Tax invoices

I had a client some time ago who wanted a tax invoice before he'd pay me.

In my ignorance, I thought it impossible to provide an official tax invoice, but an artist friend suggested I contact ArtsLaw (artslaw.com.au) here in Australia, and they informed me that as a sole trader, I could apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for an Australian Business Number (ABN), and could then provide a legitimate tax invoice to my client for up to $1000.

ArtsLaw is a group of lawyers who love the arts and provide advice to artists of all stripes at low cost, or free, depending on how much work is involved.  Anyway, thank you to the ArtsLaw staff for their kind assistance.

I applied to the ATO directly at www.ato.gov.au, and was granted an ATO (Sole Trader) ABN within a few days.  I very nearly clicked on the wrong website - there are a lot of companies out there willing to charge people for a free service and with similar-looking websites.  

The happy ending was I was finally paid and provided the piece to the client.  Thank you to the ATO as well!