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What is a GST Invoice?

Goods and Services Tax was introduced in July 2017. After this, GST replaced multiple taxes that were earlier charged with a single tax known as the goods and services tax. Registered businesses now need to generate GST invoices or bills that include GST rates and other necessary details. 

Simply put, GST bills are invoices that have the details of goods and services rendered and the due payment. The bill also includes the GST charged on the goods and services. It is crucial for businesses to be careful while preparing GST invoice bills, as these are reflected in their account books. Not only this, businesses often claim ITC (Input Tax Credit) and for this, they need the tax invoice under GST from their vendors. 

This guide will talk about the ‘what is GST invoice’, the importance of GST bills, and how it is issued. So, read till the end to understand all about GST invoice compliance. 

Importance of GST Invoices in Business Transactions

Now that you know GST invoice meaning, you must also know why GST invoices are important in business transactions!

GST invoices are crucial for business transactions primarily to adhere to the legalities. Failing to comply with GST norms, a business may suffer penalties and even legal actions. For a smooth and hassle-free ITC claim process, GST bills are essential. Apart from this, it is also an essential document used to file income tax returns. It is proof of the actual business transactions and tax liability of a business. 

It is mandatory for registered businesses to generate GST invoices and filing to do so shows tax evasion. Such a case can eventually lead to legal charges and hefty penalties. So, to stay tax compliant and run business smoothly, it is crucial to adhere to the GST invoice norms. 

Mandatory Components of a GST Invoice

In GST invoice bills, there are certain mandatory components that a business must include. These are:

  • Invoice number and date

  • Shipping and billing address

  • Customer name

  • GSTIN of the Customer and taxpayer

  • Supply place

  • SAC code/HSN code

  • Detail of items, that is. description, quantity in numbers, and unit

  • Total value

  • Discounts and taxable value

  • Amount of taxes and GST rate; IGST/CGST/ SGST

  • Is GST charged on a reverse basis

  • Supplier's signature

If the business is not a registered one, they need to include the following in their invoice if the value of goods/services is over ₹50,000:

  • Recipient's name and address

  • Delivery address of delivery

  • Name and code of the state

Time Limits for Issuing GST Invoices

The time limit for issuing GST invoices is specified by the GST Act. For GST tax invoices, debit notes, revised GST bills, and credit notes, the following are the time limits:

  • Goods (Normal Case): Invoice to be dispatched on or prior to the date of removal or delivery.

  • Goods (Continuous Supply): Invoice to be dispatched on or prior to the date of account statement issue or payment.

  • Services (General Case): Invoice to be issued within 30 days from the date of supply of services.

  • Services (Banks & NBFCs): Invoice to be issued within 45 days from the date of supply of services.

Difference Between Tax Invoice and Bill of Supply

Let's understand the differences between tax invoice and bill of supply. The table below gives a detailed description and comparison of the two:

Aspect

Tax Invoice

Bill of Supply

Purpose

Issued to charge GST and pass on Input Tax Credit (ITC)

Issued when GST is not to be charged

Tax Component

Includes GST (CGST, SGST, IGST)

Does not include any tax

Eligible for ITC

Buyer can claim Input Tax Credit

Buyer cannot claim Input Tax Credit

When Issued

For taxable supply of goods or services

For exempted goods/services or by composition scheme taxpayers

Applicable To

Registered businesses making taxable supplies

Registered businesses:
1. Supplying exempt goods/services
2. Under composition scheme

Invoice Format

Must include GST rate, tax amount, and HSN/SAC code

No GST rate or tax amount required

Relevant GST Rule

Section 31(1) of CGST Act

Section 31(3)(c) of CGST Act

Source

Issuing a GST Invoice: When Should It Be Done?

It is not always possible to issue a GST invoice at the time of purchase or sale of goods and services. So, the timeline set for GST invoices for different types of goods and services is as follows:

  • Normal Goods:

Following are the cases for normal goods:

  • When goods are transported:

Make the invoice on or prior to the date of despatch.

  • When goods are not transported:

Make the invoice on or before the date of delivery.

  • Continuous Supply of Goods

If the supply entails periodic payment or account statements, send the invoice on or before each payment or statement date. 

Conclusion

A GST invoice is an important document for reporting sales under the Goods and Services Tax regime. It provides legal compliance, facilitates Input Tax Credit, and promotes transparency in transactions. Companies are required to add all the mandatory details and release invoices within specific time frames to evade penalties. Complying with GST invoicing norms provides for hassle-free functioning and correct reporting of taxes.

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BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

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