GST Tax Invoice Format, Rule 46 Mandates & Credit / Debit Notes

जीएसटी टैक्स इनवॉइस नियम एवं प्रारूप

Comprehensive guide to GST invoice rules under Section 31 and Rule 46 of the CGST Rules: mandatory 16 invoice fields, unique consecutive serial numbering, time limits for issuing invoices for goods and services, and Section 34 credit notes.

Written by: Author Profile

Direct Tax & CA Review Panel

Chartered Accountancy Review Panel • Senior Direct Tax Review Desk

Reviewed & Fact-Checked by: Technical Review Panel

Tax Law & Dispute Review Desk

Tax Litigation & Legal Review Panel • Tax Appeal & Procedure Review Desk

Published: 1st April 2026•Last Updated: 15th August 2026•Last Reviewed: 15th August 2026

Key Statutory Highlights (FY 2026-27)

Rule 46 requires 16 mandatory fields including Supplier GSTIN, Recipient GSTIN (for B2B), unique consecutive invoice number, HSN/SAC code, and Place of Supply.

Time limit for goods: Must be issued on or before removal/delivery of goods.

Time limit for services: Must be issued within 30 days of service provision (45 days for banking/NBFCs).

Bill of Supply must be issued instead of a Tax Invoice by Composition dealers and suppliers of 100% exempt goods.

Credit notes under Section 34 must be declared in GSTR-1 on or before 30th November following the end of the FY.

Who is Eligible & When Does it Apply?

Applicability #1

All registered GST taxable persons issuing commercial bills to buyers.

Step-by-Step Procedure & Compliance Roadmap

Ensure Unique Consecutive Numbering

Maintain serial numbers containing alphabets, numerals, or hyphens up to 16 characters.

Include Buyer GSTIN & State Code

Ensure valid 15-digit GSTIN of buyer is entered for B2B transactions to pass ITC.

Print Triplicate Copies for Goods

Original for Recipient, Duplicate for Transporter, Triplicate for Supplier.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

Tax Invoice template, Purchase Order, Delivery Challan, E-Way Bill

Common Mistakes & Compliance Risks to Avoid

•Issuing duplicate serial numbers across financial years.

•Failing to issue invoices within 30 days for service contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a hand-written invoice be issued under GST?

Yes, manual hand-written invoices are legally valid under GST provided all mandatory 16 fields under Rule 46 are clearly written and signed.

Interactive Tax Calculators

GST Calculator

Related Tax Knowledge

E-Invoicing Rules (>₹5 Cr)Input Tax Credit Rules

Ask FinSetu Mitra about GST Tax Invoice Format, Rule 46 Mandates & Credit / Debit Notes

Need clarification on this tax topic? Ask our bilingual AI Guide for instant conceptual guidance.

Connect with a GST Expert

Need filing assistance or personalized case representation? Connect with a qualified active professional.

🛡️ Educational Disclaimer: FinSetu India is an independent educational guidance and calculation platform. Content is published for general citizen awareness based on applicable laws as of FY 2026-27. We do not provide personalized legal/tax advice or file returns directly. Verify current applicable rules on official portals or consult a qualified Chartered Accountant / Tax Lawyer.