Built for Australian construction
Free Construction Invoice Generator Australia
Create ATO-compliant construction invoices and progress claims in your browser. Includes progress claim tracking, variations, retention, labour and materials split, and GST, built specifically for Australian builders, contractors, and subcontractors. No sign-up required.
How to Create a Construction Invoice in Australia
- 1
Enter your contractor details and licence number
Add your business name, ABN, address, and contractor or builder licence number.
- 2
Add the site address and project details
Enter the job site address, project name, and contract or PO number.
- 3
Choose invoice type - standard or progress claim
Toggle progress claim to add claim number, claim period, and stage milestone.
- 4
Add labour, materials, and variations as line items
List each line with type (labour, materials, plant), quantity, and rate. Add approved variations separately.
- 5
Apply retention if required by your contract
Enable retention and set the percentage. The tool calculates the deduction automatically.
- 6
Download PDF or print
Review the live preview, then print or download an ATO-compliant PDF.
What Is a Progress Claim in Australian Construction?
A progress claim is a payment request tied to a milestone or stage of work on a construction project. Unlike a one-off invoice for completed work, progress claims are issued periodically as the project advances, for example at slab pour, frame complete, or lockup. In Australia, progress claims are governed by Security of Payment legislation in each state and territory, which gives contractors and subcontractors the right to receive timely payment for work done.
This tool lets you toggle "This is a progress claim" to add a claim number, claim period, and stage description. The invoice header updates to "Progress Claim - Tax Invoice" and your claim details appear on the printed PDF, ready to submit as a payment claim under your state's Security of Payment Act.
Construction Invoice vs Progress Claim - What's the Difference?
| Construction Invoice | Progress Claim | |
|---|---|---|
| When used | One-off or final payment | Milestone/stage billing |
| Governed by | ATO invoicing rules | SOPA + ATO rules |
| Contains | Labour, materials, GST | All of the above + claim no., stage, retention |
| Who uses it | Small tradies, subcontractors | Builders, head contractors, subbies on larger projects |
What Must a Builder's Invoice Include in Australia?
Australian tax invoices must meet ATO requirements. Construction invoices often include additional fields that clients and contracts expect, including site address, licence number, and progress claim details for milestone billing.
- The words "Tax Invoice" (or "Progress Claim - Tax Invoice" for payment claims)
- Your business identity and ABN
- Issue date and invoice or claim number
- Buyer identity (and ABN for sales of $1,000 or more inc. GST)
- Site or job address
- Description of work with quantities and prices
- GST amount or statement that total includes GST
- Contractor or builder licence number (often required by contract)
- Progress claim number, period, and stage (for milestone billing)
Security of Payment Act (SOPA) - What Builders Need to Know
Each Australian state and territory has its own Security of Payment Act that protects contractors' right to progress payments. A payment claim must be clearly identified as such, and the respondent typically has 10 business days to issue a payment schedule in response.
Include a SOPA reference in the Notes section of your payment claim, for example, "This invoice is a Payment Claim made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic)." This establishes the legal standing of your claim. Note: this tool generates the invoice or claim document only. Seek legal advice for disputed claims or complex contractual matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this construction invoice generator free?
- Yes. Free, no sign-up, no watermarks, unlimited use.
- Can I use this for progress claims?
- Yes. Toggle "This is a progress claim" to add a claim number, claim period, and stage milestone. The invoice header updates automatically.
- Does it handle GST on construction invoices?
- Yes. Toggle "GST registered" to add 10% GST on all taxable line items. Retention is deducted after GST is calculated, consistent with ATO rules.
- What is retention on a construction invoice?
- Retention is a percentage (typically 5-10%) withheld from each progress payment until practical completion of the project. This tool calculates and displays retention automatically.
- Can I add variations to my invoice?
- Yes. The Approved Variations section lets you add separately approved scope changes with their own reference numbers and amounts, separate from your main line items.
- Do I need a builder's licence number on my invoice?
- Your licence number is not legally required on an invoice under ATO rules, but many clients and contracts require it. It establishes your credentials and helps clients verify your registration. Always include it on construction invoices.
- What is the Security of Payment Act?
- Each Australian state has a Security of Payment Act (SOPA) that gives contractors and subcontractors the right to receive progress payments for construction work. Including a SOPA reference in your payment claim notes establishes your claim's legal standing. The relevant acts are: NSW - Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999; VIC - Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002; QLD - Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017; WA - Construction Contracts Act 2004; SA - Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009; TAS - Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009; ACT - Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2009; NT - Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004.