Invoicing is a critical part of any business, and the right software can make all the difference. For Australian businesses, it’s essential to have invoicing tools that comply with GST regulations, support BAS lodgement, and integrate smoothly with other financial systems.
Whether you’re managing payments, tracking expenses, or staying tax-compliant, the right software will improve efficiency and accuracy. In this blog, we review the top invoicing software options in Australia, highlighting key features, pricing, and how they meet the specific needs of local businesses.
Software | Starting Price | Trial Period | Free version |
---|---|---|---|
Refrens | $214/year | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Square Invoice | $240/year | ✔️ | ✔️ |
MYOB | $130/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
Billdu | $312/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
Invoice2go | $79.99/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
QuickBooks | $540/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
FreshBooks | $288/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
Zoho Invoice | Free | – | ✔️ |
Reckon | $240/year | – | – |
Xero | $420/year | ✔️ | ❌ |
Must-Have Features in Invoicing Software for Australian Businesses
- GST & BAS Compliance: The software must automatically calculate GST and streamline the Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgment to meet Australian tax regulations.
- Customizable Invoices: Ensure the software allows the creation of personalized invoices that reflect your brand, with customizable templates and fields.
- Multi-Currency Support: The ability to handle multiple currencies and automatic conversion is crucial for businesses dealing with international clients.
- Automated Payment Reminders: The software should automatically send payment reminders via email or SMS to ensure timely client payments.
- Recurring Billing: Essential for businesses with subscription models, this feature automates sending recurring invoices.
- Bank Reconciliation: Seamless integration with your bank to automatically match transactions and reconcile accounts efficiently.
- Expense & Inventory Tracking: Keep track of expenses and manage inventory in real time, ensuring accurate financial records and stock levels.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Generate detailed financial reports such as profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for better decision-making.
- Cloud Access: Opt for a cloud-based solution to access your invoicing software from anywhere, ensuring flexibility and data security.
- Third-Party Integration: The software should integrate smoothly with other tools like accounting platforms, payment gateways, or CRM systems to streamline workflows.
1. Refrens
Refrens, trusted by over 150,000 users across 178 countries, is a robust platform designed to help small and mid-sized businesses easily manage their invoicing needs. It streamlines crucial tasks like accounting, inventory management, and expense tracking, while also allowing users to efficiently create and handle invoices, quotes, and purchase orders.
Key Features:
- Customizable Invoices: Design professional, branded invoices with customizable templates.
- Effortless Invoice Sharing: Share invoices instantly via email, PDF, WhatsApp, or direct links with a single click.
- Streamlined Invoice Conversion: Convert quotations into invoices, and invoices into credit notes or sales orders effortlessly, simplifying your transaction management.
- Automated Payment Reminders: Automatically send reminders to customers for pending payments.
- Recurring Billing: Automate the invoicing process for recurring services, ensuring consistent cash flow without manual effort.
- Audit Trails: Maintain a detailed log of invoice changes, offering transparency and accountability within your team.
- Comprehensive Reporting & Analytics: Access detailed reports such as profit and loss, client activity, and expense summaries for real-time business insights.
- Expense Management: Easily track and manage your business expenses, keeping accurate records alongside your invoicing and financial data.
- Automatic Accounting: Refrens automatically update your accounting records when invoices, expenses, and payments are processed, saving time and reducing manual data entry.
- Invoice API Integration: Generate invoices directly from your website or app using Refrens’ Invoice API, seamlessly integrating invoicing into your workflow.
- Third-Party Integrations: Boost productivity by integrating with platforms like WhatsApp, Shopify, and Facebook, streamlining communication and workflows.
Additional Features:
Refrens goes beyond invoicing, providing tools like sales CRM for lead tracking, pipeline management, and client/vendor management. It also automates inventory, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $0
- Books Essential: $214/year
- Books Pro: $447/year
Pros
- Easy to create professional and customized invoices, making invoicing straightforward and efficient.
- Helpful features like VAT management, tax calculation, and a user-friendly design simplify financial management for businesses.
- Excellent customer support, known for quick response and issue resolution, which enhances user experience.
Cons
- Issues with the mobile app.
2. Square Invoice
Square Invoices is a comprehensive invoicing solution that helps businesses manage invoicing, payments, and contracts. It enables users to create professional estimates, send invoices, and request payments, all while keeping track of every transaction. Offering flexible payment options and real-time tracking, it’s designed for businesses that want to get paid faster and keep everything organized.
