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GST Invoice Generator

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Everything You Need to Know About GST Invoices

A GST invoice is a legally required document for every taxable supply of goods or services under the Goods and Services Tax Act. It serves as the basis for input tax credit claims, tax compliance, and financial record-keeping for businesses across India.

Invoice Requirements

Every GST invoice must contain the supplier and recipient GSTIN, a unique sequential invoice number (max 16 characters), HSN/SAC codes, taxable value, and the applicable tax breakup showing CGST+SGST for intra-state or IGST for inter-state supplies.

E-Invoicing Compliance

Businesses with turnover above Rs. 5 crore must generate e-invoices through the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP). The e-invoice system validates invoice data, generates an Invoice Reference Number (IRN), and adds a QR code for verification by tax authorities.

HSN Code Requirements

HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) codes classify goods for GST purposes. Businesses with turnover up to Rs. 5 crore must use 4-digit HSN codes, while those above Rs. 5 crore must use 6-digit codes on all invoices for accurate tax classification.

Record Keeping

GST invoices must be preserved for at least 6 years (72 months) from the due date of the annual return. Both issued and received invoices must be maintained systematically for audit trail, input tax credit reconciliation, and compliance verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

A GST invoice must include the supplier's name, address, and GSTIN; the recipient's name, address, and GSTIN (if registered); a unique invoice number; date of issue; HSN/SAC codes; description, quantity, and value of goods or services; taxable value; tax rate and amount (CGST, SGST, or IGST); and total invoice value.

CGST and SGST are charged on intra-state supplies, meaning the seller and buyer are in the same state. IGST is charged on inter-state supplies, when the seller and buyer are in different states. This tool automatically detects the supply type based on the states you select.

E-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 crore (as of August 2023). The e-invoice must be reported to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) to obtain an Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and QR code. This tool generates invoices in the correct format but does not submit to the IRP.

GST invoice numbers must be unique, sequential, and not exceed 16 characters. They can contain alphabets, numerals, and special characters like hyphens and slashes. The numbering must be consecutive within a financial year, and a new series can be started each year. Example formats include INV-001, 2024-25/001, or FY25-INV-0001.

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