Free template
Invoice template for NZ trades
What a New Zealand invoice legally needs for GST, in plain English — and a layout you can copy. Current as of the 2023 taxable supply information rules.
What your invoice must show (GST-registered)
| Any sale | Your business name and GST number · invoice date · description of the goods/services · the price, with GST shown separately or "total includes GST" stated |
| Sales over $1,000 | All of the above, plus the buyer's name and one identifier (address, phone, email, or NZBN) |
| Good practice (not law) | Invoice number · due date · your bank account number · the job/site address |
Since 1 April 2023 IRD calls this “taxable supply information” — the old “tax invoice” wording is no longer required, but still fine to use.
Example layout
Smith Plumbing Ltd
027 123 4567 · smith@example.co.nz · GST 123-456-789
TAX INVOICE #INV-0107
Issued 14 July 2026 · Due 21 July 2026
To: Jane Doe, 12 Example St, Christchurch — Hot water cylinder replacement
| 180L cylinder, supplied & installed | $1,725.00 |
| Disposal of old cylinder | $60.00 |
Subtotal: $1,785.00
GST (15%): $267.75
Total due: $2,052.75
Payment to 12-3456-7890123-00 by 21 July 2026. Please use INV-0107 as reference.
Common questions
- What must a GST invoice include in NZ?
- Under the taxable supply information rules (which replaced the old "tax invoice" rules on 1 April 2023): your name and GST number, the date, a description of what was supplied, and the amount with the GST shown — either as a separate GST figure or a statement that the total includes GST. For sales over $1,000 you also need the buyer's name and address or other identifying details.
- Do my invoices need to say "Tax Invoice"?
- Not any more — the requirement to use the words "Tax Invoice" was removed in April 2023. Most NZ businesses still use the heading and that is completely fine; buyers and bookkeepers recognise it.
- I'm not GST registered — what do I put on my invoice?
- Just leave GST off entirely: no GST number, no GST line, and do not add 15%. Charging GST while unregistered is illegal. The invoice otherwise looks the same.
- What payment terms should a tradie use?
- "Due 7 days from invoice date" is the most common for residential trade work in NZ. Put your bank account number on the invoice and state the due date as an actual date, not just "7 days".
- What can I do about late payers?
- Invoice the same day you finish the job (invoices sent same-day get paid noticeably faster), state a due date, and send a polite reminder the day after it passes. For persistent non-payers: a formal letter, then the Disputes Tribunal for amounts under $30,000.