Does it handle simplified tax invoices?

Yes. For supplies under NZ$1,000 GST-inclusive, the software generates simplified tax invoices with fewer required fields, as Inland Revenue permits.

Can I use it for Peppol e-invoicing?

Billed focuses on professional invoice creation. For Peppol network delivery required by government buyers, you may need a Peppol access point provider alongside Billed.

How does it help with GST returns?

Billed tracks all issued invoices with GST amounts and payment status. Export summaries by GST period for your accountant or direct myGST filing with Inland Revenue.

What must a full NZ tax invoice include?

Show the words “tax invoice,” your name and IRD number, the recipient’s name and address, the date, a description of the goods or services, the amount excluding GST, the GST amount or inclusive statement, and the total payable. For supplies over NZ$1,000 you cannot rely on a simplified invoice. Credit and debit notes need similar clarity referencing the original document.

How should I format NZ bank details on invoices?

Print your account number in the two-digit bank, four-digit branch, seven-digit account, and two- or three-digit suffix format New Zealand banks publish on statements. Add your legal trading name exactly as it appears on banking instructions plus a customer reference such as INV-1042. This speeds batch payments from Xero, MYOB, or bank file uploads and reduces unallocated deposits that stall month-end reconciliation.

How do I invoice GST-free exports?

State that the supply is zero-rated, describe the exported goods or remote service with enough detail to identify the supply, and retain evidence such as shipping documents, airway bills, customs entries, or correspondence proving the client’s offshore status. Buyers cannot claim GST on zero-rated supplies, so wording should prevent confusion with standard-rated lines on the same invoice and avoid implying GST was charged when it was not.

Can sole traders and partnerships use the same invoice rules?

Yes—GST invoicing rules apply by registration status, not the legal form of your business. If you are GST-registered, issue tax invoices that match Inland Revenue templates whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust, or company, using the IRD number tied to that registration. If you are not registered, do not charge GST, do not show GST as a line item, and do not label the document a tax invoice.

Why is a seven-year retention period important?

Inland Revenue may review GST claims years later, especially after audits, disputes, or sale of the business. Keep PDFs, emails, contracts, and adjustment notes synchronized with each tax period and the GST return they support. Cloud backups plus consistent filenames combining IRD period and invoice number make retrieval painless when an investigator requests a narrow date range on short notice.

Invoicing Software for New Zealand

Bill in New Zealand dollars with fifteen percent GST presented the way the IRD expects on tax invoices.

Start Invoicing in New Zealand View Pricing

New Zealand’s GST is a single 15% rate on most taxable supplies. Tax invoices must show your IRD number, the words “tax invoice,” the date, a description of supplies, and the GST amount or a statement that GST is included—so GST-registered buyers can claim input tax. Simplified tax invoices are permitted for supplies up to NZ$1,000 provided the document still meets Inland Revenue’s shortened list of particulars. Display zero-rated exports, going-concern supplies, and exempt financial services distinctly to prevent incorrect claims.

Bank transfers dominate B2B payments: include your 15- or 16-digit NZ bank account number in the standard 00-0000-0000000-00 format and a unique reference code. Larger enterprises and government agencies increasingly adopt Peppol e-invoicing; PDF tax invoices remain valid for most private trade but check buyer onboarding packs for network IDs or catalog codes.

Inland Revenue requires you to keep tax invoices, adjustment notes, and working papers for at least seven years. Digital storage is fine if records are complete and retrievable. Practical tip: align invoice dates with when the taxable supply is made or an invoice is issued (per timing rules) so your GST return periods match your cashflow reporting.

Mixed invoices should separate standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt lines so buyers only claim valid GST. Debit and credit notes must reference the original tax invoice number and explain the adjustment. When you invoice offshore customers, keep brief evidence of the customer’s location or export status to support zero-rating if Inland Revenue asks later. Partnerships and joint ventures should issue tax invoices only from the GST-registered entity that made the supply so IRD numbers stay accurate.

Compliance & invoicing expectations in New Zealand

Local rules change over time; use these themes as a checklist and confirm details with a qualified adviser for your situation.

Tax Compliance

Calculate 15% GST on taxable supplies. Display IRD number. Support zero-rated exports and exempt supply labeling. Handle simplified tax invoices for amounts under NZ$1,000.

Currency & Payments

Invoice in NZD with bank account number and reference for direct transfer — the standard B2B payment method in New Zealand.

E-Invoicing Rules

Peppol e-invoicing is used for government contracts and encouraged for B2B. Not mandatory for all businesses yet. PDF invoices remain valid.

Record Keeping

Retain GST records for at least seven years per Inland Revenue requirements. Digital records are fully accepted.

Practical invoicing tools for businesses billing from or into New Zealand.

How Billed supports New Zealand invoicing

NZ GST-compliant invoices

Generate tax invoices with IRD number, 15% GST breakdown, and all Inland Revenue required fields. Simplified invoice format auto-applies for supplies under NZ$1,000.

How to choose invoicing software for New Zealand

Use this checklist when evaluating any invoicing tool for New Zealand-based businesses.

Local tax support

Can it handle New Zealand-specific tax rules (rates, exemptions, filing formats)?

Currency & language

Does it support the local currency and languages used in New Zealand?

Compliance ready

Does it generate invoices that meet local legal requirements for tax credits and audits?

Payment integrations

Does it connect with payment methods popular in New Zealand?

Scalability

Can it grow with your business — recurring billing, multi-client, team access?

Affordability

Does it offer a free tier or trial so you can evaluate before committing?

Feature	Billed	Generic tools
New Zealand tax lines	Configurable	Varies
Local currency	Yes	Usually
Free plan	Yes	Sometimes
Recurring invoices	Included	Paid plans
Payment tracking	Built-in	Limited

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Invoicing in New Zealand

Join businesses that use Billed to invoice professionally, stay organized, and offer clear payment options—whether your clients are in New Zealand or abroad.

Try It Free View Pricing

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.