How to Generate a GST 2.0–Compliant Invoice PDF (Step-by-Step)
A practical, compliance-first guide for Indian freelancers, small businesses, and startups.
What this guide helps you do
If you searched "how to generate GST invoice online", you're likely trying to produce a clean invoice that includes the right mandatory fields, calculates tax correctly, and is easy to share as a PDF. This page explains the GST invoice format in plain English and walks you through the safest workflow.
Use the GST 2.0 invoice generator while you read, or browse all articles on the Guides page.
GST 2.0 (22 September): what it means for invoices
GST 2.0 is positioned as an upgraded, simplified version of the GST regime introduced on 22 September. The intent is to reduce rate and classification friction, while making compliance simpler to follow in day-to-day billing.
What GST 2.0 aims to do
- Rationalise tax rates and reduce slab complexity
- Simplify compliance for businesses and freelancers
- Ease billing and classification disputes (HSN/SAC and tax rate selection)
- Support demand by lowering taxation on essential goods/services
- Introduce a targeted higher rate for luxury/sin (de-merit) supplies
Key change you'll feel on invoices: simplified slabs
In many GST 2.0 summaries, the earlier multi-slab system (commonly 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) is described as moving toward a simpler structure such as:
- 0% / Nil for certain essentials and exempt supplies
- 5% for merit/essential goods and services
- 18% as the standard rate for many goods and services
- Higher luxury/sin rate (often cited as 40%) for de-merit supplies
What you should do differently (practical)
- Double-check HSN/SAC for each line item so the rate you apply is defensible.
- Confirm the tax rate actually applicable to your supply before sharing a PDF.
- Be strict with invoice dates vs supply timing (avoid backdating or delayed billing).
- Preview the IGST vs CGST/SGST breakup and totals before downloading.
Rates and invoice obligations can vary by taxpayer type and supply scenario (B2B/B2C/exports). Use this guide as a workflow checklist, and confirm the final notified rate for your HSN/SAC from official GST updates for your case.
Quick steps (featured-snippet friendly)
- Enter invoice basics: invoice number, dates, currency, and place of supply (state).
- Add seller details (your business) and GSTIN when GST is enabled.
- Add buyer details (customer) and GSTIN for B2B.
- Add line items with description, HSN/SAC, rate, quantity/unit, and GST%.
- Confirm tax type: IGST (inter-state) vs CGST+SGST (intra-state).
- Preview and download the GST invoice PDF; store it for records.
What a "GST 2.0–compliant" invoice means (in practice)
With GST 2.0, invoices are expected to be easier to reconcile and less ambiguous. There isn't one magic template — compliance is about whether your invoice contains the required information and the tax logic matches the transaction.
- Correct tax split: IGST vs CGST/SGST based on states and place of supply.
- HSN/SAC present where expected: goods use HSN, services use SAC.
- Readable totals: taxable value, tax amounts, and grand total match line items.
Who needs a GST-compliant invoice?
GST-registered sellers
If you are GST-registered and supplying taxable goods/services, you typically issue a tax invoice that includes GSTIN, tax rates, and tax breakup. Many freelancers and consultants fall into this bucket once registered.
If you are not GST-registered
You can still issue a professional invoice/receipt, but you generally should not charge GST or show GST breakup. In most tools this means generating a non-GST invoice.
This article is educational and focuses on format and workflow. If your situation is unusual (composition, exempt supplies, exports), confirm the exact wording/fields you need for your case.
Mandatory fields checklist (GST invoice format essentials)
Invoice basics
- Unique invoice number (consistent sequence)
- Invoice date (and due date if you use it)
- Place of supply (state)
- Currency (INR for most domestic GST invoices)
Seller & buyer
- Seller legal/trade name and address
- Seller GSTIN (when GST is enabled)
- Buyer name and address/state
- Buyer GSTIN for B2B (commonly required)
Line items and totals
- Description, HSN/SAC, quantity/unit, rate, GST%
- Taxable value per line and totals
- Tax breakup shown as IGST or CGST+SGST (not both for the same tax base)
- Grand total payable
Step-by-step: generate the invoice correctly
Step 1: Start with invoice details
- Pick a unique invoice number format (and keep it consistent).
