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Managed by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). Centralized Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) validates and issues e-invoices. Aims to simplify GST compliance, reduce tax evasion, and improve transparency.
India adopted e-invoicing under GST law to increase transparency and reduce tax evasion:
Implementation of mandatory e-invoicing in India

- Starting October 2020, e-invoicing became mandatory for businesses with turnover over ₹500 crore. This threshold was progressively lowered.
- By August 2023, the limit was reduced to ₹5 crore, bringing many SMEs under the system. Invoices must be submitted to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) for validation and QR code generation.
Who needs e-invoices in India?
E-invoicing in India is required for:- Large Enterprises: Businesses with turnover above 10 crore must comply by issuing e-invoices.
- SMEs: Included in rollout based on turnover thresholds.
- Exporters: Required for export transactions, ensuring integration with GST returns.
- Non-resident businesses: Exempt unless GST-registered for business transactions in India.
E-Invoicing vs. E-Billing
Aspect | E-Invoicing | E-Billing |
Purpose | GST compliance, mandatory by law | Internal/customer transactions |
Validation | Real-time via IRP | Not validated |
Format | JSON with structured GST details | Flexible, non-mandatory formats |
Archiving | Required for 8 years | Optional |
Key features of India’s e-invoicing system
India’s e-invoicing system ensures real-time validation through the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP), which includes:- Real-Time Validation: IRP validates invoices, generates an Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and a QR code.
- Submission Format: JSON format for digital processing.
- Archiving: E-invoices must be stored electronically for 8 years.
E-invoicing dataset
- Buyer/Seller IDs: GSTINs for both parties.
- Invoice Details: Number, date, and supply type (domestic/export).
- Goods and Services: HSN codes, quantities, unit prices, and VAT details.
- Taxes: CGST, SGST, or IGST amounts.
- Transaction Info: Total payable amount, currency, and payment terms.
- QR Code: Encodes invoice data for simplified verification.
E-invoicing across transaction types
B2B Transactions:- Mandatory validation through IRP.
- Facilitates compliance and input tax credit claims.
- Not mandatory, but QR-coded invoices improve customer experience.
- Required for goods/services supplied to government entities.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Fines: Penalties up to 10,000 (approximately €120) per invoice, along with additional late fees for filing discrepancies.
- Input Tax Credit Denial: Buyers may lose eligibility for tax credits on non-compliant invoices.
- Legal Risks: Repeated violations can trigger audits and reputational damage.
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