In search of free of charge GST billing software program that’s genuinely practical—and compliant? This guidebook points out what “free” normally features, exactly where hidden charges creep in, And exactly how To judge freemium tools without having risking penalties. It’s prepared for entrepreneurs, 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/merchandise/month-to-month invoices). Sophisticated 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, providing you know the boundaries and the exact moment to enhance( e.g., after you crosse-Bill thresholds or start off Regular goods motion).
Non-negotiable compliance Basic principles (even on absolutely free strategies)
1.E-Bill readiness (IRN + signed QR)
For anyone who is beneath the e-invoicing mandate, your computer software should create schema-legitimate JSON, report to the Bill Registration Portal (IRP), and print the signed QR/IRN about the invoice. (That’s how an Bill turns into “registered”.)
two.Dynamic QR on B2C (just for extremely large enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with mixture turnover > ₹500 crore demand a dynamic QR code. MSMEs typically don’t need this—don’t purchase functions you received’t use.
3.E-way Monthly bill help
Motion of goods frequently earlier mentioned ₹50,000 involves an e-way bill. A absolutely free Instrument should really at the least export correct knowledge for EWB generation, whether or not API integration is paid.
4.Cleanse GSTR exports
Your app need to produce GSTR-1/3B-All set Excel/JSON to avoid rework. This matters additional in 2025 as GSTR-3B is becoming tightened/locked, pushing corrections by means of GSTR-one/1A as opposed to guide edits.
five.Time-Restrict alerts for e-invoice reporting
From 1 April 2025, taxpayers with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore ought to report invoices to an IRP inside 30 days of issuance. Your program ought to warn you properly ahead of the window closes.
2025 changes to program for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to car-populated liabilities are increasingly being limited; corrections flow via GSTR-1A. This rewards “1st-time-suitable” data in GSTR-one and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
Three-year time-bar on returns: Filing past three a long time from first owing day gained’t be permitted about the portal, raising the expense of issues and delays.
Aspect checklist for free GST billing software program
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates against IRP specs; ability to print IRN/QR after registration.
E-way Monthly bill data export (Section-A/Section-B) with length/car or truck fields.
GSTR-1/3B table-ready exports aligned to current portal actions.
Invoicing & goods
HSN/SAC masters, area-of-provide logic, RCM flags, credit score/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that adhere to NIC/IRP schema anticipations.
Facts, protection & Handle
Year-intelligent doc vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and total information export—avoid lock-ins.
Job-dependent accessibility; basic exercise logs; two-element sign-in parity with govt programs.
Scalability
A clear up grade path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-person workflows once you grow.
A ten-minute analysis flow (actionable)
one.Map your use instances: B2B or B2C? Products and services or products with motion? Regular Bill volume?
two.Produce three test invoices: B2B typical, B2C, as well as a credit history Be aware. Validate IRP JSON/export; ensure QR/IRN print format.
three.Export GSTR-one/3B: Open in Excel and Check out here desk mapping along with your CA.
four.Simulate an e-way bill: Guarantee exports have necessary fields and threshold logic.
five.Check guardrails: App reminders for 30-working day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your process need to prioritize mistake-totally free GSTR-1.
No cost vs. freemium vs. open-source—what’s safest?
Absolutely free/freemium SaaS: fastest begin; confirm export excellent and the cost 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 keep schema parity—in any other case IRP rejections rise.
Safety & facts possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand from customers CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your details stays portable.
Doc vault with FY folders—helpful for banks, audits, and inspections.
Fundamental copyright and usage logs, mirroring the security posture on authorities portals.
Rapid FAQs
Can be a absolutely free application ample for e-invoicing?
Generally no—you’ll probable have to have a paid out connector for IRP API calls. But an excellent free of charge program need to export completely compliant JSON and let you print IRN/QR following registration.
Do MSMEs need a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹five hundred crore need to have dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When is undoubtedly an e-way Invoice mandatory?
Typically for motion of goods valued over ₹50,000, with point out-degree nuances and validity guidelines.
What changed for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is remaining locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections go through GSTR-1A. Also, returns turn out to be time-barred after a few a long time from due day. Program for accuracy upfront.
What about e-Bill reporting timelines?
From one April 2025, companies with AATO ≥ ₹ten crore need to report invoices to an IRP within thirty days of challenge; set reminders to stay away from invalid invoices.
Credible assets for further looking through
NIC e-Invoice portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC circular on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Bill FAQs (procedures, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream coverage & practitioner Assessment.
30-working day e-Bill reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹ten cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You are able to 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 right before deadlines hit.