Trying to find free of charge GST billing software that’s genuinely handy—and compliant? This manual points out what “no cost” typically incorporates, where hidden fees creep in, And just how To judge freemium applications with out risking penalties. It’s prepared for house owners, accountants, and CAs who benefit precision, velocity, and credible resources.
Exactly what does “free” truly go over?
Most “cost-free” or freemium options Provide you Main invoicing with restrictions (prospects/items/month-to-month invoices). Superior GST capabilities —e-invoicing( IRN QR),e-way expenses, GSTR-ready exports,multi-user controls, inspection trails — frequently sit before compensated types. That’s forfeiture, provided that you know the boundaries and the exact moment to upgrade( e.g., when you crosse-Bill thresholds or start out Repeated items movement).
Non-negotiable compliance Fundamental principles (even on no cost options)
1.E-invoice readiness (IRN + signed QR)
When you are underneath the e-invoicing mandate, your application need to produce schema-legitimate JSON, report to the Bill Registration Portal (IRP), and print the signed QR/IRN to the invoice. (That’s how an Bill gets “registered”.)
2.Dynamic QR on B2C (just for really big enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with combination turnover > ₹500 crore need a dynamic QR code. MSMEs normally don’t require this—don’t buy characteristics you won’t use.
3.E-way Monthly bill assist
Movement of products usually higher than ₹50,000 necessitates an e-way bill. A no cost Device should no less than export right details for EWB generation, regardless of whether API integration is paid.
4.Clean up GSTR exports
Your app really should create GSTR-one/3B-Completely ready Excel/JSON to prevent rework. This issues more in 2025 as GSTR-3B is getting tightened/locked, pushing corrections by using GSTR-1/1A as an alternative to handbook edits.
5.Time-limit alerts for e-invoice reporting
From one April 2025, taxpayers with AATO ≥ ₹ten crore must report invoices to an IRP inside of thirty times of issuance. Your software need to alert you perfectly before the window closes.
2025 adjustments to system for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to vehicle-populated liabilities are being restricted; corrections movement by means of GSTR-1A. This benefits “initially-time-ideal” data in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
Three-yr time-bar on returns: Filing past 3 several years from initial thanks day received’t be authorized over the portal, expanding the expense of mistakes and delays.
Function checklist free of charge GST billing computer software
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates towards IRP specs; capability to print more info IRN/QR right after registration.
E-way bill information export (Component-A/Part-B) with length/auto fields.
GSTR-one/3B table-ready exports aligned to current portal actions.
Invoicing & merchandise
HSN/SAC masters, put-of-offer logic, RCM flags, credit score/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that stick to NIC/IRP schema expectations.
Details, protection & Management
Yr-wise doc vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and entire info export—steer clear of lock-ins.
Role-centered entry; fundamental exercise logs; two-issue signal-in parity with government devices.
Scalability
A clear enhance path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-user workflows any time you expand.
A ten-minute analysis movement (actionable)
one.Map your use circumstances: B2B or B2C? Services or products with movement? Regular invoice volume?
two.Develop three check invoices: B2B conventional, B2C, plus a credit history Notice. Validate IRP JSON/export; confirm QR/IRN print format.
three.Export GSTR-one/3B: Open in Excel and Test table mapping using your CA.
four.Simulate an e-way bill: Assure exports carry essential fields and threshold logic.
five.Verify guardrails: Application reminders for thirty-day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your method should really prioritize error-cost-free GSTR-one.
Totally free vs. freemium vs. open-supply—what’s most secure?
Free/freemium SaaS: quickest start out; validate export high quality and the price of “unlocking” e-Bill/EWB APIs afterwards.
Open up-resource/self-hosted: optimum Management, but it's essential to track NIC e-invoice FAQs/spec adjustments and retain schema parity—otherwise IRP rejections rise.
Security & info ownership (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-need CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your knowledge stays transportable.
Doc vault with FY folders—useful for financial institutions, audits, and inspections.
Essential copyright and use logs, mirroring the safety posture on governing administration portals.
Quick FAQs
Is really a totally free app sufficient for e-invoicing?
Usually no—you’ll probably require a paid connector for IRP API calls. But a good free plan ought to export fully compliant JSON and allow you to print IRN/QR just after registration.
Do MSMEs have to have a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹five hundred crore want dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When is surely an e-way bill required?
Ordinarily for motion of goods valued above ₹fifty,000, with condition-level nuances and validity procedures.
What improved for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is staying locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections transfer via GSTR-1A. Also, returns become time-barred immediately after 3 many years from thanks date. Plan for precision upfront.
What about e-Bill reporting timelines?
From 1 April 2025, enterprises with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore must report invoices to an IRP in just 30 times of concern; established reminders in order to avoid invalid invoices.
Credible sources for further reading through
NIC e-Bill portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC circular on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Bill FAQs (regulations, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream coverage & practitioner Investigation.
30-day e-Bill reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹ten cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You can Certainly start with a absolutely free GST billing app—just guarantee it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB data and supports a easy enhance path. 2025 policies reward first-time-appropriate invoicing and well timed reporting, so pick application that retains you accurate by layout and warns you before deadlines hit.