1. What Is the e-Invoicing System in GST?

e‑Invoicing is a system introduced under the GST regime that requires certain taxpayers to electronically authenticate their B2B invoices through a designated Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) before they are issued. Although the core GST Acts (such as the CGST Act, 2017) do not explicitly mention “e‑invoicing,” the mechanism is established through subsequent notifications and rules issued by the Government of India. This mechanism is designed to:

• Enhance invoice standardization and uniformity

• Ensure real‑time, accurate capture of invoice data on the GST Network (GSTN)

• Help in seamless integration with GST returns and e‑way bill systems

• Strengthen tax compliance and curb tax evasion

Statutory Context:
Under Section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017, registered taxpayers are required to maintain proper records, including issuing prescribed tax invoices. The e‑invoicing system is a modern evolution of this requirement, ensuring that the data contained in invoices is validated and reported digitally. (While the Act itself does not use the term “e‑invoicing,” its record‑keeping obligations pave the way for the introduction of digital invoice registration by the government through subsequent notifications.)

2. How to Generate an e‑Invoice?

The e‑invoicing process involves several steps, which ensure that the invoice is digitally authenticated and assigned a unique identifier. Here’s the process:

1. Invoice Creation:

   • Generate the Invoice:
     Prepare your B2B invoice using your accounting or billing software. The invoice must contain all the mandatory fields as prescribed (such as GSTIN, invoice number, date, details of goods/services, tax amounts, etc.).

2. Data Formatting:

   • Convert to JSON:
     Your accounting software must export the invoice data in the JSON format conforming to the e‑invoice schema (commonly referred to as schema INV‑01). This schema defines the structure required for the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) to understand your invoice data.

3. Submission to the IRP:

   • Upload the JSON File:
     Log on to the authorized IRP (the list of which is available on the official e‑invoice portal) and upload the JSON file. This can be done via API integration or through the web interface provided by the IRP.

4. Validation and Generation of IRN:

   • IRP Processing:
     The IRP validates the submitted data against the required schema and, upon successful validation, generates a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN). It also digitally signs the invoice and generates a QR code.

   • Digital Signature & QR Code:
     The digital signature ensures the authenticity of the invoice, and the QR code serves as a quick method for verification during audits or cash flow processes.

5. Receipt of e‑Invoice:

   • IRP Returns the e‑Invoice:
     Once validated and signed, the IRP returns the e‑invoice (in a JSON format) back to your system, now containing the IRN and QR code.

6. Integration and Filing:

   • Share with Buyer & GSTN:
     The digitally signed e‑invoice is provided to your buyer and is automatically transmitted to the GST Network. This facilitates smooth input tax credit claims and becomes part of your GST return filing process.