What is E-Invoicing Under GST: Understanding the Applicability and Revised Limits

As most countries across the globe are digitizing their taxation systems, the GST framework of India has also advanced to introduce new mechanisms for easy compliance. One such initiative is e-invoicing under GST, which is a game-changer. E-invoicing seeks to standardise invoices, documents, and processes through the use of various technologies and taxation measures.

Any business entity operating in India must comply with the requirement under law for e-invoicing. This blog explains what e-invoicing is and who it is applicable to, and other essential updates that will help businesses in the overall GST ecosystem.

What is e-Invoicing Under GST

E-invoicing refers to the electronic invoicing system introduced under the GST regime in India, whereby invoice generation took place in the prescribed format. The Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) checks the authenticity of these invoices through GSTN. Once the Invoice Reference Number is generated, the IRP digitally signs the invoice making it a valid GST invoice.

The main purpose of e-invoicing is to create a standard template for invoices that can be recognised universally. This system helps to avoid discrepancies, where errors can take place, and also to track. The system has GST portal integration so that it will automatically report invoice details. Thus, there is no need for manual entry while filing a GST return.

Applicability of e-Invoicing Under GST

It is dependent on the total turnover of the businesses that e-invoicing applies. E-invoicing was first launched for big firms in October 2020, and it has been extended to smaller firms gradually. Below, we have mentioned e-invoice applicable criteria.

Key Applicability Criteria:

• Turnover Threshold: As per the recent updates, If any prior financial year the aggregate turnover of the business exceeds ₹ 5 crore, then e-invoicing is mandatory. The initial threshold of ₹500 crore has been steadily lowered over the years to cover a greater number of taxpayers.
• Entities Covered: General taxpayers i.e. taxpayers who are registered under GST for supply of goods or services, Exporters and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units.
• Exemptions: Some e-invoicing requirements don’t apply to banks, financial institutions, government departments and such similar entities.

It’s imperative to know if you are required to comply with the e-invoicing limit in GST on time. If GST returns are not filed on time, it may attract penalties and disrupt your business operations like claiming ITC and e-way bill generation.

Revised e-Invoicing Limits: Key Updates

Since the commencement of the GST e-invoicing system, various updates have taken place. One of the prominent changes was the gradual increase in turnover thresholds.  The changes will tighten compliance, make tax administration easier, and bring small businesses in the fold of invoicing.

The e-Invoicing applicability can be summarised as follows:

Reasons for Limiting Revision?

The government aims to make invoicing the same for businesses of all sizes or types with a phased reduction in thresholds. Authorities seek better tax transparency by extending the system to small firms.

• Cut down on manual intervention and errors.
• Make the tax collection system better

Businesses will have to comply with e-invoice provisions under the GST e-invoice rule, even if not required earlier.  To ensure real-time compliance with reporting requirements, the client upgraded their accounting software and was trained on the staff.

Benefits of e-Invoicing for Businesses

E-invoicing will benefit businesses in a number of ways, with better compliance and improved efficiency. E-invoicing is helping businesses manage taxes in the following manner:

• It integrates with the GST portal to auto-populate the invoice details in the GST return (GSTR-1) and e-way bills. This lowers manual efforts and reduces errors.
• The e-invoices ensure the accuracy of ITC claims. Hence, it gets validated accurately. The linking of invoices will ensure no discrepancies arise while claiming credit in the GST system.
• It is less likely for human mistakes to occur or data entry to vary when there are standardized invoices, leading to more accurate reports.
• Less expensive processing: Automated invoice verification speeds up payment cycles, enabling users to manage their cash flow more effectively.
• Reduced Tax Evasion:  With real-time invoice authentication and reporting, fake invoices and other fraudulent practices are curbed.
  Using a standard format for your sales invoice makes trading easier for exporters.
• Less paperwork as well as digitisation of processes help to lower the administrative cost of manual compliance.
• E-invoicing helps businesses comply with the law and aids in easing operations for long-term benefit.

Timeframe for Issuing e-invoice

Under GST, timely issuance of e-invoices is a vital component of compliance. Businesses may prepare an invoice and upload it to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) within the prescribed time, as per the system. When creating e-invoices, remember these:

1.  Send E-invoice in real-time:

• E-invoice should be uploaded to IRP just after it is generated. The IRP validates the invoice and returns the signed e-invoice with an assignment of an invoice reference number (IRN).

2. Incorporating e-invoicing into billing is crucial to avoid delay in business operations.

• Incorporating e-invoicing into billing is crucial to avoid delays in business operations.
• If you submit any document late, it may mess with the system. This is more so while making an e-way bill or claiming an input tax credit.

3. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• If a person fails to issue an e-invoice within the specified time, then he may be penalized.
• A fine of ₹10,000 per invoice for non-generation.
• Penalties will be issued for any delay or inaccuracies in submission.

Practical Tips:

• Use ERP software integrated with IRP to automate your invoice submission.
• Routine audits must be scheduled to ensure GST e-invoice rules.

Being on time to report prevents loss of money and approachable penalties to us.

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Conclusion

India’s GST ecosystem is set to become more modern with the advent of e-invoicing. E-invoicing creates a culture of transparency and efficiency for businesses of all sizes by simplifying invoicing, ensuring data accuracy and enhancing compliance. The system helps reduce errors in GST return filing and makes faster GST input tax credit verification possible, provided these are not adopted late and followed timely.

FAQs

Q. What is an e-invoice under the GST system?
An e-invoice is a uniform electronic invoice that the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) has approved with a distinct Invoice Reference Number (IRN). It fits into the GST system so that there are no mistakes.

Q. What are the rules for e-invoicing?Since, E-invoicing is compulsory in case the annual turnover is more than ₹5 crore. Invoices need to be as per format and uploaded on IRP for getting IRN and also get auto-populated in the GST returns.

Q. What is the difference between an e-invoice and a normal invoice? 
E-invoices are a uniform format; authentications are done by IRP and auto-populate in GST returns. Regular invoices do not have these features and must comply manually.

Q. What is the penalty for invoicing?
Not generating an e-invoice will attract a penalty of ₹10,000 for every e-invoice. Also, if wrong details are given on the invoice, the penalty will be ₹25,000. Not following the rules may affect input tax credit.

Q. What is the maximum invoice?
While there is no cap on GST e-invoicing value, if the transaction is a high value, then GST would be applicable, such as generating an e-way bill if required.

Q. What is the full form of IRN?
IRN refers to the invoice reference number. When an e-Invoice is authenticated by IRP, it generates an IRN, which is unique.

Q. Who needs an e-invoice?
E-invoice is applicable for businesses with turnovers of more than ₹5 crores. Exemptions are applicable to government departments, banks, etc.

Q. Can you claim a GST refund without an invoice?
No. A valid invoice is essential for GST refunds, as it forms the foundation for validation and compliance.