Consulting work often spans conversations, preparation and a final recommendation. An invoice works best when those activities connect to the project your client approved, rather than appearing as a list of disconnected hours.
All names, project details and prices below are fictional. The amounts illustrate a readable layout; they are not suggested market rates. Replace every placeholder before sending your own invoice.
Fictional worked example · AUD
Invoice INV-0104
From: Example Studio
To: Willow & Co.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations workshop, 2 November — 3 hours | 3 | $150.00 | $450.00 |
| Workflow analysis and recommendations — 5 hours | 5 | $150.00 | $750.00 |
| Total payable (AUD) | $1,200.00 | ||
Illustrative non-GST invoice. GST has not been charged. Issued 8 November 2026; due 22 November 2026 under the example’s agreed 14-day terms.
Payment instructions: [your verified details] · Reference: INV-0104. Use your own business and client details in a real invoice.
Make the work easy to recognise
In this example, three workshop hours at A$150 and five analysis hours at A$150 total A$1,200, with no GST charged by the fictional unregistered seller. Each row gives the client a recognisable activity and the agreed basis of the charge.
If you work on a monthly retainer, name the service month and included scope instead. Do not add hourly charges for work already covered by the retainer unless the extra work was separately agreed.
Check these details before sending
Use your own legal or business identity, contact details and ABN where applicable. Address the invoice to the correct billing entity and include the purchase-order or approval reference if the client needs one. Add the issue date, unique invoice number, currency, agreed due date and verified payment instructions.
This example uses a standard invoice for a seller who is not GST-registered. If you are registered and the sale is taxable, use a tax invoice with the required tax details instead. See the linked invoice guide for the differences.
- Service period and project reference are correct.
- Preparation, meetings and travel follow the agreed billing rules.
- Any cap, retainer allowance or earlier payment has been accounted for.
Keep a useful record behind the invoice
Retain the agreed scope, delivery or acceptance record, and supporting expenses or time entries. They help you answer a question without asking the client to take your memory as the only record.
If you have already received a deposit or another payment, make the remaining amount clear and avoid billing it again. The blank template is a starting point, not a contract or a replacement for industry-specific requirements.
Make the next one quicker
Save descriptions that accurately reflect repeat work, and update the project, period and quantities each time. Read through the draft once before sending; a reused template should save you typing without carrying old details into a new job.
Lufu can keep client details and invoice items together, so you can spend less time rebuilding the paperwork and more time on the work itself.
Make it your own
Blank consultant invoice template
INVOICE From: [your legal/business name] ABN: [your ABN where applicable] Contact: [your email and contact details] To: [client’s legal/business name and billing details] Invoice number: [unique reference] Issue date: [date] Due date: [agreed date] Currency: [currency code] Project / purchase order: [reference] [Consulting project and service period]: [description, quantity, unit price and line total] [Additional agreed items] Subtotal: [amount] [GST details only if registered and applicable; use a compliant tax invoice for taxable sales] Less payments already received: [amount, if applicable] Amount now due: [currency code and amount] Pay using: [your verified payment instructions] Payment reference: [invoice number] Questions: [contact email] [If not registered: GST has not been charged.] Before sending: replace every bracketed field and check the totals, registration, dates and payment details.
A little context: this is general information for Australian businesses, not advice for your individual tax or legal position. Tax details were checked against the linked official guidance on 1 November 2026. For decisions about your circumstances, a registered tax agent or qualified adviser can help.