Key Features:
- Batch Invoicing: Allows users to send multiple invoices at once, saving time and simplifying bulk billing.
- Milestone-Based Payments: Supports payment schedules tied to project milestones, offering flexibility in payment terms for ongoing projects.
- Custom Fields: Enables customization of contracts and invoices with specific fields to suit unique business needs and client requirements.
- Flexible Payment Options: Let customers pay via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank transfers, and more—both online and in-person.
- Recurring Billing: Automate your invoicing with recurring billing options and reminders for payments.
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor when your invoices are delivered, viewed, and paid, all in real time.
- Customizable Invoices: Tailor your invoices with your business logo and brand colors to maintain a professional look.
- Estimate to Invoice Conversion: Convert accepted estimates into invoices with just one click.
- Project Tracking: Manage projects from start to finish and track invoices, contracts, and payments through one central dashboard.
- Insightful Reports: Get detailed reports on cash flow, employees, and services to make informed decisions.
Additional Features:
Customers can pay via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or ACH, online or in-person. Manage directories, refunds, and inventory with QuickBooks and Xero integration for seamless business management.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Plus Plan: $20/month
Pros:
- Easy to send invoices, and clients find it simple to make payments
- Effectively tracks outstanding invoices, making payment status easy to monitor
- Invoices can be sent from the business address, adding a professional touch
Cons:
- Fees for using the service can be a downside for some users
- Limited ability to edit current line items after the invoice is sent
- Errors with email addresses can lead to issues with invoice delivery
3. MYOB
MYOB Invoicing Software is a versatile tool designed to help businesses create and send invoices quickly and professionally. With custom templates and prefilled GST calculations, MYOB streamlines the invoicing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This platform supports a range of payment options to help businesses get paid faster and stay on top of their cash flow.
Key Features:
- Customizable Invoice Templates: Personalize your invoices with your logo and branding for a professional touch.
- Automated Invoice Reminders: Automatically send reminders to late payers, ensuring faster payments and improved cash flow.
- Payment Options: Accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and BPAY, making it convenient for your customers to pay.
- Quote-to-Invoice Conversion: Seamlessly convert quotes into invoices with prefilled GST calculations for accuracy.
- Real-Time Tracking: Track which invoices are paid and which are still pending, all from one dashboard.
- Expense Tracking: Snap pictures of receipts and forward bills directly from your inbox for easy expense management.
- Payroll Integration: Add payroll for up to 2 employees with MYOB’s affordable payroll solution.
Additional Features:
MYOB also offers tools to track jobs, scan and store receipts, and manage tax reporting. With up to two connected bank accounts, users can monitor transactions effortlessly. The software supports integration with other MYOB solutions like inventory and ERP systems, offering flexibility for growing businesses.
Pricing:
- MYOB Business Lite: $130/year
- MYOB Business Pro: $243/year
Pros:
- Easy-to-use invoice templates that look professional and customizable
- Invoice reminders and tracking features, showing when clients view invoices
- Effective integration with MYOB Capture for syncing invoices with CRM and quoting systems
Cons:
- Issues with syncing MYOB with other software, which can disrupt the invoicing workflow
- High costs for some businesses compared to similar invoicing software
- Limited functionality for invoicing in multiple currencies, requiring manual adjustments
4. Billdu
Billdu is a user-friendly invoicing software designed for small businesses. It offers quick and professional invoice generation, enabling users to create and send invoices, estimates, and other business documents from mobile devices or the web. With its expense tracking and payment options, Billdu helps businesses get paid faster while staying organized.
Key Features:
- Quick Invoicing: Create and send professional invoices and estimates in seconds, accessible from both web and mobile platforms.
- Payment Options: Accept payments via PayPal, credit card, and debit card, allowing customers to pay directly through the invoice.
- Expense Tracking: Effortlessly track business expenses and manage receipts with Billdu’s expense management tools.
- Invoice Status Tracking: Know when invoices are opened and read by customers, with real-time notifications.
- Team Collaboration: Invite team members to work together on invoices and projects, perfect for growing businesses.
- Customizable Invoices: Customize invoices with logos, colors, and signatures to align with your brand.
