How do I generate an e-invoice?

Short answerYou generate an e-invoice by uploading your invoice details to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP), which validates them and returns a unique IRN (Invoice Reference Number) and a signed QR code. Most businesses do this automatically through their accounting or billing software, which connects to the IRP.

How it works

E-invoicing doesn’t mean a new invoice format — you raise your invoice as usual, then report it to the IRP. The portal validates it, assigns a unique IRN, and digitally signs it with a QR code. Only then is it a valid tax invoice. The data also auto-populates your GSTR-1 and e-way bills.

Software does the work

In practice, your accounting/ERP or billing software connects to the IRP via API (or a GSP) and generates the IRN automatically as you save the invoice — you rarely visit the portal manually except for one-off invoices. Small taxpayers can use the offline/bulk tools provided. Check whether e-invoicing applies to you first.

A worked example

Example: a business above the e-invoice turnover limit raises a sales invoice in its software; the software sends it to the IRP and instantly receives the IRN and QR code, which print on the invoice given to the customer. No IRN means the invoice isn’t legally valid and the buyer’s ITC is at risk. Our team can set up your e-invoicing flow.

Talk to CA Vijay R Singh

Need help setting up GST e-invoicing? You can message him directly, or book a short call to talk through your situation.

This answer is general information for businesses, not tax advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.

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