How do I make an invoice for free, including a GST invoice?

A plain guide to what a GST invoice must contain (invoice number and date, both GSTINs, place of supply, HSN or SAC code, taxable value and the CGST, SGST or IGST split, reverse charge), plus the time limits for issuing one.

GST Invoice: Format, Rules, Types and Mandatory Details

From cleartax.in by ClearTax ~15 min read

• Every GST invoice needs both GSTINs, the place of supply and HSN or SAC codes.
• Keep the invoice serial number strictly in sequence.
• A buyer can claim input tax credit only on a valid GST invoice.

Explains who must e-invoice: businesses with annual turnover above ₹5 crore since 1 August 2023, and the rule from 1 April 2025 that businesses above ₹10 crore must report B2B invoices to the IRP within 30 days.

What is e-Invoicing Under GST? Applicability, Limit, Rules

From cleartax.in by ClearTax ~12 min read

• E-invoicing applies to B2B invoices and exports once turnover crosses ₹5 crore.
• Above ₹10 crore, report each invoice to the IRP within 30 days or it cannot be validated.
• Check the threshold every year: crossing it in any past year brings you in.

Zoho's invoicing app, which its own pricing page lists at ₹0 for Indian businesses, forever. It makes GST-compliant invoices, quotes and recurring invoices, sends them by email or WhatsApp, and collects payment by UPI, cards or net banking.

Zoho Invoice pricing: free for Indian businesses

From zoho.com by Zoho Pricing page

Zoho Invoice on eChai Explore

• Zoho Invoice costs nothing for an Indian business; there is no paid tier to outgrow inside it.
• Set up payment reminders and UPI collection so the invoice also chases the money.
• When you need subscriptions or more, Zoho points you to Zoho Billing.

MyBillBook's own pricing page. It is GST billing and stock software for small shops and traders, phone first with a desktop app on higher plans. Plus is ₹291 a month billed yearly (₹3,490 a year) and Pro, which adds the desktop app, godowns and WhatsApp or SMS marketing, is ₹333 a month billed yearly (₹3,990 a year), with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

myBillBook pricing plans

From mybillbook.in by myBillBook (FloBiz) Pricing page

myBillBook on eChai Explore

• Plus is ₹3,490 a year for one business; Pro is ₹3,990 a year and adds the desktop app and godowns.
• CA access, barcode printing and a basic online store are included from Plus.
• Try it free first; the money-back window is 7 days.

Microsoft's own gallery of free invoice templates (sales, service, freelance and simple business invoices) that calculate totals automatically. The quickest route for someone who is not GST-registered and sends a few invoices a month.

Free invoice templates in Excel

From microsoft.com by Microsoft Template gallery

• Use a template only until invoice volume or GST makes numbering and tax errors likely.
• Keep one unbroken invoice number series across every invoice you send.
• Add GSTIN, HSN or SAC codes and the tax split yourself once you are registered.

The government's Invoice Registration Portal, where businesses above the e-invoicing threshold report B2B invoices and get an Invoice Reference Number. Its notices also set rules such as the 6-digit HSN code for taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore.

e-Invoice System (Invoice Registration Portal)

From gst.gov.in by GSTN / NIC Government portal

• Above ₹5 crore turnover, B2B invoices are not valid until they carry an IRN from this portal.
• Taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore must use 6-digit HSN codes.
• The portal also verifies the QR code printed on an e-invoice.