Setting Up as an NDIS Sole Trader
Working as an independent NDIS support worker gives you flexibility over your schedule, rates (within NDIS price limits), and the participants you work with. To get started, you need a few essentials:
- An ABN: Required for issuing tax invoices. Registration is free through the Australian Business Register.
- Insurance: Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are strongly recommended and often required by plan managers.
- NDIS Worker Screening Check: Mandatory for all NDIS workers. Apply through your state or territory's screening unit.
- A business bank account: Keeps your personal and business finances separate for cleaner tax reporting.
Creating Compliant NDIS Invoices
As a sole trader, you are responsible for issuing your own invoices. Each invoice must include your ABN, the participant's name and NDIS number, the date and duration of service, the correct PAPL billing code, and the applicable hourly rate. Use our free NDIS invoice template as a starting point, or let CareVoice generate invoices automatically from a voice recording.
Most sole traders with turnover under $75,000 do not need to register for or charge GST. Read our GST and NDIS invoicing guide to confirm whether GST applies to your situation.
Getting Paid
How you get paid depends on how your participant's plan is managed:
- Plan-managed: Send your invoice to the plan manager. They process payment against the participant's NDIS plan. This is the most common arrangement for sole traders.
- Self-managed: The participant pays you directly from their NDIS funds. You invoice the participant (or their nominee).
- NDIA-managed: You must be a registered NDIS provider to serve NDIA-managed participants. The NDIA pays you directly through the myplace portal.
Learn more about plan management types in our NDIS plan management explained guide.
Record Keeping
Good record keeping is essential for tax time, NDIS compliance, and continuity of care. Keep copies of all invoices, progress notes, and receipts. The ATO requires you to retain business records for at least five years.
Tools for NDIS Sole Traders
CareVoice is built specifically for sole traders and small providers. Record a voice note about your shift, and the AI generates a compliant progress note, matches the correct PAPL code, and produces a PDF tax invoice — all in under 60 seconds. Compare CareVoice with other NDIS tools to find the right fit for your workflow.