Worked example · Plasterers
Plasterer invoice example: what a correct one looks like
The example below is a two-room extension for a builder: supply and hang 10 mm plasterboard to walls and ceilings, set and sand to a Level 4 finish, run 90 mm cove cornice, and patch around the new window openings. Areas and lengths are on every line, so the builder can check them against the plans.
The finish level is in the description. Whether the job was quoted to a Level 4 or Level 5 finish is the most common plastering dispute, and writing it on the invoice settles it.
The example
Example invoice for a plasterer
TAX INVOICE
Smooth Line Plastering
| Description | Qty | Unit (ex GST) | GST | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply and hang 10 mm plasterboard, walls and ceilings (per m²) | 96 | $24.00 | $230.40 | $2,534.40 |
| Set, sand and finish to Level 4 (per m²) | 96 | $18.00 | $172.80 | $1,900.80 |
| Supply and fix 90 mm cove cornice (per lineal metre) | 38 | $16.00 | $60.80 | $668.80 |
| Patch and set around 3 new window openings | 3 | $120.00 | $36.00 | $396.00 |
| Subtotal (ex GST) | $5,000.00 | |||
| GST | $500.00 | |||
| Total (inc GST) | $5,500.00 | |||
Subcontract SC-0412, progress claim 2 of 2. Payment terms 14 days per subcontract.
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Trade-specific rules
GST notes for plasterers
Plastering and ceiling services: plasterboard hung and set per m², cornice per lineal metre, patch repairs by the job, often subcontracted to a builder.
- Plasterboard, compound, cornice and screws you supply carry GST at your charged price. If the builder supplies the board, invoice labour only and say so in the description.
- Builder subcontracts usually pay by stage (hang, then set, then final). Each progress claim is its own tax invoice with every required element.
- Labour-only subbies invoicing a builder over $1,000 must show the builder's name or ABN on the tax invoice.
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 plasterers actually use, with current prices.
Fair questions
FAQ
Why state the finish level?
Because a Level 4 and a Level 5 finish are different amounts of work, and critical lighting can make a Level 4 look wrong. Naming it on the invoice records what was quoted and delivered.
Builder supplied the board. What changes?
Your line becomes "hang 10 mm plasterboard, board supplied by builder" at a labour-only rate. Only charge GST on what you actually supply: your labour and any compound or cornice you bought.
Can I add a return visit for touch-ups?
If touch-ups were caused by other trades after handover, yes, as a separate line referencing the date and the reason. If they were part of your own scope, they are not a new charge.
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