Can I Invoice Without GST Registration?
Yes. If you are not registered for GST, you simply issue a plain invoice with no GST added. You should still quote your ABN on it.
In this answer
- Confirm you can invoice without GST registration
- Know what to leave off a non-GST invoice
- Understand why the ABN still matters
- Find out where to confirm your registration position
4 min
Yes — with no GST on it
You do not need to be registered for GST to send an invoice. If you are not registered — commonly because your turnover sits below the registration threshold — you issue a plain invoice that simply does not include any GST. You charge your price, and that is the amount payable. There is no GST line because there is no GST to collect or remit.
This is perfectly normal for smaller businesses and side ventures. The important thing is to be consistent: if you are not registered, do not add a GST amount and do not label the document a 'tax invoice', because both imply GST is in play. Keep it simple and accurate.
What to leave off
An invoice from an unregistered business should not show a GST amount, should not state that the price includes GST, and should not carry the words 'tax invoice'. Those elements all signal to a buyer that they can claim a GST credit — which they cannot, because you are not charging GST. Including them by mistake can mislead your customer and create confusion at their end.
What you keep is the rest of a clear invoice: your business name, the date, a description of what you supplied, the amount payable, and your payment details. The result is a straightforward request for payment with no GST mechanics attached.
Why the ABN still belongs
Even without GST registration, you should still quote your ABN. The two are separate: an ABN identifies your business, while GST registration is about collecting tax. Leaving the ABN off can trigger withholding by business customers, regardless of your GST status. So a non-GST invoice still shows your ABN — it just stops short of any GST detail. If you are unsure whether you should be registered, or whether withholding might apply, confirm both with the ATO or your accountant.
Keeping it tidy
A clean non-GST invoice is easy to produce with our free invoice tools. If you want to compare the two document types, see invoice versus tax invoice.
This is general information only, not tax or legal advice. GST registration rules depend on your situation and change over time — confirm your position with the ATO or your accountant.
Key takeaways
- You can invoice without GST registration — just add no GST.
- Do not label it a 'tax invoice' or show a GST amount.
- Still quote your ABN to avoid withholding by business customers.
- Keep the usual details: name, date, description, amount and payment terms.
- Confirm your registration position with the ATO or your accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I add GST if I'm not registered?
No. If you are not registered for GST, you do not add it to your invoices. Confirm your registration position with the ATO or your accountant.
Can I still call it a tax invoice?
No — that label implies GST. Use a plain invoice instead. See our answer on invoice versus tax invoice.
Should I still put my ABN on it?
Yes. The ABN is separate from GST and helps avoid withholding by business customers. Quote it on every invoice.
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