GST Invoice Format (India)
GST-registered businesses in India issuing a tax invoice under the GST rules.
- GSTIN, state code and place of supply
- HSN/SAC per line
- CGST + SGST or IGST switch (Excel)
- Reverse charge, amount in words and declaration
India · GST · Excel, Word & PDF
GST Invoice Format (Excel, Word and PDF)
A free GST tax invoice format with GSTIN, place of supply, HSN/SAC codes and automatic CGST + SGST or IGST, a filled sample with the tax worked out, and the fields the GST rules require.
4.8/5 on G2 · Our invoice generator is used by 50,000+ people · Updated October 2026What is a GST invoice format?
A GST invoice format is the layout of a tax invoice issued by a GST-registered supplier in India: both parties' GSTINs, a serial number, the place of supply, HSN or SAC codes, taxable value, and CGST and SGST or IGST shown separately.
Your buyer can only claim input tax credit on a valid tax invoice, so a GST invoice has stricter rules than an ordinary bill. The fields come from Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, and the tax split depends on the place of supply: CGST and SGST for a sale within your state, IGST for a sale to another state.
- Issued by GST-registered suppliers for taxable supplies
- Serial number of up to 16 characters, unique for the financial year
- CGST + SGST within the state, IGST across states
- Excel version switches the tax split automatically
- Free for commercial use, no email required
Download a GST Invoice Format
The GST invoice format comes in Excel (automatic tax split), Word and PDF. The VAT/GST tax invoice handles several rates on one invoice.
VAT / GST Tax Invoice Template
VAT or GST registered businesses that need a compliant tax invoice (UK, EU, Australia, Singapore and more).
- "Tax invoice" title and your VAT/GST number
- Tax point (supply date)
- Net, tax and gross per line at different rates
- Tax summary by rate and reverse charge note
Sample GST Invoice: A Filled-In Example
Brightline Digital Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru, Karnataka invoicing Kavya Home Decor in Pune, Maharashtra. Invoice INV-2026-0117, dated 20/10/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY). Place of supply: Maharashtra.
| # | Description | SAC | Qty | Rate (₹) | Taxable (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Social media management (monthly) | [SAC] | 1 | 45,000 | 45,000 |
| 2 | Reels production | [SAC] | 4 | 6,000 | 24,000 |
| 3 | Brand setup (one-time) | [SAC] | 1 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Taxable value | 84,000 | ||||
| IGST @ 18% | 15,120 | ||||
| Total | 99,120 |
In words: Rupees Ninety-Nine Thousand One Hundred Twenty only. Karnataka to Maharashtra is inter-state, so IGST applies. Use the SAC code that fits your service; the GSTIN on a real invoice would be your own.
CGST + SGST or IGST? A Worked Example
The place of supply decides the split. Example: a taxable value of ₹50,000 at 18% GST.
| Supply | Tax charged | On a ₹50,000 invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Within your state (intra-state) | CGST + SGST, half the rate each | CGST ₹4,500 + SGST ₹4,500 = ₹9,000 |
| To another state (inter-state) | IGST at the full rate | IGST ₹9,000 |
| Total payable | Taxable value plus GST | ₹59,000 either way |
What a GST Invoice Must Show (Rule 46)
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Supplier details | Name, address and GSTIN |
| Invoice number | A consecutive serial number of up to 16 characters (letters, numbers, "-" and "/"), unique for the financial year |
| Date | Date of issue |
| Recipient details | Name, address and GSTIN if registered |
| Place of supply | The state, with its name, for inter-state supplies |
| HSN or SAC | The code for each item or service |
| Description and quantity | What was supplied, with quantity and unit for goods |
| Values | Total value, discount and taxable value |
| Tax | Rate and amount of CGST and SGST, or IGST (and cess, if any) |
| Reverse charge | Whether tax is payable on reverse charge |
| Signature | Signature or digital signature of the supplier; not needed on an electronic invoice issued under the IT Act |
B2B, B2C, Services and Bill of Supply
B2B invoice
Always show the buyer's GSTIN, so they can claim input tax credit on it.
B2C invoice
For an unregistered buyer, the name and address can be left out when the value is under ₹50,000 and the buyer does not ask for them, but the state name is still needed. Some online services sold to unregistered buyers have their own rule.
Services
Issue the tax invoice within 30 days of supplying the service (45 days for banks, insurers and similar institutions). Keep two copies: original for the recipient, duplicate for yourself.
Bill of supply
If you charge no GST, for example as a composition dealer or for exempt supplies, issue a bill of supply instead of a tax invoice.
Goods
Issue three copies: original for the recipient, duplicate for the transporter and triplicate for yourself.
E-invoicing
Businesses above the turnover threshold the government notifies must also report B2B invoices to the invoice registration portal. Check the current threshold before you start.
How to Make a GST Invoice in Excel
1
Download the Excel format
Open the GST invoice format (.xlsx) in Excel or Google Sheets and fill only the yellow cells.
2
Add both GSTINs
Your GSTIN, state and state code, then the buyer's GSTIN or "Unregistered" and the place of supply.
3
Number and date it
Use the next number in your series for the financial year, up to 16 characters.
4
Set the supply type
Choose Intra-state for CGST + SGST or Inter-state for IGST. The tax columns switch automatically.
5
Add each line with HSN/SAC
Description, code, quantity, rate and GST rate. Taxable value and tax calculate for you.
6
Write the total in words and send
Add the amount in words, bank details and signature, then save as PDF and send it.
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GST Invoice Format FAQs
What is the GST invoice format?
A tax invoice showing the supplier's and recipient's GSTIN, a serial number of up to 16 characters, the date, place of supply, HSN or SAC codes, taxable value, the CGST and SGST or IGST rate and amount, and a signature.
Is there a GST invoice format in Excel?
Yes. Download the GST invoice format above in Excel; choose Intra-state or Inter-state and it calculates CGST and SGST or IGST for every line. Word and PDF versions are included too.
When do I charge CGST and SGST, and when IGST?
CGST and SGST, half the rate each, when the supplier and the place of supply are in the same state. IGST at the full rate when they are in different states.
What is the difference between a tax invoice and a bill of supply?
A registered supplier charging GST issues a tax invoice. A bill of supply is issued when no GST is charged, for example by a composition dealer or for exempt supplies.
Is a tax invoice mandatory under GST?
Yes. A GST-registered supplier must issue a tax invoice for a taxable supply, and the buyer needs it to claim input tax credit.
How long can a GST invoice number be?
Up to 16 characters, using letters, numbers, hyphens and slashes, and unique within the financial year.
Can I make a GST invoice online for free?
Yes. The free invoice generator lets you add your GSTIN, HSN/SAC codes and the GST rate, and downloads a PDF with no signup.