HomeE-INVOICINGWhat is e-Invoicing Under GST - eInvoicing Definition, Steps & Benefits

What is e-Invoicing Under GST – eInvoicing Definition, Steps & Benefits

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The “E-way bills” can be filled on the GST portal to transport goods. In the 35th meeting, the GST Council has implemented an e-invoicing system to specified groups. There is no need to generate invoices online. Instead, the standard invoice is submitted to the e-invoicing portal. Hence, it makes multipurpose reporting automated by adding invoice details with one-time input.  

What is E-Invoicing Under GST?

Electronic invoicing or E-Invoicing is a procedure in which taxpayers have to generate B2B invoices online through the GST network on the GST portal for future use. An ID number shall be issued for every invoice under the e-invoicing system by the IRP and is handled by GSTN.  The National Informatics Centre was the first to issue the Invoice Registration Portal. From the IRP, all the details of the invoice shall be transferred to both the e-way bill portal and common GST portal at once. Hence, you don’t have to enter data manually to file GSTR-1 return and to generate E-Way Bill Part 1. All the details will be passed to the GST portal directly by the IRP. 

How to Generate E-invoice under GST?

Businesses use different software platforms to generate invoices and these invoice details are entered manually in GSTR-1 return form. After filing the GSTR-1 form, the details of the invoice appear in GSTR-2A form in the ‘view-only’ format for the recipients only. On the other side, an e-way bill must be generated by the transporters or consignors. They can simply import the invoices in the form of JSON or Excel manually. 

As on October 1, 2020, the process remains unchanged for uploading and generating invoice details under the e-invoicing system. It can be done through API or importing to JSON or Excel, either through a GSP or directly. The data will reflect directly on the GSTR-1 form and e-way bill as well. 

Benefits of E-Invoicing under GST

  • Bridges a gap and fixes data reconciliation to cut down on mismatch errors under GST. 
  • Real-time tracking is done by the supplier for the invoices prepared
  • One can read e-invoices on a particular program which can be accessed by other people. This way, it helps to reduce the risk of errors. 
  • One can access input tax credit quickly. 
  • Automation and back-integration of the process of filing tax returns. The invoice data would be reflected automatically in several returns, especially when you generate an e-way bill Part A
  • Tax authorities don’t have to do surveys or audits as they can get all the details needed at the transaction level. 

What is the content of E-Invoicing under GST Applicability?

The e-invoice draft has been made public and released in excel template by GSTN on August 20, 2019. The GST Council has approved the same with some changes on September 20 2019, at the 37th meeting by the GST Council. In association with ICAI, the GSTN has drafted the format in compliance with Indian tax laws and GST. The format follows several industry standards and international norms. An individual format caters to several businesses and industries and it looks complete. 

Any existing invoice or accounting software vendor like Marg ERP should comply with PEPPOL (Pan European Public Procurement Online) guidelines to generate invoices. Hence, taxpayers can generate an invoice as per the source. The PEPPOL has been referred to as the UBL version of XML by the GSTN. 

PEPPOL is the most common standard worldwide these days. The system is backed by several trading communities and business applications for the exchange of information in supply chains with a standard or common format. An individual data entry point is enabled in e-commerce for business. Later on, the flow of data is happening in various portals through IRP. 

Here are some of the important parts of e-invoicing by GSTN: 

  • Masters – It consists of inputs for specific fields given by GSTN, such as State Code, UQC, supply type, invoice type, etc. 
  • EInvoice Schema – It has the description of each field, name of the technical field, sample values, whether it is recommended or not, as well as explanatory notes. 
  • E-invoice template – According to GST rules, this template allows readers to tally the terms they have used in other sheets. Optional fields have been marked yellow and mandatory are green. 

How to Implement E-Invoice under GST System?

With annual turnover exceeding Rs. 500 Cr, the taxpayers can generate e-invoices manually from January 7, 2020 using APIs. On the other side, taxpayers with turnover from Rs. 1 Cr. to Rs. 500 Cr. can generate e-invoices from February 1, 2020. From April 1, 2020, the e-invoices should be implemented. For taxpayers with over Rs. 500 Cr. as turnover, that limit has been extended to October 1, 2020. The aggregate turnover includes total turnover under one PAN in all GSTINs in India. 