- Automation: Set recurring invoices and automate payment reminders to keep cash flow steady.
Additional Features:
Billdu also supports quotes, purchase orders, and delivery notes, making it a comprehensive tool for business operations. The platform is available across mobile devices, offering on-the-go business management with syncing across all devices. You can also integrate Billdu with external tools like Xero for accounting and ERP needs.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Lite Plan: $4.99/month
- Standard Plan: $9.99/month
- Premium Plan: $19.99/month
Pros:
- Allows for quick setup of professional invoices, estimates, and purchase orders across devices
- Includes recurring invoices, making it easy to bill regular clients automatically
- Tracks and syncs expenses in real-time, helping users stay organized and updated
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow and unresponsive, with limited troubleshooting help
- App reliability issues, such as random malfunctions and email functionality inconsistencies
- Limited customization options for invoice layout and additional features
5. Invoice2go
Invoice2go is an easy-to-use invoicing solution designed for small businesses. It allows users to create and send professional invoices in seconds, helping them get paid faster. With customizable templates and integrations with QuickBooks and Xero, Invoice2go streamlines the entire invoicing process, enabling users to stay organized and focused on growing their business.
Key Features:
- Customizable Invoices: Create beautifully formatted invoices with your logo, color schemes, and brand identity.
- Recurring Invoices: Set up automatic, recurring invoices for regular clients, streamlining the billing process.
- Send Invoices via Multiple Platforms: Share invoices through email, text, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, giving clients various ways to pay.
- Status Tracking: Get notified when clients view invoices and set automatic reminders for unpaid invoices.
- Time Tracking: Track billable hours and easily add them to invoices for accurate client billing.
- Client Approvals & Deposits: Allow clients to approve estimates and pay deposits online, which are then automatically converted to invoices.
- Appointment Scheduling: Add appointments to invoices, making it easy to track time spent on services.
- Integration with Accounting Software: Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero for a seamless accounting experience.
Additional Features:
Invoice2go also includes features like advanced reporting and project management. It supports unlimited clients and team members across all plans, making it suitable for growing businesses. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, allowing users to manage their invoicing on the go.
Pricing:
- Starter Plan: $49.99/month
- Professional Plan: $12.99/month
- Premium Plan: $7.99/month
Pros:
- Easy to use, especially on the iOS app, making invoicing accessible on the go
- Customizable features that allow businesses to tailor invoices to their needs
- Helpful for tracking income and expenses, streamlining financial management
Cons:
- Some users find it challenging to adjust certain settings, which can be confusing
- Invoices sometimes end up in clients’ spam or junk mail, leading to missed communications
- PDF attachments may occasionally fail to open for clients
6. QuickBooks
QuickBooks provides a robust invoicing solution for small businesses, allowing easy creation, customization, and tracking of invoices. It integrates with bank accounts, credit cards, and payroll systems for seamless financial management. With progress invoicing, it’s ideal for businesses handling extended projects, ensuring smooth and efficient billing.
Key Features:
- Customizable Invoices: Create and send personalized invoices with your business logo and color scheme.
- Bill Management: Organize and manage bills for streamlined payments and tracking.
- GST Tracking & BAS Lodgement: Track Goods and Services Tax and submit Business Activity Statements (BAS) directly for simplified tax reporting.
- Recurring Invoices: Set up recurring invoices to automate billing for regular customers.
- Progress Invoicing: Split estimates into multiple invoices based on project milestones or completion stages, ensuring you get paid throughout the project.
- Automated Tracking: Automatically track the amount paid and what’s still owed, ensuring no manual adjustments are necessary.
- Invoice Status Tracking: Monitor when clients view invoices and set reminders to chase unpaid invoices.
- Multi-Currency Support: Send and receive invoices in multiple currencies, ideal for businesses with international clients.
- Project and Location Tracking: Track expenses, payments, and progress for each project or location.
Additional Features:
It offers free data migration, automated payroll (as an add-on), and real-time cash flow insights. The software integrates with external apps like Mailchimp and Microsoft Excel, enhancing workflow and automation.
