Trying to find cost-free GST billing software program that’s truly practical—and compliant? This guidebook points out what “free” typically incorporates, where hidden charges creep in, And just 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/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, 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 Fundamental principles (even on absolutely free strategies)
1.E-Bill readiness (IRN + signed QR)
When you are 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 significant enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with mixture turnover > ₹500 crore demand a dynamic QR code. MSMEs generally don’t need this—don’t purchase attributes you received’t use.
3.E-way Monthly bill help
Motion of goods frequently earlier mentioned ₹50,000 calls for an e-way bill. A absolutely free Instrument should really at the least export correct facts for EWB generation, regardless of whether API integration is paid.
4.Clean up GSTR exports
Your app really should create GSTR-1/3B-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 program need to alert you perfectly before the window closes.
2025 alterations to approach for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to auto-populated liabilities are being restricted; corrections circulation by GSTR-1A. This benefits “first-time-proper” knowledge in GSTR-one and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
3-12 months time-bar on returns: Submitting further than a few many years from unique because of date gained’t be permitted within the portal, rising the price of faults 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 details export (Part-A/Section-B) with length/car or truck fields.
GSTR-one/3B table-ready exports aligned to present portal behavior.
Invoicing & merchandise
HSN/SAC masters, put-of-source logic, RCM flags, credit rating/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that comply with NIC/IRP schema expectations.
Data, stability & Regulate
12 months-smart document vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and comprehensive facts export—prevent get more info lock-ins.
Position-primarily based access; primary action logs; two-aspect indication-in parity with govt techniques.
Scalability
A transparent 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? Services or products with movement? Regular invoice volume?
two.Develop three examination invoices: B2B standard, B2C, plus a credit Observe. Validate IRP JSON/export; confirm 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 mistake-no cost GSTR-1.
Cost-free vs. freemium vs. open up-source—what’s safest?
Cost-free/freemium SaaS: fastest start; confirm export excellent and the expense of “unlocking” e-invoice/EWB APIs later.
Open-supply/self-hosted: most Manage, but you should observe NIC e-Bill FAQs/spec changes and preserve schema parity—normally IRP rejections increase.
Stability & details possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand from customers CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your information stays portable.
Document vault with FY folders—handy for banking institutions, audits, and inspections.
Standard copyright and utilization logs, mirroring the safety posture on govt portals.
Speedy 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 after registration.
Do MSMEs have to have 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 bill mandatory?
Typically for motion of goods valued previously mentioned ₹50,000, with point out-stage nuances and validity principles.
What altered for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is becoming locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections shift by means of GSTR-1A. Also, returns turn into time-barred right after a few yrs from because of day. System for accuracy upfront.
How about e-invoice reporting timelines?
From one April 2025, firms with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore will have to report invoices to an IRP in 30 times of problem; established reminders to prevent invalid invoices.
Credible resources for deeper studying
NIC e-Bill portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC circular on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification 14/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Monthly 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 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 regulations reward initial-time-suitable invoicing and well timed reporting, so choose software package that keeps you correct by style and design and warns you prior to deadlines hit.