Under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India, e-invoicing is a system where B2B (business-to-business) invoices are authenticated electronically by GST Network (GSTN) for further use on the GST portal. Here’s an overview of e-invoicing under GST:
- Applicability: E-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with a turnover exceeding a specified threshold. Initially, it was applicable to businesses with a turnover of Rs. 500 crore or more annually, but this threshold may change based on government notifications. If your turnover exceeds INR 5 crores in the financial year 2023-2024, you will be required to start e-Invoicing from the next financial year, i.e., from 1st April 2024 onwards. It may also be noted that same is applicable if the threshold is crossed in any of the proceeding financial years too
- Generation of E-Invoice: Businesses generate invoices containing a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN) from the GST portal or third-party software integrated with the GST system. The invoice data is uploaded to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) in a specified format. For those who meet the notification criteria but have not yet been enabled on the portal, you can self-enable for e-Invoicing by visiting https://einvoice.gst.gov.in and start reporting through any of the 4 new Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs) – from e-Invoice IRP 3 to e-Invoice IRP 6. https://einvoice3.gst.gov.in ; https://einvoice4.gst.gov.in; https://einvoice5.gst.gov.in; https://einvoice6.gst.gov.in.
- To report e-Invoices through NIC IRP 1 & 2, taxpayers can self-enable at https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in https://einvoice2.gst.gov.in
- Authentication and IRN Generation: The IRP validates the invoice data and generates a unique IRN along with a QR code containing key invoice details. Once authenticated, the IRP returns the digitally signed e-invoice to the taxpayer.
- Integration with Accounting Systems: Businesses need to integrate their accounting/ERP systems with the GST system to facilitate seamless e-invoicing compliance. This integration ensures that invoice data is accurately captured and transmitted to the IRP.
- Impact on Business Processes: E-invoicing affects various business processes such as invoicing, accounting, and compliance. Businesses need to adapt their systems and processes to comply with e-invoicing requirements.
- Benefits: E-invoicing aims to bring transparency, reduce tax evasion, and improve compliance under the GST regime. It streamlines the invoicing process, minimizes errors, and facilitates faster processing of input tax credit (ITC).
- Challenges: Implementation challenges include system readiness, integration complexities, and adapting to new processes. Businesses may also face issues related to data security, compliance with e-invoicing standards, and ensuring seamless communication with the GSTN.
Overall, e-invoicing under GST represents a significant digital transformation in India’s tax administration, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compliance in the invoicing process.