GST Invoice Format for Freelancers: What a Tax Invoice Must Include
Last reviewed: September 29, 2026
Once you are registered for GST, the invoices you issue for taxable services must be tax invoices that contain specific details set out in the GST rules (rule 46 of the CGST Rules). Missing details can cause problems for your client when they claim input tax credit, so it is worth getting the format right.
What a GST tax invoice must contain
- Your name, address and GSTIN (your 15-character GST number).
- A consecutive serial number, unique for the financial year, of up to 16 characters (letters, numbers, hyphens and slashes).
- The date of issue.
- Your client's name, address and GSTIN, if they are registered. For an unregistered client, include their name and address (and the state) when the invoice value is ₹50,000 or more.
- The HSN code for goods or SAC code for services. How many digits you must show depends on your turnover: currently at least 4 digits on B2B invoices if your aggregate turnover in the previous year was up to ₹5 crore, and 6 digits above that.
- A description of the services, with quantity where relevant.
- The total value and the taxable value, after any discounts.
- The rate and amount of tax, shown separately as CGST and SGST (or UTGST), or as IGST. See CGST + SGST vs IGST.
- The place of supply, with the state name, for inter-state supplies.
- Whether tax is payable on reverse charge.
- Your signature or digital signature, or that of an authorised person.
Special cases
- Exports under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT): the invoice must state that the supply is meant for export under LUT without payment of integrated tax, and is usually issued in the foreign currency agreed with the client.
- GST e-invoicing: businesses above a turnover threshold (₹5 crore at the time of writing) must also register B2B invoices on the government's Invoice Registration Portal to get an IRN and QR code. Most freelancers are well below this threshold.
- Not registered? Do not show GST or call your invoice a tax invoice. A normal invoice is enough.
How eInvoicePad covers each detail
| Required detail | In eInvoicePad |
|---|---|
| "Tax Invoice" title | Added automatically when GST is switched on |
| Your GSTIN and your client's GSTIN | Tax tab: Your GSTIN and Client GSTIN |
| Invoice number and date | Details tab (numbers move up automatically if you tick "Remember my details") |
| CGST + SGST or IGST, with rates and amounts | Tax tab: choose Same state or Other state and enter your rate |
| Place of supply | Tax tab: Place of Supply |
| Description, quantity, rate, taxable value | Items tab: main service and up to 20 more items |
| SAC code | Add it to the item description, e.g. "Web design services (SAC: your code)" |
| Addresses, reverse charge, signature, LUT declaration | Not yet built in: add them to the descriptions or to the PDF before sending |
eInvoicePad does not generate GST e-invoices (IRN and QR code). If e-invoicing applies to you, you must register each invoice through the Invoice Registration Portal or an authorised provider.
Try it
The GST invoice generator opens with GST already switched on. Enter your rate and GSTINs, add your items, and download the PDF.
This guide is general information about Indian GST and invoicing, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change, so check the current position with a chartered accountant or tax adviser. See our Disclaimer.