Why Invoicing Matters More Than You Think
As a freelancer, your invoicing process is your cash flow engine. It doesn't matter how talented you are or how much work you book — if your invoicing is sloppy, late, or confusing, you'll spend your time chasing money instead of doing the work you love.
Good invoicing isn't just about getting paid. It's about looking professional, meeting your tax obligations, and building a sustainable freelance business. Here are ten tips that will make a real difference.
1. Always Include Your ABN
If you have an Australian Business Number (ABN), it must appear on every invoice. This isn't just best practice — it's a legal requirement under certain circumstances, and omitting it has real financial consequences.
If you provide a service to a business and don't quote your ABN, they are legally required to withhold 47% of your payment and send it to the ATO. You'll get this money back when you lodge your tax return, but in the meantime, you're out almost half your income.
Action: Put your ABN in your invoice template header so it appears on every invoice automatically.