Worked example · Carpenters
Carpenter invoice example: what a correct one looks like
The example below is the True Plumb Carpentry invoice for a merbau deck job, checked line by line against what business.gov.au's "How to invoice" page says a correct tax invoice needs. It's worth knowing what each part is doing, not just copying the layout.
The heading says "Tax Invoice" because the business is GST-registered. Underneath sit the business name and the ABN, both required. The invoice number and date are on the right. Each line, decking supply, deck labour, balustrade and the external door, states what was supplied with the quantity and the unit price, so the customer can see exactly what they're paying for and how the total was built. GST is worked out per line and shown in its own column, then totalled at the bottom.
The job comes to $9,605.20, and that matters: business.gov.au's rule is that any sale of $1,000 or more must also show the buyer's identity or ABN. That's the name and address under "To:". The note about the accepted quote and the deposit isn't an ATO requirement. It's what stops a builder's bookkeeper ringing to ask what the invoice is for.
The example
Example invoice for a carpenter
TAX INVOICE
True Plumb Carpentry
| Description | Qty | Unit (ex GST) | GST | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply merbau decking 140x19 (per m², laid area) | 24 | $98.00 | $235.20 | $2,587.20 |
| Labour: deck frame & laying (per m²) | 24 | $145.00 | $348.00 | $3,828.00 |
| Supply & install balustrade (per lineal metre) | 9 | $280.00 | $252.00 | $2,772.00 |
| Hang external door incl. hardware | 1 | $380.00 | $38.00 | $418.00 |
| Subtotal (ex GST) | $8,732.00 | |||
| GST | $873.20 | |||
| Total (inc GST) | $9,605.20 | |||
As per quote Q-0071 accepted 02/08. 50% deposit received, balance due 7 days.
Want this as a blank fill-in PDF? Grab the free carpenter invoice template or skip the paperwork and generate one already filled in, free.
Trade-specific rules
GST notes for carpenters
Carpentry Services: framing, fix-out, decks and doors, usually quoted per job or per square metre with materials either supplied or on-charged.
- Subcontracting to a builder? Invoices of $1,000+ (inc GST) must show the builder's identity or ABN; bookkeepers will bounce it otherwise.
- Retention clauses (builder holds 5–10%) don't change the invoice: you invoice the full amount, the retention is a payment term, not a discount.
- Quote numbers on invoices get you paid faster: reference the accepted quote so the amount is pre-agreed in the customer's mind.
Related
Before you send it
- Not registered for GST, or not sure? The sole trader invoice template has a no-GST version of this layout, and invoicing without GST in Australia explains what changes on the page.
- Invoicing a builder as a subbie? Read the subcontractor invoice guide for progress claims, variations and retention.
- Tired of retyping your details? The best invoice app for tradies and sole traders compares the apps Aussie carpenters actually use, with current prices.
Fair questions
FAQ
Square metres or hours: which should I bill?
Whatever you quoted. m² reads better for defined scopes like decks; hourly suits repair and fix-out work. The example mixes both, which is normal.
What description detail does the ATO need?
Enough to identify what was supplied: 'Labour: deck frame & laying, 24m²' passes easily. One-word descriptions like 'work' are where audits get tedious.
GST on labour-only subcontracting?
If you're GST-registered, yes. Labour-only supply is taxable. If your turnover is under $75k and you're not registered, you charge no GST and issue a regular invoice headed 'Invoice'.
What does a correct example of an invoice look like in Australia?
It has the words 'Tax Invoice' if you're GST-registered, the business name and ABN, an invoice number and date, a line for each thing supplied with quantity and price, and the GST worked out per line. Sales of $1,000 or more also need the buyer's name or ABN. The carpenter invoice above ticks off every one of those.
Where can I see other invoice examples for Australian tradies?
Every trade template on this site has one: electrician, plumber, cleaner, builder and more, each under /templates with a filled-in example matching that trade's line items. Compare a few to see how the format stays the same while the line items change.
Invoices in 60 seconds, from your phone
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More free stuff: the invoice generator, the carpenter template, or templates for other trades.