Understanding E-Invoice: Complete Guide
E-invoicing is an electronic system of invoice authentication where B2B invoices are electronically authenticated by GSTN for further use on the common GST portal. Under this system, an identification number called Invoice Reference Number (IRN) is issued against every invoice by the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP).
What is E-Invoice?
E-invoice does not mean generation of invoice on computers using accounting software. E-invoice means reporting the invoice details electronically to the GST system (Invoice Registration Portal) to get it authenticated and receive a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN). Once authenticated:
- The IRP generates a unique IRN (Invoice Reference Number)
- A digitally signed QR code is generated
- The invoice is marked as authentic on GST system
- Details are auto-populated in GSTR-1
- Recipient can claim ITC without manual entry
Key Point: E-invoice is NOT about generating invoices electronically. It's about reporting them to IRP and getting IRN authentication. You can still create invoices in your billing software, but they need IRN authentication if e-invoicing is applicable to you.
Current E-Invoice Threshold Limits
| Effective Date |
Turnover Threshold |
Notification |
| 1st October 2020 |
₹500 Crore and above |
Notification 61/2020 |
| 1st January 2021 |
₹100 Crore and above |
Notification 88/2020 |
| 1st April 2021 |
₹50 Crore and above |
Notification 05/2021 |
| 1st April 2022 |
₹20 Crore and above |
Notification 01/2022 |
| 1st October 2022 |
₹10 Crore and above |
Notification 17/2022 |
| 1st August 2023 |
₹5 Crore and above |
Notification 10/2023 |
Who Must Generate E-Invoice?
E-invoicing is MANDATORY for:
- Turnover-Based: All businesses with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹5 crore in any preceding financial year from FY 2017-18 onwards
- All B2B Invoices: For both goods and services supplied to registered persons
- Export Invoices: Exports to foreign countries (SEZ considered as deemed exports)
- Credit/Debit Notes: Issued to registered persons
Who is EXEMPT from E-Invoice?
- Turnover Below ₹5 Crore: Businesses below the threshold limit
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Units: As notified
- Insurance Companies: Dealing with GTA services
- Banking Companies: Dealing with financial services
- NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies)
- Goods Transport Agencies (GTA): Supplying GTA services
- Multiplexes: Passenger transport services
- Notified Classes: As per government notifications
How E-Invoice Works: Step-by-Step
- Generate Invoice: Create invoice in your billing/accounting software as usual
- Upload to IRP: Upload invoice details to Invoice Registration Portal in JSON format
- Validation: IRP validates the invoice data (GSTIN, invoice number, etc.)
- IRN Generation: If valid, IRP generates a unique 64-character IRN (hash)
- Digital Signature: Invoice is digitally signed by IRP
- QR Code Generation: A digitally signed QR code is generated
- Return to Taxpayer: IRN and signed invoice (with QR code) is sent back
- Auto-Population: Invoice details auto-populate in GSTR-1
- E-Way Bill: If applicable, e-way bill is generated simultaneously
Important: E-invoice must be generated BEFORE the supply of goods or services. Once IRN is generated, the invoice cannot be edited. Any changes require cancellation of the original invoice and generation of a new one (within 24 hours).
Benefits of E-Invoicing
- Reduced Data Entry Errors: Auto-population eliminates manual data entry in returns
- Real-Time Tracking: Both supplier and recipient can track invoice status
- Faster ITC Claims: Recipients get instant ITC visibility
- Reconciliation Made Easy: Auto-matching of invoices reduces reconciliation time
- No Return Filing Hassles: Invoice data auto-flows to GSTR-1
- Integrated E-Way Bill: Generate e-way bill simultaneously (if applicable)
- Reduced Compliance Cost: Less time spent on return preparation
- Fraud Prevention: Authentic invoices with digital signatures
Documents That Require IRN
The following documents must have IRN if e-invoicing is applicable:
- Tax Invoice: For B2B supply of goods or services
- Debit Note: For post-supply increase in value
- Credit Note: For post-supply decrease in value
- Export Invoice: For exports to foreign countries
- Deemed Export Invoice: For supplies to SEZ
Documents that DON'T need IRN:
- Bill of Supply (for composition dealers or exempt supplies)
- Invoices for unregistered persons (B2C)
- Delivery challan
- Receipts or payment vouchers
E-Invoice vs E-Way Bill
| Aspect |
E-Invoice |
E-Way Bill |
| Purpose |
Invoice authentication |
Transport document |
| Applicability |
Turnover above ₹5 crore |
Consignment value above ₹50,000 |
| Required For |
All B2B supplies |
Goods movement only |
| Services |
Yes, required |
Not required |
| Validity |
Permanent (until cancelled) |
Time-limited (1-15 days) |
| Integration |
Can auto-generate e-way bill |
Cannot generate e-invoice |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you are required to issue e-invoices but fail to do so:
- Tax Evasion: Treated as supply without invoice under Section 122
- Penalty: 100% of the tax amount or ₹10,000, whichever is higher
- ITC Blockage: Recipient may not be able to claim ITC
- GST Portal Rejection: Invoice not reflected in GSTR-1
- Audit Issues: May attract scrutiny and notices
How to Start E-Invoicing?
- Check Eligibility: Use this tool to verify if e-invoicing applies to you
- Update Software: Ensure your billing software supports e-invoice JSON format
- Choose IRP: Select an Invoice Registration Portal (multiple IRPs available)
- Get API/GSP Access: Integrate your software with IRP via API or use GSP
- Test Environment: Practice on sandbox/test environment first
- Employee Training: Train your accounts team on the process
- Go Live: Start generating e-invoices for all eligible transactions
- Monitor Compliance: Regular checks to ensure all invoices have IRN
Common E-Invoice Errors & Solutions
| Error |
Cause |
Solution |
| Invalid GSTIN |
Buyer's GSTIN is incorrect or cancelled |
Verify GSTIN on GST portal before generating invoice |
| Duplicate Invoice Number |
Same invoice number used before |
Maintain unique invoice numbering system |
| JSON Format Error |
Incorrect data format |
Validate JSON before upload; use standard schema |
| IRN Already Generated |
Trying to upload same invoice twice |
Check IRN status before re-upload |
| API Timeout |
Network or server issues |
Retry after some time; check internet connection |
Tips for Smooth E-Invoice Compliance
- Invest in Good Software: Use reliable GST-compliant accounting software with e-invoice API
- Maintain Unique Invoice Series: Never duplicate invoice numbers
- Verify Buyer GSTIN: Always check GSTIN validity before invoice generation
- Generate Before Dispatch: Create e-invoice before goods/services delivery
- Save IRN Records: Maintain database of all IRNs for future reference
- Monitor Cancellations: Cancel incorrect invoices within 24 hours only
- Regular Backup: Keep backup of all e-invoice JSON files
- Stay Updated: Follow GST notifications for any changes in rules
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