The Correct GST Invoice Format for Small Businesses

Compliance is critical when running a small business in India. A non-compliant invoice can lead to delayed payments and trouble during tax audits. Here is a breakdown of the standard GST invoice format.

Mandatory Fields

According to the CGST rules, a tax invoice must have the following:

1. Header: Must clearly state "Tax Invoice".
2. Supplier Details: Name, address, and GSTIN of the supplier.
3. Invoice Number: A consecutive serial number not exceeding 16 characters.
4. Date: Date of issue of the invoice.
5. Buyer Details: Name, address, and GSTIN (if registered) of the recipient.
6. HSN/SAC: The correct code for the goods or services.
7. Item Details: Description, quantity, unit, and total value.
8. Tax Details: Rate of tax and amount of tax charged (CGST, SGST, IGST).
9. Signature: Physical or digital signature of the supplier.

Using Software to Stay Compliant

Manually tracking invoice numbers and calculating state taxes is prone to human error. Stickman's billing software enforces these rules automatically, ensuring every PDF you generate is 100% compliant with Indian tax laws.