How to make a free GST invoice (step-by-step)

A GST invoice is the official bill you give a customer for goods or services, showing the tax charged. If your business is registered under GST in India, you’re required to issue one for taxable sales — and even if you’re not registered, a tidy, professional invoice helps you get paid faster and keeps your records straight. The good news: you don’t need expensive software. This guide covers exactly what to include and how to make one in a few minutes.

What a GST invoice must include

A compliant tax invoice generally needs the following details. Missing fields are the most common reason an invoice looks unprofessional or gets questioned:

Your business name, address and GSTIN (your 15-digit GST number).
A unique invoice number and the invoice date.
Customer’s name, address and their GSTIN if they’re registered.
Description of each item or service, with quantity and rate.
HSN or SAC code for the goods (HSN) or services (SAC).
Taxable value, the GST rate, and the tax amount split correctly.
Total amount in figures, and ideally in words.
A signature or a note that it’s a computer-generated invoice.

CGST, SGST or IGST — which one?

This is the part that confuses most first-time sellers. The GST on a sale is split based on where the buyer is:

Same state (you and the customer are in the same state): the GST is split into CGST and SGST — half each. So 18% GST becomes 9% CGST + 9% SGST.
Different state (an inter-state sale): you charge a single IGST at the full rate — e.g. 18% IGST.

Example: You sell goods worth ₹1,000 at 18% GST. If the buyer is in your state, the invoice shows ₹90 CGST + ₹90 SGST = ₹180 tax, total ₹1,180. If the buyer is in another state, it shows ₹180 IGST, total ₹1,180. The customer pays the same; only the split differs.

Make one in minutes

Instead of building a spreadsheet, use a ready-made invoice maker. Here’s the flow:

Add your business details — name, address and GSTIN. Do this once; it’s remembered for next time.
Enter the customer — their name, address, and GSTIN if they have one.
Add line items — description, quantity and rate for each product or service.
Set the GST rate — the tool splits it into CGST/SGST or IGST automatically and totals everything.
Download the PDF — a clean, printable invoice you can email or send on WhatsApp.

BillEasy — GST Invoice MakerCreate professional GST invoices as PDF, free. No sign-up. Open →

Tips for getting paid faster

Use a simple, sequential invoice number (like INV-2026-001) so both sides can track it.
State clear payment terms — “due in 7 days” — and add your UPI ID or a UPI QR code.
Double-check the GSTIN and the tax split before sending — errors slow down payment and reconciliation.
Keep a copy of every invoice for your own records and GST filing.

Frequently asked

Do I need GST registration to send an invoice?

No. If you’re not GST-registered you simply issue a regular “bill of supply” without charging GST. Once registered, you must issue proper tax invoices for taxable sales.

Is this a substitute for filing GST returns?

No — making an invoice and filing your GST returns are separate. This tool helps you create the bill; you still file returns through the GST portal or your accountant. See our Terms: our apps are practical tools, not financial advice.