Tax Invoice Format Under GST — Mandatory Fields and Sample

Complete guide to tax invoice format under GST. Legal provisions, examples, CBIC updates, penalties. Updated March 2026.

Published
Updated
Reading time
4 min
Views
81
Questions
4 answered
  • Expert Reviewed
  • Medium Complexity
Topic
GST Compliance
Published
March 23, 2026
Last updated
Sep 24, 2026
Reading time
4 min
0:00
Last updated: September 2026Applies to: FY 2026-27Verified against: Government sources

Overview

This article provides a detailed explanation of Tax Invoice Format Under GST under the CGST/IGST Act and GST Rules. Understanding these provisions is critical for every GST-registered taxpayer to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Relevant provisions: Section 31 + Rule 46, read with applicable CGST/SGST Rules and CBIC Circulars. Updated with Finance Act 2025 amendments and latest CBIC notifications up to March 2026.

Compliance Alert
Non-compliance with tax invoice format provisions can attract interest at 18% per annum, penalties from Rs. 10,000 to 100% of tax, and in fraud cases, prosecution with imprisonment up to 5 years under Section 132.

What the Law Requires

Section 31 + Rule 46 establishes the framework for tax invoice format. The provisions cover scope, conditions, time limits, documentation, and consequences of non-compliance. The corresponding Rules provide detailed procedures, forms, and formats.

Applicability

Taxpayer TypeApplicable?Notes
Regular TaxpayerYesFull compliance required
QRMP SchemeYes, modifiedQuarterly filing for turnover up to Rs. 5 crore
Composition DealerLimitedSimplified scheme; limited ITC
E-commerce OperatorYesAdditional TCS obligations
Casual/Non-residentYesAdvance tax deposit required

Practical Examples

Example 1: Amit runs a trading business in Faridabad (turnover Rs. 2 crore). He is a regular GST taxpayer. For tax invoice format, he must ensure proper documentation, timely filing, and accurate reporting in GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.

Example 2: A manufacturer exports goods worth Rs. 50 lakh under LUT (Letter of Undertaking). The export is zero-rated under Section 16 of IGST Act. The manufacturer can claim refund of accumulated ITC on inputs used for such exports.

Calculation Example:

ParticularAmount (Rs.)
Taxable Value5,00,000
CGST @ 9%45,000
SGST @ 9%45,000
Total Invoice Value5,90,000
Expert Advice
For tax invoice format compliance, use GST-compliant software that auto-generates GSTR-1 data from invoices. Reconcile GSTR-2B with purchase register monthly. we handle complete GST compliance. Call .
Quick recapKey facts & short answers

Key Facts About Tax Invoice Format Under

  • Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
  • Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
  • Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
  • Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
  • Expert help: TaxClue completes Tax Invoice Format Under end to end for you.

What is tax invoice format?

Section 31 + Rule 46 of the CGST/IGST Act governs tax invoice format. It covers requirements, procedures, and penalties.

What is the penalty?

Varies from Rs. 10,000 to 100% of tax. Interest at 18% on all shortfalls. Prosecution for fraud above Rs. 5 crore.

Tax Invoice Format Under: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.

READY DRAFTTax Invoice Format Under GST — Mandatory Fields and Sample

A ready tax invoice template listing every mandatory field of Rule 46 with an inter-State (IGST) sample row, usable for both goods and services.

TAX INVOICE

(Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, 2017 — inter-State supply, IGST)

1. Supplier Name: [Legal Name]
2. Address: [Address, State, PIN]
3. GSTIN: [22ABCDE1234F1Z5]
4. Invoice No.: [INV/26-27/045]
5. Date of Issue: [DD-MM-YYYY]
6. State & Code: [State] ([22])
7. Recipient Name: [Name]
8. Address: [Address, State, PIN]
9. GSTIN/UIN: [27FGHIJ5678K1Z3] (or "Unregistered")
10. Place of Supply: [State] ([27])
11. Reverse Charge: [No]
12. Ship-To (if diff.): [Address]
Sr.DescriptionHSN/SACQtyUnitRate (₹)Discount (₹)Taxable Value (₹)IGST %IGST (₹)Total (₹)
1[Consulting Services][998311][1][Job][1,00,000.00][Nil][1,00,000.00][18%][18,000.00][1,18,000.00]
Total₹1,00,000.00₹18,000.00₹1,18,000.00

13. Total in words: Rupees One Lakh Eighteen Thousand Only.

For [Legal Name]

____________________
14. Signature / Digital Signature
Authorised Signatory
▸ How to use & important notes
  • The 14 numbered items above map to the mandatory particulars of Rule 46(a)–(q). HSN digits required: 4 (turnover ≤ ₹5 cr) / 6 (turnover > ₹5 cr) for B2B; from a mandated date HSN is required on B2C too.
  • For inter-State supply charge IGST; for intra-State charge CGST + SGST/UTGST — determined by the Place of Supply, not the billing address.
  • A composition dealer issues a Bill of Supply (Rule 49), not a tax invoice, and must write "composition taxable person, not eligible to collect tax on supplies".
  • For invoice value up to ₹200 to an unregistered recipient, a consolidated invoice at day-end is allowed (proviso to Section 31(3)(b)).

Disclaimer: This is a general-purpose template for reference only. Facts, figures, stamp duty and clauses vary with your situation and state law — have it reviewed before use. Need this professionally drafted, stamped and filed? Talk to a TaxClue expert.

Related Services & Guides

Was this article helpful?
VS
About the author
7,431 articles
Vikas Sharma Verified expert Tax & Compliance Expert

Experienced in company registration, GST, trademark, and compliance. Helping Indian businesses stay compliant.

Last reviewed: Live

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on the CGST/IGST/SGST Acts, Rules, and CBIC Circulars as amended up to March 2026, tax laws are subject to frequent change. Readers are advised to consult a qualified Chartered Accountant or Tax Consultant before acting on any information herein. TaxClue Consultech Pvt Ltd accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this article. All templates and calculations are illustrative only. Use at your own risk.

People also ask

Questions, answered

Short, direct answers to the 4 questions readers ask most on this topic.

Section 31 + Rule 46 of the CGST/IGST Act governs tax invoice format. It covers requirements, procedures, and penalties.

Varies from Rs. 10,000 to 100% of tax. Interest at 18% on all shortfalls. Prosecution for fraud above Rs. 5 crore.

Finance Act 2025 changes, GST 2.0 (Sep 2025), Section 128A waiver, 3-year filing bar (July 2025), GSTR-3B hard-locking.

Complete GST services -- registration, returns, refunds, audit, appeals. Call .