Eagle InvoiceBuilder invoice template
A builder's invoice is usually a progress claim: stage name, stage percentage, amount due. Keep every claim in the same format as the contract's payment schedule so clients and certifiers can tick them off instantly.
What every Australian tax invoice must show
- The words “Tax invoice” shown clearly at the top
- Your business name and your ABN
- The invoice date and a unique invoice number
- What you supplied — the work done, with quantities or areas
- The GST amount — either shown separately, or a note that the total includes 10% GST
- For sales of $1,000 or more (incl. GST), the buyer’s name or ABN as well
These come from the ATO's tax-invoice rules — they apply to every trade. Eagle Invoice fills all of them in for you automatically.
Sample line items for a builder invoice
| Line item | Unit | Typical range* |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit on signing | stage | 5–10% (check your state's cap) |
| Base stage (slab / subfloor down) | stage | 10–15% |
| Frame stage | stage | 15–20% |
| Lock-up stage | stage | 25–35% |
| Fixing + completion stages | stages | balance split |
*Illustrative ranges only — set rates that work for your business. Eagle Invoice lets you save your own line items and reuse them on every invoice.
Payment terms that get you paid faster
- Write the due date in plain words — “Due within 14 days” — not just “Net 14”. People pay plain words.
- Put your bank transfer / PayID details (or a card payment link) right on the invoice. Every extra step between the client and paying costs you days.
- If you took a deposit, show the full job total, the deposit as a credit line, and the balance owing — never invoice just the balance with no context.
- Reference the stage exactly as the contract names it (e.g. 'Frame stage — 15%') — disputes about stages stall payments for weeks.
- Chase overdue invoices the day after they fall due — a polite text with the invoice attached beats an angry phone call a month later.
Common questions
Do builders charge GST on invoices?
If you're registered for GST, show the ex-GST amount, the 10% GST, and the total separately — clients trust a quote they can follow. Once the job is done, the invoice for anything over $82.50 (incl. GST) must be a proper tax invoice showing your ABN.
How do I show a deposit on the final invoice?
Show the full job total first, then the deposit as its own minus line (a credit), and the balance owing at the bottom. That way the invoice tells the whole story of the job — never send an invoice for just the balance with no reference to the original amount.
When should the invoice go out?
The same day the work is finished — while the client can still see the result. Invoices sent a week late get paid a week late, minimum. On bigger staged jobs, invoice each stage the day it's reached, exactly as the quote's payment schedule said.