Pricing:
- Essentials Plan: $45/month
- Plus Plan: $60/month
- Advanced Plan: $110/month
Pros:
- Customizable invoicing features that allow easy tracking of income and expenses
- Integration with bank accounts for seamless reconciliation and automated transaction categorization
- Cloud-based access, enabling invoicing from any location and device
Cons:
- Occasional issues with connectivity and system lag, which can disrupt invoicing processes
- Limited customization in invoice templates and document formatting
- Customer support can be inconsistent, with delays in resolving invoicing-related issues
7. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is an invoicing software designed to make invoicing simple and efficient for small businesses and freelancers. It allows users to create professional invoices, automate billing processes, and track payments effortlessly. With customizable templates and seamless integration with payment gateways, FreshBooks helps businesses get paid faster and stay organized.
Key Features:
- Professional Invoices: Create and customize invoices with your logo, colors, and personalized messages in just a few clicks.
- Automated Reminders: Automatically send payment reminders and securely charge client credit cards, reducing manual follow-ups.
- Recurring Invoicing: Set up recurring invoices for regular clients and automate your billing cycle.
- Automatic Tax Calculations: Apply sales tax directly to invoices, handling all necessary calculations accurately.
- Retainers: Collect payments in advance to forecast workload and income, while billing and tracking work against the prepaid amount.
- Online Payments: Accept payments via credit cards and online platforms, reducing the time spent waiting for payments.
- Deposit Requests: Request deposits upfront on invoices to ensure better cash flow at the start of projects.
- Time Tracking & Expense Management: Easily add tracked time and expenses to invoices, ensuring accurate billing.
- Multi-Currency Support: Bill clients in their preferred currency, making it easier for international business transactions.
Additional Features:
FreshBooks also provides robust features like project management. Users can generate detailed reports, track inventory, and receive instant notifications when invoices are viewed or paid. Available on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Pricing:
- Lite Plan: $24.00/month
- Plus Plan: $36.00/month
- Premium Plan:$50.00/month
- Select Plan: Custom pricing
Pros:
- Visually pleasing and customizable invoices that communicate complex data effectively
- Automation of time and expense tracking, making invoicing straightforward and efficient
- Accessible cloud-based platform for invoicing from anywhere, supporting remote work
Cons:
- Lacks specific tools for risk analysis, limiting advanced forecasting capabilities
- No machine learning features to analyze historical data patterns, which could enhance risk assessment
- Limited predictive analytics tools for identifying potential risk factors
8. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice is a free, cloud-based invoicing solution designed for small businesses and freelancers. It allows users to create, customize, and send professional invoices, accept payments online, and track expenses. Zoho Invoice is part of the broader Zoho ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Customizable Invoices: Create and personalize invoices by adding your logo, color schemes, and tailored thank-you notes.
- Online Payments: Accept payments via credit cards, PayPal, and direct debit, making it easier for customers to pay.
- Payment Reminders: Automate payment reminders to customers for due or overdue payments, ensuring timely collections.
- Expense Tracking: Track all billable expenses and convert them into invoices to ensure accurate billing.
- Time Tracking: Track project hours and automatically calculate customer charges based on logged time.
- Client Portal: Offer your clients a portal where they can view invoices, make payments, and download statements.
- Quotes & Estimates: Convert approved quotes directly into invoices for easy and quick billing.
Additional Features:
Zoho Invoice also provides real-time reports, such as accounts receivable aging and top customer data, to offer insights into business performance. Users can integrate Zoho Invoice with Zoho Books, Zoho CRM, and other popular applications to streamline operations. The mobile app allows invoicing and payment management on the go.
Pricing:
Free Plan: $0/month
Pros:
- Easy to use and intuitive interface for setting up and managing invoices
- Ability to add bank details, customize templates, and integrate with payment providers
- Free to use, with features like online payments, customer portals, and recurring invoicing
Cons:
- Limited integration with third-party software and Zoho’s inventory tool.
- Occasional glitches and lag, especially when generating reports or using mobile apps.
- Some customization options, like changing the currency after invoicing, are restricted.
9. Reckon
Invoices is an affordable invoicing software designed for small businesses that need an easy solution to create, send, and manage professional invoices. With customizable templates, automatic tax calculations, and the ability to accept online payments, Reckon helps businesses get paid faster while reducing admin tasks. The software works on both web and mobile, allowing invoicing on the go.
Key Features:
- Unlimited Invoices: Create and send unlimited invoices for a flat monthly fee, regardless of how many invoices you issue.
- Online Payments: Accept card payments online, helping you get paid faster and reducing late payments.