How to Raise/Generate E-Invoice under GST?

A taxpayer can raise or generate an E-invoice under GST in the following steps: 

  • First of all, ensure that the ERP system is used according to PEPPOL guidelines. The taxpayer can set the standard for e-invoicing by working with the software vendor, i.e. e-invoice schema. All the parameters recommended should be notified by CBIC.
  • There are basically two options for a taxpayer to generate IRN: 
    • They can validate the IP address of the system on an e-invoice portal for the integration of API directly or through a GSP. 
    • Upload the invoices in bulk using a bulk generation tool. It can help generate JSON files that they can upload to generate IRNs on the e-invoice portal. 
  • Later on, the taxpayer has to raise an invoice on the GST Software. He should provide all the important details like GSTN of supplier, name and address on the bill, item rate, amount of transaction, tax amount, and GST rate. 
  • After selection of one of those options, raise the invoice on the billing software or ERP software. Later on, upload the invoice details in the fields marked mandatory via GST service provider or ASP, or using JSON file. The IRP will be serving as a central registrar for authentication and e-invoicing. There are different modes to interact with IRP, including mobile apps and SMS. 
  • All the important details will be validated by the IRP on B2B invoice. The IRP will also look for any duplicate entry and generate IRN as a reference. The IRN can be generated as per four parameters – Invoice Number, seller’s GSTIN, document type in INV/DN/CN format and FY in YYYY-YY format. 
  • The invoice reference number (IRN) will be generated by the IRP. It will also create QR code and sign the invoice digitally in Output JSON for the supplier. On the flip side, the seller will get notification through email (if given in the invoice) that the e-invoice has been generated. 
  • The authorized payload will be sent by IRP to the GST portal related to GST returns. In addition, the IRP will forward the details to the e-way bill portal. The same information will be reflected in GSTR-1 for the tax period. The tax liability will be determined in return. 

A taxpayer can print his invoice with a logo. All taxpayers have to report only e-invoices in IRP. 

How Tax Evasion Can Be Prevented With E-invoicing Under GST System?

Here are some of the ways to curb tax evasion:

  • Invoices are less likely to be manipulated as they are generated in advance before transactions. 
  • Tax authorities can access transactions in real-time. So, the taxpayers have to generate e-invoice through the GST portal. 
  • Fake GST invoices are less likely to be made and one can claim input tax credit which is genuine because they can generate all invoices using the GST portal. GSTN can easily detect fake claims of the input tax credit as it is tallied with output credits. 

What are the mandatory fields of E-Invoicing under GST?

E-invoices should be made strictly according to the rules related to GST invoicing. In addition, it should also comply with the invoicing policies followed by every sector in the country. You have to fill in some details which are mandatory while some of them are the ones you may or may not fill. 

Users can fill up only relevant fields as a lot of fields are optional. There is also a description in all the fields with sample inputs for the users who take an interest. Some fields are sub-supply type in the e-way bill format. Here are the contents in the latest format of e-invoice as on July 30, 2020:

  • 12 mandatory and optional sections as well as 6 annexures having 138 fields in total 
  • 7 are optional fields while 5 are mandatory in 12 sections. Out of 6 annexures, 2 are mandatory. 
  • Mandatory Sections include Supplier Info, Basic Info, Invoice Item, Recipient details, and Document’s total. 
Here are the fields in the e-invoice that should be announced compulsorily:
Sl. no.Name of the fieldList of Choices/ Specifications/Sample InputsRemarks
1Document Type CodeEnumerated List such as INV/CRN/DBNType of document must be specified
2Supplier_Legal NameString Max length: 100 Legal name of the supplier must be as per the PAN card
3Supplier_GSTIN

Max length: 15 

Must be alphanumeric 

GSTIN of the supplier raising the e-invoice
4Supplier_AddressMax length: 100 Building/Flat no., Road/Street, Locality, etc. of the supplier raising the e-invoice
5Supplier_PlaceMax length: 50 Supplier’s location such as city/town/village must be mentioned
6Supplier_State_CodeEnumerated list of statesThe state must be selected from the latest list given by GSTN
7Supplier PincodeSix digit codeThe place (locality/district/state) of the supplier’s locality
8Document NumberMax length: 16
Sample can be “ Sa/1/2019”
For unique identification of the invoice, a sequential number is required within the business context, time-frame, operating systems and records of the supplier. No identification scheme is to be used
9Preceeding_Invoice_Reference and date

