How to Create a GST Invoice in India: Complete 2026 Guide

If you run a business in India and your turnover crosses the GST threshold, issuing a proper GST invoice is not optional — it's the law. The good news: creating one is simple, and you can do it free with an online InvoBill in under 60 seconds.

What is a GST Invoice?

A GST invoice (also called a "tax invoice") is a document a registered seller must issue to a buyer for any supply of goods or services. It records the transaction, the GST charged, and forms the basis for the buyer's input tax credit claim.

Mandatory Fields in a GST Invoice

As per Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, a valid tax invoice must include:

• Supplier's name, address, and GSTIN
• A consecutive invoice number (unique for the financial year)
• Date of issue
• Buyer's name, address, and GSTIN (if registered)
• Place of supply with state code (for inter-state)
• HSN code for goods or SAC code for services
• Description, quantity, unit, and total value of items
• Taxable value and discount, if any
• Rate and amount of CGST, SGST, IGST, UTGST, or Cess
• Whether GST is payable on reverse charge
• Signature or digital signature of the supplier

CGST, SGST, IGST — Which One to Charge?

It depends on the place of supply:

• Intra-state sale (same state): charge CGST + SGST in equal halves.
• Inter-state sale (different state): charge IGST as a single line.
• Export: zero-rated — no GST, but mention "Supply meant for export under LUT/Bond".

Common GST Rates

Most goods and services fall under one of five slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%. Use the official GST rate finder or check your HSN code on the CBIC portal.

Free GST Invoice Generator — Step by Step

1. Open the InvoBill.
2. Enter your business name, address, and GSTIN.
3. Add your client's details and GSTIN (if registered).
4. Set invoice number, issue date, and due date.
5. Add line items with HSN/SAC codes, quantity, rate, and GST %.
6. Review the live preview — totals, CGST/SGST/IGST split, and grand total are calculated automatically.
7. Click Download PDF and email it to your client.

Pro Tips

• Use a consistent invoice numbering format like INV/2026-27/001 for the financial year.
• Keep a digital copy for at least 6 years (mandatory under GST law).
• For export invoices, mention the LUT/ARN number.
• Use the same currency throughout — INR for domestic, USD/EUR for exports.

Conclusion

Issuing a GST invoice doesn't require expensive accounting software. With InvoBill's free online generator, you can produce a professional, GST-compliant tax invoice in seconds — no signup, no subscription, no data leaving your browser.