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
VAT · GST · Sales tax
Tax Invoice Format: What Your Invoice Must Show
What a tax invoice must include in the UK, EU, India, Australia, Singapore, Canada and the US, plus free VAT/GST tax invoice templates that calculate tax by rate.
4.8/5 · 6 reviews on G2 · Our invoice generator is used by 50,000+ people · Updated October 2026What is a tax invoice?
A tax invoice is an invoice issued by a VAT or GST registered business that contains the details the tax authority requires, such as the seller's tax number, the tax rate and the tax amount, so the buyer can reclaim the tax.
In countries with VAT or GST, the buyer can usually only claim back the tax they paid if they hold a valid tax invoice. That is why the rules are strict: a missing registration number or tax amount can mean the client's accounts team rejects your invoice. The exact list differs by country, but most require the same core fields.
- Issued by VAT or GST registered businesses
- Shows your tax registration number
- Shows the tax rate and tax amount for each rate
- Needs a unique, sequential invoice number and date
- Lets the buyer reclaim the tax they paid
Download a Free Tax Invoice Template
The VAT/GST template handles several tax rates on one invoice and summarises tax by rate. The GST India format adds GSTIN, HSN/SAC and the CGST, SGST or IGST split.
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
Mandatory Fields Checklist (Every Country)
Whatever the country, a tax invoice almost always needs these. The table below adds the country-specific rules.
- The words "Tax Invoice" (or "VAT invoice") where local rules require them
- A unique, sequential invoice number and the issue date
- Your legal name, address and tax registration number (VAT, GST or ABN)
- The customer's name and address, plus their tax number for B2B supplies where required
- A description, quantity and price of each item or service
- The tax rate and tax amount for each rate charged, and the total including tax
This page summarizes common requirements and is not tax advice. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with your tax authority or accountant.
Tax Invoice Requirements by Country
A quick reference. Rules change, so confirm details with your tax authority or accountant.
| Country / region | Key requirements |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom (VAT) | Unique sequential number; your name, address and VAT number; invoice date and time of supply if different; customer name and address; description, quantity, unit price excluding VAT and VAT rate for each item; total excluding VAT and total VAT. A simplified invoice is allowed for supplies up to £250 including VAT. |
| European Union (VAT) | Issue date and sequential number; supplier VAT number, and the customer's VAT number for reverse charge and intra-EU supplies; names and addresses; quantity and nature of goods or services; date of supply; taxable amount per rate, unit price excluding VAT, VAT rate and VAT amount; the words "Reverse charge" or the exemption reason where relevant. Many countries allow simplified invoices for small amounts. |
| India (GST) | Supplier name, address and GSTIN; a consecutive serial number unique for the financial year (up to 16 characters); date; recipient name, address and GSTIN if registered; HSN or SAC; description, quantity and taxable value; rate and amount of CGST, SGST/UTGST or IGST; place of supply for inter-state supplies; whether tax is payable on reverse charge; signature. E-invoicing (IRN) applies above ₹5 crore turnover. |
| Australia (GST) | The words "Tax invoice"; your identity and ABN; date; description, quantity and price; the GST amount (or a statement that the total includes GST). For sales of A$1,000 or more, also the buyer's identity or ABN. A tax invoice is needed for purchases over A$82.50 for the buyer to claim GST credits. |
| Singapore (GST) | The words "Tax invoice"; supplier name, address and GST registration number; invoice number and date; customer name and address; description; amount payable excluding GST, GST rate and GST amount (9%). |
| Canada (GST/HST) | Your business name and GST/HST registration number; invoice date; total amount; the GST/HST charged; plus buyer details and item descriptions as the amount increases. Needed for buyers to claim input tax credits. |
| United States (sales tax) | No federal VAT or tax invoice format. Show sales tax separately where it applies, record resale or exemption certificates for tax-exempt buyers, and follow your state's rules. |
GST Tax Invoice Format in India
In India a GST tax invoice shows both GSTINs, a serial number of up to 16 characters, the place of supply, HSN or SAC codes, the taxable value and CGST and SGST (within a state) or IGST (between states).
For the full field list, a filled sample and an Excel format that splits the tax automatically, see the GST invoice format.
Reverse Charge, Zero-Rated and Exempt Supplies
- Reverse charge: for many cross-border B2B services (and some domestic sectors), the buyer accounts for the VAT. Charge 0%, show the customer's VAT number and write "Reverse charge".
- Zero-rated: taxable at 0%, for example many exports. Show the 0% rate on the invoice.
- Exempt: outside the tax, for example some financial or medical services. Show no tax and state the reason for exemption where required.
- Mixed rates: list each line with its rate and include a tax summary by rate. The VAT/GST template does this automatically.
How to Create a Tax Invoice
1
Title it correctly
Use "Tax invoice" where your country requires it, for example Australia, Singapore and India.
2
Add registration numbers
Your VAT/GST number, and the customer's where required (B2B cross-border, GST-registered buyers).
3
Number and date it
Next number in your sequence, the invoice date and the tax point or supply date if different.
4
Itemize with tax rates
Each line with quantity, net unit price and tax rate. Add HSN/SAC codes in India.
5
Show tax clearly
Net total, tax per rate, total tax and gross total, in the invoice currency.
6
Add notes and send
Reverse charge or exemption wording if relevant, payment terms, then send as a PDF.
Related Templates & Free Tools
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8 invoice templates in Word, Excel and PDF, plus a filled sample invoice.
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Invoice Format Guide
What every invoice must show, with USD and GST samples.
GST Invoice Format
GSTIN, HSN/SAC and CGST, SGST or IGST with a filled sample.
GST Quotation Format
Quote with GST before you invoice.
Invoice Payment Terms
Net 30, 2/10 Net 30, deposits and late fee wording to copy.
Tax Invoice Format FAQs
What is a tax invoice?
An invoice from a VAT or GST registered business that contains the details the tax authority requires, such as the supplier's tax number, tax rate and tax amount, so the buyer can reclaim the tax.
What is the difference between an invoice and a tax invoice?
Any bill requesting payment is an invoice. A tax invoice is one that meets the VAT or GST rules of the country, so it can be used to claim input tax. Businesses that are not registered for VAT or GST issue ordinary invoices.
What must a VAT invoice include in the UK?
A unique number, your name, address and VAT number, the invoice date and time of supply, the customer's name and address, a description of each item with quantity, price excluding VAT and VAT rate, and the totals excluding VAT and of VAT.
What is the GST tax invoice format in India?
It shows the supplier's and recipient's GSTIN, a unique serial number for the financial year, date, HSN or SAC codes, taxable value, CGST and SGST or IGST rates and amounts, place of supply, reverse charge status and a signature. Download the free GST invoice format above.
What is the difference between a tax invoice and a bill of supply?
Under GST in India, a registered supplier charging GST issues a tax invoice. A bill of supply is issued instead when no GST is charged, for example by a composition dealer or for exempt supplies.
Do US businesses issue tax invoices?
There is no federal VAT, so there is no US "tax invoice" format. Businesses show state and local sales tax on the invoice where it applies.
Can I create a tax invoice online?
Yes. In the free invoice generator, add your VAT/GST number in the tax ID field, set the tax rate and add HSN/SAC codes in descriptions if you are in India.