e-Invoice Format in GST

Yarab A |Updated on: December 28, 2023

With the introduction of e-invoicing concept in GST, all B2B invoices along with other notified documents need to be uploaded and authenticated by invoice registration portal (IRP). To facilitate ease of upload, standard guidelines with respect to structure and e-invoice format are issued by the authorities. As per the recent updates, from 1st August 2023, e-invoicing will be essential for all the registered persons whose aggregate turnover (based on PAN) in any prior fiscal year from 2017-18 onwards exceeds 5 crores. 

e-Invoice format or schema

The e-invoice format is notified in GST rules as Form GST INV-1. In other words, the format or scheme of e-invoice is detailed via form GSTR INV-1. This acts as a standard template for electronic reporting of invoice details. The invoice details in the prescribed structure need to be reported to IRP in JSON format.

The e-Invoice format can be categorized into 8 broad headings in which the details need to be mentioned. Below are broad headings of e-invoice format:

• Basic details
• Invoice period
• Preceding document / contract reference
• Receipt / contract references
• Supplier information
• Buyer information
• Payee information
• Delivery information
• Ship-To details
• Dispatch from details
• Invoice item details
• Document total
• Extra information like port code, batch details etc.

As per the e-invoice format, certain details are mandatory to be mentioned while sending the invoice details to IRP. Depending upon the nature of business and transactions, some details can be optional as well.

Download the complete e-invoice format or schema

Benefits of having formats for e-invoice

As such there is no e-invoice format that has been set in place, however, there are certain mandatory fields that need to be present in the e-invoice as per the GST regulations. 

Here are some of the benefits of having a standardized e-invoice with all the mandatory fields present in it:

1. A standard format allows e-invoices to be shared conveniently
2. A standardized format makes it easier for the system to read it

Mandatory details of e-invoice

• Code for supply type - B2B for business to business, EXPWP for export with payment, SEZWP for SEZ with Payment
• Code for document type - INV for Invoice, CRN for Credit Note, DBN for Debit note.
• Document number – Invoice number as rules prescribed in GST
• Document date
• Supplier legal name
• GSTIN of supplier
• Supplier address
• Supplier place, State code and pin code
• Buyers name and GSTIN
• Place of supply (State code)
• List of items - Provide information about the goods and services being invoiced.
• Document total details - Details of document total including taxes.
• Ship to details if applicable

Video on e-invoicing in TallyPrime

Frequent Ask Questions

1. What is the format of e invoice?

   The e-invoice format is notified in GST rules as Form GST INV-1. In other words, the format or scheme of e-invoice is detailed via form GSTR INV-1.
   

2. What role does the e-Invoice format play in ensuring compliance with tax regulations?

   As per the e-invoice format, certain details are mandatory to be mentioned while sending the invoice details to IRP. Depending upon the nature of business and transactions, some details can be optional as well. A GST invoice format is a document that shows the details of the goods and services supplies under the GST system.

3. How does the e-Invoice format enhance accuracy and reduce errors in invoicing?

   With the introduction of e-invoicing concept in GST, all B2B invoices along with other notified documents need to be uploaded and authenticated by invoice registration portal (IRP) . This ensures that the data is accurate and reduces the possibility of errors.
   
   

4. What benefits do businesses gain by adopting the e-Invoice format for their invoicing processes?
   
   e-Invoicing has several benefits, including---Reduced manual effort, faster invoice processing, improved cash flow, and enhanced financial visibility.
   
   

Know more about e-invoices in GST