An e-invoice under GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a digital invoice that is generated and validated electronically on the GST portal or through an e-invoice system. The purpose of an e-invoice is to standardize the invoicing process, ensure real-time tracking of transactions, and prevent tax evasion by creating a transparent and automated flow of information between businesses and the government. Key Features of an E-Invoice under GST: Unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN): Each e-invoice generated is assigned a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN) after validation by the GST portal. QR Code: An e-invoice is accompanied by a QR code that contains key invoice details, which can be scanned for verification. Digital Signature: It may be digitally signed by the issuer or the authorized person for authentication. Standard Format: E-invoices must adhere to a standard format (JSON) prescribed by the government for uniformity and easy integration with the GST system. Who is Required to Generate an E-Invoice? As per the GST laws in India, the requirement for generating an e-invoice depends on the aggregate turnover of the taxpayer and the nature of the business. The following categories of taxpayers are required to generate an e-invoice: 1. Taxpayers with Aggregate Turnover above a Specific Threshold: For B2B (Business-to-Business) Transactions: Registered persons whose aggregate turnover exceeds ₹10 crore in any financial year (starting from FY 2020-21) are required to generate an e-invoice for B2B supplies. For B2G (Business-to-Government) and Export Transactions: Taxpayers engaged in supplying goods or services to the government or exports must also generate an e-invoice, regardless of their turnover. 2. Specified Class of Taxpayers: Certain classes of taxpayers, such as those engaged in the supply of goods or services and registered under GST, are mandated to generate e-invoices even if their turnover is below the prescribed threshold. This includes: E-commerce operators and suppliers. Large dealers or manufacturers. 3. Exemptions: Some categories of taxpayers are exempt from generating e-invoices, such as: Small taxpayers whose aggregate turnover is below the prescribed threshold. Exempted goods or services suppliers, like healthcare services, agriculture, and education services. Casual taxable persons or persons making supplies of exempt goods are not required to generate e-invoices. 4. Date of Implementation: The requirement for generating e-invoices applies from 1st October 2020 for taxpayers with a turnover exceeding ₹500 crore, and subsequently extended to other thresholds in the following years. How to Generate an E-Invoice? Integration with GST Portal: To generate an e-invoice, taxpayers must first register with the GST portal and ensure their GSTIN is linked. Once registered, they can use GST’s e-invoice system or software from GST-approved providers to create the e-invoice in the prescribed format (JSON). Generation and Validation: The taxpayer will generate the e-invoice and submit it to the GST portal for validation. The portal will validate the details provided and assign a unique IRN and QR code to the invoice. Printing and Sharing: After successful validation, the e-invoice is authenticated and available for printing. The e-invoice, with the QR code and IRN, is then shared with the recipient for verification and record-keeping. Benefits of E-Invoice Under GST: Prevention of Tax Evasion: The real-time generation of e-invoices helps track transactions and reduce the chances of underreporting sales. Simplified Compliance: E-invoice generation reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and simplifies GST compliance for businesses. Faster Input Tax Credit (ITC) Claims: E-invoices facilitate the quick verification of invoices by the GST system, ensuring faster credit claims for businesses. Improved Business Efficiency: Automated and standardized invoicing processes improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs. Conclusion: An e-invoice under GST is a digital invoice required for certain businesses to ensure transparency, improve tax compliance, and streamline the invoicing process. Taxpayers with an aggregate turnover exceeding the prescribed threshold (currently ₹10 crore) are required to generate e-invoices for their B2B transactions, while some specific categories of taxpayers may also be mandated to do so regardless of turnover. The e-invoice is authenticated and validated by the GST portal, making it a crucial tool for businesses to comply with GST regulations.