- Customizable Invoice Templates: Tailor invoices to your brand by adding logos, color schemes, and custom fields.
- Tax Calculation: Automatically calculate taxes on each invoice, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Mobile Invoicing: Use the mobile app to create and send invoices from anywhere, with real-time syncing across devices.
- Attach Bills and Receipts: Upload and attach documents to invoices, keeping records organized for tax purposes.
- Reports: Access business insights and generate reports to help manage cash flow and accounting.
Additional Features:
Reckon also offers additional services such as bill uploading, customer management, and syncing data across all devices. It integrates with the Reckon One accounting system for a full financial management solution. The platform supports payroll, expenses, and bank reconciliation, making it an all-in-one tool for small businesses.
Pricing:
Reckon Invoices Plan: $20/month
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface for billing and invoicing, making it ideal for small business needs.
- Provides robust tracking and reporting features, enabling users to view open invoices and track unpaid accounts.
- The software offers customizable templates to suit various invoicing needs, making setup efficient.
Cons:
- Issues with invoice emailing functionality, with intermittent success in sending invoices.
- Requires an annual subscription model, which may not be ideal for users who prefer one-time purchases over recurring payments.
10. Xero
Xero is a leading cloud-based invoicing platform for small businesses in Australia. It simplifies billing, expense management, and cash flow monitoring while ensuring compliance with GST and BAS regulations. With powerful automation features and seamless integration with payment gateways, Xero streamlines invoicing and helps business owners stay organized.
Key Features:
- Branded Invoices: Customize invoices with your logo, payment terms, and branding for a polished, professional presentation.
- Automated Payment Follow-ups: Automatically send reminders to clients for unpaid invoices, reducing late payments.
- Online Payment Integration: Enable clients to pay directly from the invoice using services like Stripe and GoCardless for faster transactions.
- Recurring Billing: Set up automatic billing for recurring services, ensuring timely payments from repeat customers.
- Mobile Invoicing: Create, track, and manage invoices from your phone with the Xero mobile app for greater flexibility.
Additional Features:
Xero also supports e-invoicing, simplifying the process for B2B transactions via the Peppol network. The platform offers real-time bank reconciliation, inventory updates with each sale, and comprehensive reporting tools to provide clear financial insights. Integration with over 1,000 third-party apps allows for seamless customization to suit your business needs.
Pricing:
- Ignite Plan: $35/month
- Grow Plan: $70/month
- Comprehensive Plan: $90/month
- Ultimate Plan: $115/month
Pros:
- Offers online billing with multiple payment options and automatic payment reminders for overdue invoices.
- Simplifies bank reconciliation by learning user classifications for transactions and providing click-to-confirm suggestions.
- Provides seamless integration with other third-party business apps, enhancing flexibility and usability for various industries.
Cons:
- Some users report that recent interface changes have made invoicing features more cumbersome and time-consuming.
- Limited customization for specific invoicing needs, such as tracking available inventory in quotes and invoices.
How to Choose the Ideal Invoicing Software for Your Business
- Understand Your Business Requirements: Analyze your business size and transaction volume—larger companies may need advanced features, while smaller businesses can benefit from simple, cost-efficient solutions to streamline operations.
- Ease of Use: Select software that offers an intuitive, easy-to-learn interface, minimizing the learning curve for your team.
- Customizable Invoices: Make sure the software allows you to design invoices that match your brand’s look and feel, helping reinforce your identity.
- Integration Capabilities: Choose software that connects seamlessly with your current systems, ensuring a unified and smooth workflow.
- Data Security: Look for software with strong encryption and security protocols to keep your financial data safe from breaches.
- Customer Support & Reliability: Ensure the provider offers consistent and responsive support to help troubleshoot any issues that arise.
- Pricing Considerations: Evaluate the pricing structure to find a solution that offers the right features without overshooting your budget.
- Regulatory Compliance: Confirm the software complies with local tax regulations and standards, ensuring legal compliance and smooth tax filings.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect invoicing software can completely reshape how your business manages billing and payments. From automating reminders to ensuring GST and BAS compliance, the tools in this blog are designed to simplify invoicing for Australian businesses.
Whether you need a comprehensive solution like MYOB or a simpler option like Refrens, matching the software to your business needs is key. The right software will boost cash flow, cut down on admin tasks, and let you focus on growth.