India GST Invoice Format: GSTIN, HSN/SAC, CGST, SGST, and IGST

A GST invoice is more structured than a simple bill. It should clearly show who is selling, who is buying, what was supplied, the taxable amount, the applicable GST, and the final invoice value.

If you want a quick starting point, use the India GST Invoice Generator.

For a quick visual walkthrough, open the GST Invoice Format Web Story. If you are deciding between tax lines, also see CGST + SGST vs IGST.

Common fields in a GST invoice

A practical India GST invoice usually includes:

• Supplier name, address, and GSTIN
• Buyer name, address, and GSTIN if registered
• Invoice number and invoice date
• Description of goods or services
• HSN code for goods or SAC code for services
• Quantity and rate
• Discount, if any
• Taxable value
• CGST and SGST for intra-state supply
• IGST for inter-state supply
• Total invoice value
• Payment terms and notes

What is HSN/SAC?

HSN is generally used for goods. SAC is generally used for services. These codes help classify what is being supplied for GST reporting and invoice records.

For service businesses, common invoices often use SAC codes. For product sellers, HSN codes are usually more relevant.

CGST + SGST vs IGST

Use CGST and SGST when the supplier and buyer are in the same state, based on the transaction and place-of-supply treatment.

Use IGST when the supply is inter-state, again subject to GST rules and transaction type.

The India GST Invoice Generator includes quick buttons for GST 18%, CGST 9% + SGST 9%, and IGST 18%.

Discounts and taxable value

If a discount applies before tax, the GST should generally be calculated on the amount after discount. The invoice should make the discount clear so the taxable value is easy to verify.

Keep backups

For small businesses and freelancers, it is useful to keep a JSON backup of generated invoices and a CSV summary for your records. The generator stores records in your browser, so exporting backups helps when changing devices or clearing browser data.

When to use the India GST generator

Use the India GST Invoice Generator when you need INR invoices with GSTIN, HSN/SAC, CGST/SGST, IGST, and India-style tax labels.

Use the Global Invoice Generator when you need a different currency, VAT, sales tax, or a simple non-GST invoice format.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, accounting, GST, or financial advice. GST requirements can vary by registration type, supply type, location, and transaction details. Consult a qualified tax professional or accountant for your situation.