Searching for cost-free GST billing software that’s genuinely practical—and compliant? This manual points out what “free” normally features, where hidden charges creep in, And just how To judge freemium tools without having risking penalties. It’s published for entrepreneurs, accountants, and CAs who benefit precision, velocity, and credible resources.
Exactly what does “free” truly go over?
Most “absolutely free” or freemium designs give you Main invoicing with restrictions (customers/items/month to month invoices). Superior GST capabilities —e-invoicing( IRN QR),e-way charges, GSTR-ready exports,multi-consumer controls, inspection trails — frequently sit ahead of paid types. That’s forfeiture, provided that you know the bounds and the precise minute to up grade( e.g., if you crosse-invoice thresholds or commence frequent goods motion).
Non-negotiable compliance Basic 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 to the invoice. (That’s how an Bill gets “registered”.)
2.Dynamic QR on B2C (just for really large enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with combination turnover > ₹500 crore demand a dynamic QR code. MSMEs generally don’t need this—don’t purchase attributes you received’t use.
three.E-way bill aid
Movement of products normally above ₹fifty,000 demands an e-way Monthly bill. A totally free Software need to at least export suitable info for EWB technology, even though API integration is compensated.
4.Clear GSTR exports
Your application must deliver GSTR-1/3B-All set Excel/JSON to avoid rework. This matters additional in 2025 as GSTR-3B is becoming tightened/locked, pushing corrections through GSTR-one/1A instead of 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 times of issuance. Your program ought to warn you very well ahead of the window closes.
2025 modifications to prepare for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to vehicle-populated liabilities are increasingly being restricted; corrections movement by way of GSTR-1A. This benefits “to start with-time-correct” info in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
3-12 months time-bar on returns: Submitting outside of a few years from authentic due date won’t be allowed within the portal, rising the price of problems and delays.
Element checklist without spending a dime GST billing software
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates against IRP specs; ability to print IRN/QR after registration.
E-way Monthly bill data 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-offer logic, RCM flags, credit rating/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that stick to NIC/IRP schema expectations.
Data, stability & Regulate
12 months-sensible document vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and whole knowledge export—keep away from lock-ins.
Part-based obtain; standard activity logs; two-factor indicator-in parity with federal government methods.
Scalability
A transparent update path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-consumer workflows once you grow.
A ten-moment evaluation flow (actionable)
one.Map your use instances: B2B or B2C? Products and services or products with motion? Regular invoice volume?
two.Develop three check invoices: B2B conventional, 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 must prioritize mistake-free GSTR-1.
Cost-free vs. freemium vs. open up-source—what’s safest?
Cost-free/freemium SaaS: fastest begin; confirm export excellent and the expense of “unlocking” e-invoice/EWB APIs later.
Open-supply/self-hosted: most control, but you should observe NIC e-Bill FAQs/spec changes and maintain schema parity—normally IRP rejections increase.
Stability & details possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-demand CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your information stays transportable.
Document vault with FY folders—handy for banking institutions, audits, and inspections.
Standard copyright and use logs, mirroring the safety website posture on govt portals.
Brief FAQs
Is a free app enough for e-invoicing?
Frequently no—you’ll probably 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 have to have a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹five hundred crore want dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When is surely an e-way bill mandatory?
Ordinarily for motion of goods valued over ₹fifty,000, with condition-degree nuances and validity guidelines.
What changed for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is remaining locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections go by way of GSTR-1A. Also, returns turn out to be time-barred after 3 a long time from due day. Strategy for precision upfront.
What about e-Bill reporting timelines?
From 1 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 deeper looking at
NIC e-Invoice portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC round on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Invoice FAQs (rules, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream coverage & practitioner analysis.
30-working day e-invoice reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹ten cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You'll be able to absolutely begin with a free GST billing app—just be certain it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB info and supports a sleek upgrade path. 2025 regulations reward initial-time-suitable invoicing and timely reporting, so choose program that keeps you correct by structure and warns you prior to deadlines hit.