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Free GST Invoice Format

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Everything a GST-registered business needs to issue a proper tax invoice. They include all fields for GST compliance – GSTIN, HSN/SAC code, CGST/SGST/IGST breakup, and place of supply.

What is a GST Invoice?

A GST invoice, officially called a ‘tax invoice’ under the GST Act, is the legal document a GST-registered business issues when it makes a taxable sale. It records what was sold, how much it cost, and how much GST was charged.

The invoice is important for two reasons. First, it proves the sale happened, and the right tax was collected. Second, it lets the buyer claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) – meaning they can deduct the GST they paid from their own GST liability. Without a properly formatted GST invoice, the buyer loses this benefit, and they will often refuse to work with you.

In other languages, the GST invoice is also called a ‘GST bill’, ‘tax bill’, or ‘kachcha bill with GST’. All of these refer to the same document.

Quick Guide

How to Use a GST Invoice Format

01

Download Your Free Format

Download our Simple GST Bill Format in Excel, PDF or Word from this page.

02

Add Your Business Details

Open the file and enter your company name, logo, registered address, contact information, and your GSTIN.

03

Add Your Customer’s Details

Fill in the client’s name, billing address, shipping address, and their GSTIN (This is mandatory for them to claim ITC).

04

Assign Invoice Number and Dates

Add a unique, sequential Invoice Number (e.g., 001, 002) and the Date of Issue.

05

List Items, HSN, and Calculate Totals

Add a detailed list of goods/services, including the HSN/SAC Code, Quantity, and Rate. Manually (in Word) or automatically (in Excel) calculate the Subtotal, CGST, SGST/IGST, and the final Grand Total.

06

Authorise, Save as PDF, and Send

Add your authorised signature. Save the file as a PDF (it’s more professional) and send it to your customer.

How to Use a GST Invoice Format

Key Components of GST Invoice Format in India

Under Section 31 of the CGST Act and Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, every tax invoice issued by a GST-registered business must include these fields. A missing field can make your invoice invalid – meaning your buyer cannot claim ITC, and you may face penalties during an audit.

Business Name & Details
Invoice Number & Date
Customer Information
Itemized List of Goods or Services
Tax Details (CGST, SGST, IGST)
Total Amount & Payment Terms

Which GST Invoice Type Does Your Business Need?

Invoice Type
Who Issues It
Key Difference
Tax Invoice (Standard)
Any GST-registered business selling goods or services
The most common format. Allows the buyer to claim ITC. All mandatory GST fields must be included.
Bill of Supply
Composition dealers or businesses selling exempt goods or services
No GST is charged. Cannot be used for ITC claims. Mainly used by composition taxpayers.
Export Invoice
Businesses exporting goods or services outside India
Used for export transactions under LUT, Bond, or IGST export rules.
Revised Invoice
Registered supplier after GST registration approval
Used to revise invoices issued before GST certificate approval.
E-Invoice (with IRN)
Businesses above ₹5 crore turnover for eligible B2B transactions
Contains IRN and QR code generated through IRP portal.
Debit Note / Credit Note
Seller issuing invoice adjustment
Debit note increases amount payable. Credit note reduces invoice value.

Regular Invoice vs GST Invoice – What Is the Difference?

Regular

Invoice (Non-GST)

  • Used by businesses not registered under GST
  • No GSTIN required from either party. Neither buyer nor seller needs to provide a GSTIN on the invoice.
  • No HSN/SAC code needed
  • No tax breakup required
  • The buyer cannot claim Input Tax Credit. This invoice does not allow ITC claims.
  • No legal format mandated
  • No e-invoicing compliance needed

GST Tax

Invoice

  • Used by all GST-registered businesses
  • GSTIN of the seller is mandatory; buyer’s GSTIN is mandatory for B2B
  • HSN/SAC code mandatory for all items
  • CGST, SGST, and/or IGST must be shown separately
  • The buyer can claim ITC if the invoice is valid and GST is paid
  • Format mandated under CGST Rule 46
  • E-invoicing mandatory above ₹5 Cr turnover (B2B)

Premium Collection

Premium GST Invoice Templates

If you want a GST invoice that makes your business look premium – with custom colours, logos, and modern layouts, download the Vyapar App.

premium template french elite

French Elite

premium template double divine

Double Divine

premium template landscape

Landscape

Select Template

Download Vyapar App and get access to all premium templates

Go Beyond Templates

Stop Filling Templates Manually. Let Vyapar App Do It.

More than just formats – a complete business management solution

Auto GST Calculation

Auto GST Calculation

Calculates GST automatically and reduces manual effort.

Customer Database

Customer Database

Saves customer details for faster billing.

GST Reports

GST Reports

Creates GST reports for easier tax management.

Share Instantly

Share Instantly

Send invoices quickly through WhatsApp, email, or PDF.

Everything you need to run your business

  • Auto GST calculations
  • Inventory management
  • Payment reminders
  • Multi-device sync

Available in Android, iOS, Mac and Windows

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about GST Invoice formats

What are the mandatory fields in a GST invoice as per Rule 46?

Under CGST Rule 46, a GST invoice must contain: supplier’s name, address, and GSTIN; a unique consecutive invoice number; invoice date; recipient’s name, address, and GSTIN (for B2B); place of supply; HSN or SAC code for each item; description, quantity, and taxable value of each item; applicable GST rates and amounts (CGST, SGST, or IGST); total invoice amount; and whether the tax is payable under reverse charge. Missing even one of these can invalidate the ITC claim for your buyer.

Can I use a Word or PDF template instead of an Excel template for GST invoicing?

Yes, you can. All three formats – Excel, Word, and PDF are legally valid for GST invoicing as long as they contain all the mandatory fields. The difference is practical. Excel calculates taxes automatically using formulas, which reduces the likelihood of errors. Word lets you customise the layout easily. PDF is good for printing and sharing on WhatsApp because it cannot be accidentally edited. For businesses issuing 5 or more invoices per day, an automated tool like Vyapar is recommended over any static template.

Can a composition dealer issue a GST tax invoice?

No. A Composition scheme taxpayer cannot issue a GST tax invoice. They must issue a ‘Bill of Supply’ instead. A Bill of Supply does not show any GST amount because composition dealers pay GST on a flat rate from their own pocket – they cannot collect it from customers. If a composition dealer issues a tax invoice by mistake, it can lead to legal complications. Always check your registration type before issuing any document.

Can I create a GST invoice for free without downloading any software?

Yes. You can use the free Excel, Word, or PDF templates from this page – no registration or software needed. You can also use Vyapar’s free online GST invoice generator at vyaparapp.in/invoice-generator to fill your invoice details online and download a PDF instantly. For businesses that issue more than a few invoices a month, the Vyapar App automates the entire process, including tax calculation, customer records, payment reminders, and GSTR-1 reports.

What happens if my GST invoice has an error? Can I cancel it?

You cannot ‘delete’ a GST invoice once issued, especially if it has been reported in GSTR-1. To correct a mistake, you issue a Credit Note (if you overcharged) or a Debit Note (if you undercharged). The credit or debit note must reference the original invoice number and date. For e-Invoices, there is also an ‘Invoice Amendment’ process on the IRP. If the invoice has not yet been reported in GSTR-1 and has not been sent to the buyer, you may be able to cancel it depending on your accounting software. Always keep a paper trail of any corrections.

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