Worked example · Electricians
Electrician invoice example: what a correct one looks like
The fastest way to sanity-check your own invoice is against a realistic one. Below is a filled-in example for a typical residential sparkie job (supply-and-install downlights plus a switchboard inspection) showing how the licence number, call-out fee, materials markup and GST-per-line should read.
Every figure follows ATO tax invoice rules: GST is one-eleventh of each GST-inclusive line, shown per item, with the "Tax Invoice" heading and ABN up top.
The example
Example invoice for an electrician
TAX INVOICE
Volt & Vine Electrical
| Description | Qty | Unit (ex GST) | GST | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call-out / first hour on site | 1 | $120.00 | $12.00 | $132.00 |
| Supply & install LED downlight (IC-4 rated) | 8 | $85.00 | $68.00 | $748.00 |
| Replace single-phase switchboard circuit breaker | 2 | $95.00 | $19.00 | $209.00 |
| Additional labour (per hour) | 1.5 | $110.00 | $16.50 | $181.50 |
| Certificate of electrical safety lodgement | 1 | $45.00 | $4.50 | $49.50 |
| Subtotal (ex GST) | $1,200.00 | |||
| GST | $120.00 | |||
| Total (inc GST) | $1,320.00 | |||
Lic. NSW 337712C. Payment within 7 days. Certificate of electrical safety lodged 14/08.
Want this as a blank fill-in PDF? Grab the free electrician invoice template or skip the paperwork and generate one already filled in, free.
Trade-specific rules
GST notes for electricians
Electrical Services: one of the largest sole-trader trades in Australia, with most sparkies invoicing a mix of labour, materials at markup, and fixed call-out fees.
- Include your electrical licence number near your ABN; plan managers, builders and real-estate agents will bounce invoices without it.
- Materials you on-sell (fittings, cable, breakers) carry GST at your marked-up price, not your trade price; GST is calculated on what you charge the customer.
- A certificate of electrical safety (or equivalent in your state) is a taxable supply like any other line, so don't leave it off the invoice as a freebie unless you mean to.
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 electricians actually use, with current prices.
Fair questions
FAQ
Is GST added on top of my hourly rate or included?
Either works, as long as the invoice is clear. If you quote $110/hr inc GST, the GST portion is $10 (one-eleventh). If you quote $110 + GST, the line total is $121. The example shows ex-GST rates with GST added.
What if the customer is a builder claiming GST credits?
Nothing changes on your side, but a correct Tax Invoice matters more, because the builder needs it to claim the credit. Invoices of $1,000+ (inc GST) must also show the builder's identity or ABN.
Can I invoice before the certificate of safety is issued?
You can invoice when the work is done under most terms, but many electricians line the certificate up with the final invoice so the paper trail matches. Check your contract terms for staged work.
Invoices in 60 seconds, from your phone
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More free stuff: the invoice generator, the electrician template, or templates for other trades.