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Sole Trader Invoice Template NZ

A sole trader invoice in NZ needs your name or trade name, the date, what you supplied and the amount. Add your GST number and the GST once you are registered. This free generator builds GST-ready invoices with those fields for NZ sole traders, tradies and freelancers.

No signup needed for the generator • Free plan available • GST-ready

At $60,000 of turnover, your invoice becomes a tax invoice.

The last twelve months or the next twelve, not a tax year.

Under $60,000

Not GST-registered

  1. 01GST registration is optional - the choice is yours.
  2. 02Your invoice shows your total without a GST number or GST lines.
  3. 03Do not charge or show GST.

Over $60,000

GST-registered

  1. 01Registration becomes compulsory: apply within 21 days of crossing the threshold.
  2. 02Your invoice carries the GST information IRD requires.
  3. 03Show your GST number, and the 15% GST as its own line or a statement that the total includes it.

What is a sole trader invoice?

A sole trader invoice is a bill you send to clients for goods or services provided. As a sole trader (self-employed person) in New Zealand, your invoice is how you officially request payment and create a record for tax purposes. New to invoicing? Read our complete step-by-step guide to invoicing as a sole trader.

Once your turnover reaches $60,000 in the last twelve months, or you expect it to in the next twelve, GST registration becomes mandatory and your invoices must carry the taxable supply information IRD requires (the old "tax invoice"), including your GST number and the GST amount on sales over $200. Checked against IRD's GST guide (IR375, March 2026) on 26 October 2026.

Pro tip: ensure your invoices are legally valid - check the full Taxable Supply Information rules to avoid payment delays.
Quick tip: even if you're not GST registered, keeping proper invoices helps you track income and claim legitimate business expenses at tax time.

What to include on your sole trader invoice

Your business details

  • Trading name or your name
  • Business address
  • Contact details (phone, email)
  • GST number (if registered)

Client details

  • Client name or business name
  • One buyer identifier (address, phone number, email address, trading name, NZBN, or website) - only if the buyer is GST registered, for invoices over $1,000
  • Email for delivery

Invoice details

  • Unique invoice number
  • Invoice date
  • Due date
  • Payment terms

Line items and totals

  • Description of work/goods
  • Quantity and rate
  • Subtotal (excl. GST)
  • GST amount (15%)
  • Total (incl. GST)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I issue an invoice without GST?
Yes, if you are not GST registered. Send an invoice that shows your total with no GST number and no GST lines, and do not charge GST. IRD says you can choose to register for GST while your turnover is under $60,000. Once you are registered, show your GST number and the GST on sales over $200.
What is required on an invoice in NZ?
Your name or trade name, the invoice date, a description of what you supplied and the amount. If you are GST registered, over $200 you also need your GST number and either the GST-exclusive, GST and GST-inclusive amounts or the GST-inclusive amount with a statement that GST is included (IRD GST guide IR375, checked 26 October 2026).
Do sole traders need to charge GST in NZ?
You must register for GST once your turnover reaches $60,000 in the last twelve months, or you expect it to in the next twelve. Once registered, you charge 15% GST on all taxable supplies. If you're under the threshold, GST registration is optional but can be beneficial if you have significant business expenses.
What's the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?
Since 1 April 2023 IRD asks for taxable supply information rather than a document headed 'tax invoice'. In practice a tax invoice is a GST-compliant invoice that includes your GST number and shows the GST component. A plain invoice is fine if you are not GST registered. Both request payment, but a registered buyer needs the GST information to claim GST back.
How soon should I send an invoice?
Send your invoice as soon as the work is completed or goods are delivered. Prompt invoicing improves cash flow and looks professional. With Invio, you can create and send invoices from your phone while still on the job site.
What payment terms should sole traders use?
Common payment terms for sole traders are 7 days, 14 days, or "Due on Receipt". Shorter terms (7 days) typically result in faster payment. For larger jobs, consider requesting a deposit upfront and balance on completion.

Start invoicing as a sole trader today

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