Max length:16

Sample input is 

“ Sa/1/2019” and “16/11/2020”

Detail of original invoice which is being amended by a subsequent document such as a debit and credit note. It is required to keep future expansion of e-versions of credit notes, debit notes and other documents required under GST
10Document DateString (DD/MM/YYYY) as per the technical field specificationThe date when the invoice was issued. However, the format under explanatory notes refers to ‘YYYY-MM-DD’. Further clarity will be required. Document period start and end date must also be specified if selected.
11Recipient_ Legal NameMax length: 100The name of the buyer as per the PAN
12Recipient’s GSTINMax length: 15The GSTIN of the buyer to be declared here
13Recipient’s AddressMax length: 100Building/Flat no., Road/Street, Locality, etc. of the supplier raising the e-invoice
14Recipient’s State CodeEnumerated listThe place of supply state code to be selected here
15Place_Of_Supply_State_ CodeEnumerated list of statesThe state must be selected from the latest list given by GSTN
16PincodeSix digit codeThe place (locality/district/state) of the buyer on whom the invoice is raised/ billed to must be declared here if any
17Recipient PlaceMax length: 100Recipient’s location (City/Town/Village)
18IRN- Invoice Reference Number

Max length: 64

Sample is ‘a5c12dca8 0e7433217…ba4013 750f2046f229’

At the time of registration request, this field is left empty by the supplier. Later on, a unique number will be generated by GSTN after uploading the e-invoice on the GSTN portal. An acknowledgement will be sent back to the supplier after the successful acceptance of the e-invoice by the portal. IRN should then be displayed on e-invoice before use.
19ShippingTo_GSTINMax length: 15GSTIN of the buyer himself or the person to whom the particular item is being delivered to
20Shipping To_State, Pincode and State codeMax length: 100 for state, 6 digit pincode and enumerated list for codeState pertaining to the place to which the goods and services invoiced were or are delivered
21Dispatch From_ Name, Address, Place and PincodeMax length: 100 each and 6 digit for pincodeEntity’s details (name, and city/town/village) from where goods are dispatched
22Is_ServiceString (Length: 1) by selecting Y/NWhether or not supply of service must be mentioned
23Supply Type Code

Enumerated list of codes

Sample values can be either of B2B/B2C/ SEZWP/S EZWOP/E XP WP/EXP WOP/DE
XP

Code will be used to identify types of supply such as business to business, business to consumer, supply to SEZ/Exports with or without payment, and deemed export.
24Item Description

Max length: 300

The sample value is ‘Mobile’

The schema document refers to this as the ‘identification scheme identifier of the Item classification identifier’

Simply put, the relevant description generally used for the item in the trade. However, more clarity is needed on how it needs to be described for every two or more items belonging to the same HSN code 
25HSN CodeMax length: 8The applicable HSN code for particular goods/service must be entered
26Item_Price

Decimal (12,3)

Sample value is ‘50’

The unit price, exclusive of GST, before subtracting item price discount, can not be negative
27Assessable Value

Decimal (13,2)

Sample value is ‘5000’

The price of an item, exclusive of GST, after subtracting item price discount. Hence, Gross price (-) Discount = Net price item, if any cash discount is provided at the time of sale
28GST Rate

Decimal (3,2)

Sample value is ‘5’

The GST rate represented as a percentage that is applicable to the item being invoiced
29IGST Value, CGST Value and SGST Value Separately

Decimal (11,2)

Sample value is ‘650.00’

For each individual item, IGST, CGST and SGST amounts have to be specified
30Total Invoice ValueDecimal (11,2)The total amount of the Invoice with GST. Must be rounded to a maximum of 2 decimals

E-Invoice Format  under GST System

Frequently Asked Questions

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Marg ERP Ltd
Marg ERP Ltdhttps://margcompusoft.com/m/
MARG ERP Ltd. has its expertise in providing the perfect customized inventory and accounting solutions for all businesses to get GST compliant.

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