No GST Invoice Template Free

No GST Invoice Template (For Non-Registered Businesses)

Not registered for GST? You still need to invoice. And you need to do it without accidentally pretending you charge GST when you don't. Here's how, with the right template and the rules you actually have to follow.

Who Needs a "No GST" Invoice?

Plenty of people, actually. Most new sole traders and small businesses sit below the GST threshold for a while. Some never register because they want to keep prices simple, or because their customers don't care about GST credits.

• Australia: Anyone under $75,000 turnover (12 month rolling) is not required to register for GST.
• UK: Under £90,000 turnover (raised from £85K in April 2024) means no VAT registration required.
• Canada: Small suppliers under $30,000 over 4 quarters don't need GST/HST registration.
• New Zealand: Under $60,000 turnover, GST registration is optional.
• Singapore: Under SGD $1 million, GST registration is optional.

If that's you, this template is what you need.

Rules for a Non-GST Invoice

The rules are simpler than for GST registered invoices, but there are still things you cannot do.

Rule 1: Don't call it a Tax Invoice. "Tax Invoice" specifically means the invoice contains tax (GST/VAT). Calling a non-GST invoice a "Tax Invoice" is misleading and in some countries it's actually illegal. Use "Invoice."

Rule 2: Don't add a GST or VAT line. Sounds obvious but new sole traders sometimes copy a friend's invoice template that has a GST line and accidentally include it. If you're not registered, no GST line. Period.

Rule 3: Don't say "GST included" or "Inc. GST." You're not collecting GST, so it's not included. Just show the price.

Rule 4: Still include your tax ID. Even without GST registration, include your ABN (Australia), UTR (UK), BN (Canada), or equivalent. This isn't about GST, it's about identity. In Australia, missing ABN means 47% withholding from business payments.

What a No GST Invoice Looks Like

Here's a real example for a freelance writer in Australia, not GST registered.

Clean. No GST line. Note at the bottom explicitly states no GST is charged. Optional but transparent and avoids confusion.

Should You Add a "No GST Charged" Note?

Optional but recommended. A short line at the bottom like "This business is not registered for GST. No GST is charged on this invoice" prevents the client's accounts team from assuming GST is included and trying to claim it back (they'd fail).

Other ways to phrase it.

• "Not registered for GST. Total amount payable: $X."
• "GST not applicable. Total $X."
• "Invoice does not include GST. ABN holder is not GST registered."

All work. Pick one.

Pricing Without GST: Are You Charging Less?

Common confusion. If you're not GST registered, are you cheaper than registered competitors?

Selling to consumers (B2C): Yes, in effect. A registered business selling for $110 (including 10% GST) is competing with you selling for $100 with no GST. The consumer pays less to you.

Selling to businesses (B2B): Not really. A registered business pays $110 to a registered competitor and claims back the $10 GST credit, so net cost is $100. Same as your $100 with no GST. The B2B client doesn't care.

Worth noting because some sole traders price too low thinking they're "saving the client GST." For B2B clients, you're not. Calculate your real hourly rate and price accordingly.

Voluntary GST Registration: When It Makes Sense

You can register for GST even if you're below the threshold. Here's when it's worth it.

Pro: You can claim GST back on business expenses. Tools, software, vehicle costs, office supplies, accountant fees. If you're spending $20K on business expenses with GST, that's $1,818 back per year.

Pro: Looks more established. Some bigger clients prefer dealing with GST registered suppliers because it's simpler for their bookkeeping.

Con: Quarterly BAS lodgement. Extra paperwork. Hire an accountant or use software (more cost).

Con: 10% more expensive to consumers. If most clients are individuals, voluntary registration makes you 10% more expensive (assuming you can't absorb it).

Talk to an accountant before registering. Once registered, you can't easily un-register.

Crossing the Threshold: What to Do

If your turnover is approaching the GST threshold, plan ahead.

Australia: Once you cross $75K rolling turnover, you have 21 days to register. Backdate it if you're already over.

UK: Once you exceed £90K in any 12 month period, you must register for VAT within 30 days.

Canada: $30K over 4 quarters triggers GST/HST registration immediately.

Once registered, switch your invoices to "Tax Invoice" format. Add the GST/VAT line. Update your client communications so they know prices may need to change. VAT invoice template or Australia tax invoice template for after registration.

Tools and Resources

Use the free invoice generator. Toggle GST off (it's off by default). The output PDF won't include any GST line. Add your ABN/UTR/BN, your client details, line items, payment info, and download.

Other useful pages: sole trader template AU, self-employed tax invoice guide, common invoicing mistakes to avoid.