Looking for totally free 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-Prepared exports,multi-user controls, inspection trails — frequently sit before compensated types. That’s forfeiture, providing you know the boundaries and the exact moment to upgrade( e.g., when you crosse-Bill thresholds or start off Regular items motion).
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 functions you won’t use.
three.E-way Monthly bill guidance
Movement of products usually higher than ₹50,000 necessitates an e-way Invoice. A no cost Device should no less than export right details for EWB generation, regardless of whether API integration is paid.
four.Clean GSTR exports
Your app should really generate GSTR-one/3B-ready Excel/JSON in order to avoid rework. This issues much more in 2025 as GSTR-3B is currently being tightened/locked, pushing corrections via GSTR-1/1A as an alternative to handbook edits.
five.Time-Restrict alerts for e-Bill reporting
From one April 2025, taxpayers with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore have to report invoices to an IRP in 30 times of issuance. Your application must alert you nicely before the window closes.
2025 improvements to program for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to vehicle-populated liabilities are increasingly being restricted; corrections circulation by means of GSTR-1A. This rewards “first-time-suitable” knowledge in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
A few-yr time-bar on returns: Filing further than 3 many years from original due day gained’t be allowed to the portal, growing the price of mistakes and delays.
Attribute checklist at no cost GST billing computer software
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates towards IRP specs; capability to print IRN/QR right after registration.
E-way Invoice information export (Element-A/Portion-B) with distance/automobile fields.
GSTR-1/3B desk-All set exports aligned to latest portal habits.
Invoicing & objects
HSN/SAC masters, area-of-provide logic, RCM flags, credit/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that follow NIC/IRP schema anticipations.
Facts, safety & Handle
Year-intelligent doc vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and total information export—avoid lock-ins.
Job-dependent accessibility; 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? Solutions or merchandise with movement? Normal invoice quantity?
two.Generate billing software free without gst three examination invoices: B2B standard, B2C, and also a credit score Observe. Validate IRP JSON/export; verify QR/IRN print structure.
three.Export GSTR-1/3B: Open up in Excel and check table mapping with all your CA.
4.Simulate an e-way Invoice: Ensure exports carry demanded fields and threshold logic.
5.Check out guardrails: Application reminders for 30-day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your course of action ought to prioritize error-no cost GSTR-1.
Cost-free vs. freemium vs. open up-resource—what’s safest?
Free of charge/freemium SaaS: fastest start; verify export good quality and the expense of “unlocking” e-invoice/EWB APIs later.
Open-supply/self-hosted: utmost control, but you need to observe NIC e-Bill FAQs/spec variations and maintain schema parity—in any other case IRP rejections increase.
Protection & facts possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand from customers CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your data stays portable.
Document vault with FY folders—handy for banking institutions, audits, and inspections.
Simple copyright and utilization logs, mirroring the safety posture on govt portals.
Brief FAQs
Is usually a free app enough for e-invoicing?
Frequently no—you’ll most likely need a paid connector for IRP API phone calls. But a good free plan should export fully compliant JSON and allow you to print IRN/QR just after registration.
Do MSMEs require a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹500 crore want dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When is surely an e-way bill required?
Commonly for movement of goods valued above ₹fifty,000, with condition-level nuances and validity procedures.
What adjusted for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is staying locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections transfer via GSTR-1A. Also, returns come to be 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 within just 30 times of concern; established reminders in order to avoid invalid invoices.
Credible sources for further studying
NIC e-Bill portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC circular on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Bill FAQs (policies, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream coverage & practitioner Investigation.
30-day e-Bill reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹10 cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You can Definitely start with a cost-free GST billing application—just make certain it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB details and supports a easy upgrade route. 2025 rules reward initially-time-ideal invoicing and well timed reporting, so select computer software that keeps you accurate by layout and warns you right before deadlines strike.