Seeking free GST billing program that’s genuinely handy—and compliant? This manual points out what “free” normally features, in which hidden prices creep in, and how to evaluate freemium equipment devoid of jeopardizing penalties. It’s written for proprietors, accountants, and CAs who worth accuracy, pace, and credible sources.
What does “cost-free” definitely cover?
Most “totally free” or freemium programs Present you with Main invoicing with boundaries (shoppers/goods/monthly invoices). Sophisticated GST capabilities —e-invoicing( IRN QR),e-way bills, GSTR-ready exports,multi-person controls, inspection trails — routinely sit right before compensated groups. That’s forfeiture, providing you know the limits and the exact instant to up grade( e.g., if you crosse-invoice thresholds or begin Recurrent merchandise movement).
Non-negotiable compliance Fundamentals (even on totally free plans)
one.E-invoice readiness (IRN + signed QR)
If you're underneath the e-invoicing mandate, your software package have to produce schema-legitimate JSON, report to the Bill Registration Portal (IRP), and print the signed QR/IRN about the invoice. (That’s how an invoice gets to be “registered”.)
two.Dynamic QR on B2C (only for incredibly massive enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with aggregate turnover > ₹500 crore need a dynamic QR code. MSMEs normally don’t require this—don’t buy functions you received’t use.
3.E-way Invoice assistance
Motion of products normally above ₹50,000 necessitates an e-way Invoice. A no cost Device should really at the least export correct knowledge for EWB technology, even when API integration is paid out.
four.Clean GSTR exports
Your app really should create GSTR-1/3B-All set Excel/JSON to stay away from rework. This matters a lot more in 2025 as GSTR-3B is staying 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 ≥ ₹ten crore should report invoices to an IRP inside of thirty days of issuance. Your software package should warn you nicely before the window closes.
2025 alterations to system for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to vehicle-populated liabilities are increasingly being limited; corrections move as a result of GSTR-1A. This benefits “first-time-right” information in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
A few-calendar year time-bar on returns: Submitting outside of 3 several years from first owing date won’t be authorized over the portal, increasing the expense of faults and delays.
Element checklist without cost GST billing software package
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates towards IRP specs; ability to print IRN/QR after registration.
E-way Monthly bill knowledge export (Element-A/Component-B) with length/motor vehicle fields.
GSTR-1/3B desk-Prepared exports aligned to present portal actions.
Invoicing & objects
HSN/SAC masters, spot-of-source logic, RCM flags, credit rating/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that stick to NIC/IRP schema anticipations.
Knowledge, security & Regulate
Yr-intelligent document vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and full facts export—stay away from lock-ins.
Role-dependent access; primary activity logs; two-issue sign-in parity with govt methods.
Scalability
A clear enhance path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-consumer workflows when you increase.
A ten-moment evaluation circulation (actionable)
one.Map your use instances: B2B or B2C? Expert services or goods with movement? Regular Bill quantity?
two.Produce 3 take a look at invoices: B2B standard, B2C, plus a credit rating note. Validate IRP JSON/export; verify QR/IRN print format.
3.Export GSTR-1/3B: Open in Excel and Check out desk mapping with all your CA.
four.Simulate an e-way bill: Make sure exports carry essential fields and threshold logic.
5.Test guardrails: Application reminders for thirty-working day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your course of action should really prioritize mistake-free GSTR-one.
Free vs. freemium vs. open-resource—what’s most secure?
No cost/freemium SaaS: fastest get started; validate export high-quality and the expense of “unlocking” e-Bill/EWB APIs later on.
Open-source/self-hosted: optimum Manage, but you have to track NIC e-Bill FAQs/spec variations and continue to keep schema parity—if not IRP rejections increase.
Safety & info ownership (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand from customers CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your facts stays transportable.
Document vault with FY folders—helpful for financial institutions, website audits, and inspections.
Standard copyright and usage logs, mirroring the safety posture on govt portals.
Swift FAQs
Is actually a totally free application ample for e-invoicing?
Usually no—you’ll most likely have to have a paid connector for IRP API phone calls. But a superb totally free plan really should export completely compliant JSON and allow you to print IRN/QR soon after registration.
Do MSMEs need a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹five hundred crore need dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When is really an e-way bill obligatory?
Usually for motion of products valued over ₹fifty,000, with point out-degree nuances and validity procedures.
What modified for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is remaining locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections transfer by means of GSTR-1A. Also, returns turn out to be time-barred immediately after a few a long time from owing day. Strategy for accuracy upfront.
How about e-Bill reporting timelines?
From one April 2025, businesses with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore have to report invoices to an IRP in just 30 days of concern; established reminders to stay away from invalid invoices.
Credible resources for deeper reading through
NIC e-Bill portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC round on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Invoice FAQs (regulations, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream protection & practitioner analysis.
thirty-working day e-Bill reporting Restrict (AATO ≥ ₹ten cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You could Completely start with a free of charge GST billing app—just guarantee it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB facts and supports a clean up grade route. 2025 policies reward initially-time-suitable invoicing and well timed reporting, so select software package that keeps you correct by design and style and warns you just before deadlines hit.