.