- Set invoice date and due date.
- Select place of supply (state) and currency.
- Decide whether this invoice is GST-enabled or non-GST.
Step 2: Enter seller details (your business)
- Use your legal/trade name and complete address.
- Ensure state selection matches your GST registration.
- Enter GSTIN accurately when GST is enabled.
Step 3: Enter buyer details (customer)
- Add buyer name and address/state (state impacts tax type).
- If B2B, add buyer GSTIN and verify the format.
- If B2C, GSTIN is typically not required.
Step 4: Choose B2B vs B2C intentionally
Treat this as a compliance choice, not a UI toggle. B2B invoices commonly need buyer GSTIN and are used by the buyer for ITC workflows.
Step 5: Add line items with HSN/SAC
- Use clear descriptions that match the actual supply.
- Add HSN (goods) or SAC (services) and the correct GST rate.
- Confirm taxable value and totals update correctly per line.
Step 6: Verify IGST vs CGST/SGST logic
For most common invoices, use the practical rule:
Step 7: Preview, then download the PDF
- Scan invoice number, dates, GSTINs, and place of supply.
- Confirm tax breakup and totals match line items.
- Download the PDF and save it using a consistent file naming pattern.
IGST vs CGST/SGST: the simplest way to get it right
Most "tax looks wrong" issues come from a mismatch between seller/buyer states and place of supply. Keep your state selections accurate, then validate the breakup on preview.
| Scenario | Tax type shown |
|---|---|
| Seller and buyer in same state | CGST + SGST |
| Seller and buyer in different states | IGST |
B2B vs B2C: what changes on your invoice
B2B (GST-registered customer)
- Buyer GSTIN is commonly required.
- Tax breakup must be clear for ITC and reconciliation.
- Errors lead to rework and delayed payments.
B2C (end consumer / unregistered customer)
- Buyer GSTIN is typically not required.
- You still need correct place of supply and tax breakup.
- Keep the invoice readable and consistent for faster payment.
Export and non-GST invoices (brief guidance)
Export / international clients
If you invoice international customers, your tool may support buyer country and multi-currency. Export invoicing can require specific treatment and wording depending on your case, so confirm requirements before reusing templates for exports.
Non-GST invoices
If you are not charging GST (for example, you're not registered), generate a non-GST invoice and avoid displaying GST breakup. Keep the document professional, consistent, and easy to match with payments.
Why a privacy-first SPA invoice generator can increase trust
A common concern with online invoicing is: "Where does my client data go?" A privacy-first SPA can reduce risk by avoiding accounts and keeping invoice generation in your browser.
- No login: fewer identity and password risks for users.
- In-browser processing: invoice fields can stay on-device instead of being uploaded to a server.
- Instant PDF download: you control what is saved and shared.
For exact data handling, refer to the privacy policy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong place of supply → wrong IGST vs CGST/SGST breakup
- Missing HSN/SAC on line items (especially for B2B)
- Invalid GSTIN format (typos and incorrect state code)
- Reusing invoice numbers or skipping a consistent sequence
- Skipping preview and sharing a PDF with incorrect totals
FAQ
Do freelancers need GST invoices?
If you are GST-registered, you generally issue GST tax invoices for taxable supplies. If you are not registered, you typically issue a regular invoice without charging GST.
Is SAC mandatory for services?
Services are classified using SAC. Including the correct SAC is a strong best practice because it reduces disputes and improves consistency during reconciliation.
Why did my invoice show IGST instead of CGST/SGST?
IGST usually applies when seller and buyer are in different states. Check your seller state, buyer state, and place of supply selection, then confirm the breakup on preview.
Is data stored anywhere?
Some tools store drafts locally in your browser, while others keep everything session-only. Confirm the exact behavior in the privacy policy.
Ready to generate? Open /free-gst-2-invoice, fill fields in order, preview, and download your PDF — no account needed.