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India GST Invoice Guide (GSTIN, CGST/SGST/IGST)

· · Reviewed by NestInvoice editorial team

Indian B2B invoices often live or die on GSTIN details and the right tax split in INR. An 18% default in a generator is a starting point for common services — not a substitute for the HSN/SAC rate that applies to your supply. This PDF helper is not the GST portal or IRN software.

GSTIN and tax lines

Show your GSTIN and, for many B2B supplies, the client’s GSTIN. Break out tax clearly. Rename or split Taxes into CGST/SGST or IGST to match the supply.

Keep net, tax, and gross readable — see what to include on an invoice.

HSN and SAC codes (rate depends on the code)

GST percentage in India follows the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) for goods and the Services Accounting Code (SAC) for services — not a single rate for every PDF.

Before you send a client bill, confirm the code and rate on the [GST portal](https://www.gst.gov.in/) or with your chartered accountant. A generator's 18% starter is a common services shortcut, not legal advice for your supply.

  • Put HSN/SAC in the line description or Notes when your process requires it (e.g. “Consulting — SAC 9983”)
  • Intra-state B2B: often CGST + SGST (each half of the total GST rate)
  • Inter-state B2B: often a single IGST line for the full rate
  • Place of supply rules decide CGST/SGST vs IGST — wrong split is a common audit issue
  • Government e-invoice / IRN (Invoice Reference Number) is separate — this PDF tool does not generate IRNs

Rates and place of supply

Do not leave an 18% starter on a supply that uses another HSN/SAC rate. Clear Taxes if you are not GST-registered.

Place of supply decides CGST+SGST vs IGST — confirm before you lock the PDF.

Using the free India editor

Open the India GST generator or /in. Fill From/To, itemize services, adjust tax, export PDF. Estimates and quotes are under the same hub.

Regional GST structure only: Singapore. Steps: how to create an invoice.

  • Confirm the correct GST rate for your HSN/SAC code
  • Show invoice number, date, and place of supply where required
  • Generator helper only — not GST portal software

Mistakes that get PDFs sent back

Missing client GSTIN on a B2B bill, CGST+SGST on an inter-state supply (or IGST on a clearly intra-state one), and an 18% leftover on a different HSN/SAC rate are the usual bounce-backs.

Do not treat this PDF as an IRN. If you are required to report e-invoices, complete that on the official portal and keep this file as a client-facing copy only.

Disclaimer

General invoicing help only — not tax advice. Confirm GST invoice and e-invoice rules with official GST guidance or a qualified professional.

Related guides

Keep reading — these pages link the next steps in a normal billing workflow.

Try it free

Open the generator for this topic, edit in your browser, and download PDF — no account required. Drafts stay on your device.

Frequently asked questions

When do I use CGST+SGST vs IGST?

Intra-state supplies commonly use CGST + SGST. Inter-state supplies commonly use IGST. Place-of-supply rules decide which — ask your accountant if unsure.

What is HSN or SAC on an Indian invoice?

HSN classifies goods and SAC classifies services for GST. The applicable GST rate depends on the code — confirm on the GST portal or with your accountant before you lock the PDF.

Does this create IRN / e-invoices?

No. It produces a client PDF draft. Government e-invoice / IRN flows stay on official portals when required.

Where do I put GSTIN?

Under From for your GSTIN. Add the client GSTIN on B2B supplies when required.

Can I use 18% GST on every invoice?

No. 18% is a common services starter in generators. The rate follows your HSN/SAC code. Confirm before you send.