Free invoice template for painters (Australia)
Fill it in below, then print it or save it as a PDF. It's pre-filled with typical painter line items (example prices only: replace them with yours). It adds GST at 10% if you're registered and switches the heading to "Invoice" with a no-GST line if you're not. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
TAX INVOICE
| Description | Qty | Unit price (ex GST) | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subtotal | |||
| GST (10%) | |||
| Total (AUD) | |||
No GST has been charged.
What a painter invoice should show
Painting invoices get queried when the scope is vague. Name the rooms, surfaces, number of coats and product, and separate any materials deposit you've already taken.
Line-item wording you can borrow
Specific descriptions get paid faster than "labour and materials". Examples for painters:
- Interior repaint: living, dining and hallway, walls and ceilings, 2 coats
- Exterior: weatherboards and trims, prep, prime and 2 top coats
- Repair and patch plaster cracks, lounge ceiling
- Paint 6 internal doors and frames, semi-gloss enamel
- Pressure wash exterior before painting
- Paint supplied: low-sheen acrylic, colour as selected
- Less materials deposit paid (invoice INV-0041)
- Touch-up visit after handover
If you're registered for GST, a tax invoice for a sale under $1,000 must show: that it's a tax invoice, your identity and ABN, the issue date, a description with quantity and price, the GST (or "Total price includes GST" if GST is exactly 1/11 of the total) and how much of each sale is taxable. From $1,000, add the buyer's identity or ABN. The template covers all of these.
Tips for painters
- Describe the scope: rooms, surfaces, number of coats and the product. It prevents "I thought the ceilings were included".
- If you take a materials deposit, issue it as its own invoice and deduct it on the final one.
- Show the colour codes used, so the customer can order touch-up paint later.
- Give every invoice a unique number (generator) and send it the day the job finishes.
Questions
Is the paint I supply taxable if I'm registered?
Yes. Paint and materials you supply are part of the taxable price of the job.
I price per square metre. How do I show GST?
Show the rate and area, the GST-exclusive subtotal, the GST and the total. Or state "Total price includes GST" if GST is exactly 1/11 of the total.
If the invoice isn't paid
Use a polite, consistent schedule: a heads-up 3 days before the due date, a reminder on the day, then +7, +14 and +30 days. The free reminder email generator writes them, and the late payment interest calculator works out interest if your terms allow it.
Sources (checked 17 Oct 2026): ATO Tax invoices (updated 18 Sep 2026); ATO Registering for GST; ATO When you can claim a GST credit.
General information, not tax advice. Check the ATO's tax invoice page or a registered tax or BAS agent if you're unsure.
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