GST invoice format

A GST tax invoice for Indian businesses with the fields Rule 46 of the CGST Rules requires: supplier and buyer GSTIN, a serial number, place of supply, HSN or SAC codes, taxable value, the tax split into CGST and SGST or IGST, and the total in words.

Templates

  • GST invoice (document): A GST tax invoice format for Indian businesses with GSTIN, place of supply, HSN/SAC codes, taxable value, CGST and SGST (or IGST), a tax summary and the total in words. Sample content included.
  • Invoice (document): A clean invoice for freelancers and small businesses with your business header, invoice details, a line-item table, subtotal, tax, total due and payment terms. Sample content included.

How to use these templates

  1. Open the GST invoice and enter your business name, address, GSTIN and PAN.
  2. Tell the AI the buyer, their GSTIN and state, and the items with HSN or SAC code, quantity, rate and GST rate.
  3. Ask it to "work out CGST and SGST" for a buyer in your state, or "IGST" for a buyer in another state, and to write the total in words.
  4. Download as PDF, sign it or add your digital signature, and send the original to the buyer.

What must be on a GST invoice in India

  • Supplier name, address and GSTIN, and a consecutive serial number unique to the financial year, up to 16 characters, which may include hyphens and slashes, such as INV/2026-27/014.
  • The buyer's name, address and GSTIN if registered. For an unregistered buyer, add the delivery address and state name and code when the invoice value is ₹50,000 or more.
  • Place of supply with the state name and code. It decides the tax type: CGST plus SGST for a buyer in the same state, IGST for a buyer in another state.
  • HSN code for goods or SAC code for services: at least 4 digits if your turnover last year was up to ₹5 crore, 6 digits above that.
  • Whether tax is payable on reverse charge, and the signature or digital signature of the supplier or an authorised person.
  • If your aggregate turnover is above ₹5 crore, B2B invoices must also be e-invoices registered on the IRP, with an IRN and QR code. Composition dealers cannot charge GST and issue a bill of supply instead of a tax invoice.

Frequently asked questions

When should I charge IGST instead of CGST and SGST?

When the place of supply is in a different state from your registration, the supply is inter-state and you charge IGST at the full rate. Within the same state you split the same rate equally into CGST and SGST.

How many copies of a GST invoice are needed?

For goods, three: the original for the buyer, a duplicate for the transporter and a triplicate for you. For services, two: the original for the buyer and a duplicate for you.

Is a GST invoice valid without a signature?

A signature or digital signature is required on paper invoices. E-invoices registered on the IRP are digitally signed by the portal, so they do not need a separate one.

Can I use this format if I am not registered for GST?

No. Only registered businesses can issue a tax invoice and charge GST. If you are not registered, use the simple invoice without any GST lines.

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