Guides

GST billing guides

Short, practical guides to the GST and billing questions small businesses in India ask most — what a GST invoice must show, which tax to charge, how to file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, and how to get paid faster. Each guide answers the question first, then explains.

• How to make a GST invoice — What a GST tax invoice in India must show — GSTIN, serial number, HSN, taxable value, CGST, SGST or IGST and place of supply — with a worked example.
• CGST, SGST or IGST: which one to charge — Charge CGST + SGST when the buyer is in your state and IGST when they're in another state. How place of supply decides it, with examples and the rate split.
• GSTR-1: what goes in it and how to file it — GSTR-1 is your sales return: B2B, B2C, credit notes, HSN summary and documents issued. Due on the 11th (monthly) or 13th (QRMP). How to file with the JSON.
• GSTR-3B: the monthly summary and the tax you pay — GSTR-3B summarises your sales, input tax credit and the GST to pay. Due on the 20th (monthly) or the 22nd or 24th (QRMP). What each table means.
• HSN codes on invoices: how many digits you need — Businesses with turnover up to ₹5 crore show 4-digit HSN codes on B2B invoices; above ₹5 crore, 6 digits on every invoice. What HSN and SAC codes are.
• E-invoicing under GST: who needs it — E-invoicing is required once aggregate turnover crosses ₹5 crore in any year from 2017-18. What an IRN is, the 30-day reporting limit and B2C rules.
• How to get paid faster — Practical ways Indian shops and distributors cut overdue payments: due dates on bills, UPI QR on invoices, WhatsApp reminders, credit limits and an ageing list.
• How to switch billing software — Moving from one billing app to another: export parties, items and invoices, pick a start date, check balances and run both for a week. A step-by-step guide.

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