GST Invoice Generator 2026: Create Free GST-Compliant Invoices Instantly
Table of Contents
- 1. What is a GST Invoice?
- 2. Mandatory Fields in a GST Invoice
- 3. CGST, SGST and IGST — When to Apply
- 4. GST Invoice Format Requirements
- 5. HSN Code and SAC Code
- 6. GST Rates in India 2026
- 7. Common GST Invoice Mistakes
- 8. FAQ
- 9. Conclusion
Every GST-registered business in India is legally required to issue a proper GST invoice for every supply of goods or services. Getting the invoice format wrong can lead to ITC (Input Tax Credit) rejection, GST notices, and penalties. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains every mandatory element of a GST invoice — and how to create one instantly using TechCompare.in’s free GST Invoice Generator.
1. What is a GST Invoice?
A GST invoice is a formal document issued by a registered supplier to the buyer at the time of sale of goods or services. It serves as the legal basis for the buyer to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). Under GST law, a tax invoice must be issued within 30 days from the date of supply of services (45 days for banking companies) and at the time of delivery for goods.
2. Mandatory Fields in a GST Invoice
| Sr. No. | Mandatory Field | Description |
| 1 | Supplier Name & Address | Legal business name and complete address |
| 2 | GSTIN of Supplier | 15-digit GST Identification Number |
| 3 | Invoice Number | Unique, sequential, within financial year |
| 4 | Invoice Date | Date of issue |
| 5 | Recipient Name & Address | Buyer’s name and address |
| 6 | GSTIN of Recipient | Required if registered; optional for unregistered buyers |
| 7 | HSN/SAC Code | For goods (HSN) or services (SAC) |
| 8 | Description of Goods/Services | Clear item description |
| 9 | Quantity & Unit | For goods |
| 10 | Rate per Unit | Price per unit |
| 11 | Taxable Value | Value before tax |
| 12 | GST Rate & Amount | CGST+SGST or IGST separately |
| 13 | Total Invoice Amount | Including all taxes |
| 14 | Place of Supply | Determines CGST+SGST or IGST |
3. CGST, SGST and IGST — When to Apply
| Supply Type | Tax Applied | Example |
| Intra-State Supply | CGST + SGST (equal split) | Delhi seller → Delhi buyer |
| Inter-State Supply | IGST (full rate) | Delhi seller → Mumbai buyer |
| Export | Zero-rated (0% GST) | Indian seller → Foreign buyer |
| Import | IGST (full rate) | Foreign seller → Indian buyer |
Example: 18% GST on intra-state supply = 9% CGST + 9% SGST. On inter-state = 18% IGST. Never split IGST into CGST+SGST on interstate invoices.
4. GST Rates in India 2026
| GST Rate | Category / Items |
| 0% | Essential food items, fresh vegetables, milk, eggs, books, newspapers |
| 5% | Packaged food, footwear under ₹1000, transport services, economy class air travel |
| 12% | Processed food, mobiles, computers, business class air travel |
| 18% | Most services, electronics, paints, cement, restaurant services (AC) |
| 28% | Luxury items, automobiles, tobacco, aerated drinks, casinos |
5. Common GST Invoice Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing or incorrect GSTIN — leads to ITC rejection for the buyer
- Wrong tax type — applying CGST+SGST on inter-state supply instead of IGST
- Non-sequential invoice numbering — GST law requires unique sequential numbers
- Missing HSN/SAC codes — mandatory for businesses above prescribed turnover
- Incorrect place of supply — determines which state gets the tax
- Not issuing invoice within the time limit — 30 days for services, at delivery for goods
6. FAQ
Who must issue a GST invoice?
Every GST-registered supplier must issue a GST tax invoice for B2B supplies. For B2C supplies above ₹2.5 lakh, a detailed invoice is mandatory. For B2C supplies below ₹2.5 lakh, a simplified Bill of Supply can be issued.
Is a GST invoice required for exempt supplies?
For exempt supplies, a ‘Bill of Supply’ must be issued instead of a tax invoice. A Bill of Supply looks similar to a tax invoice but does not mention GST amounts since no tax is applicable.
Can I create GST invoices for free?
Yes! TechCompare.in’s GST Invoice Generator is completely free. Create GST-compliant invoices with auto-calculated CGST/SGST/IGST, add multiple line items, and download PDF instantly — no watermark, no signup required.
7. Conclusion
A correct GST invoice is the foundation of GST compliance in India. Getting it right protects your buyers’ ITC claims, keeps you audit-ready, and avoids costly GST notices. Use TechCompare.in’s free GST Invoice Generator to create professional, GST-compliant invoices with auto CGST/SGST/IGST calculation and instant PDF download — completely free, no watermark.