In search of free GST billing software program that’s truly handy—and compliant? This information explains what “free” commonly contains, where hidden prices creep in, And the way To judge freemium instruments without having jeopardizing penalties. It’s created for house owners, accountants, and CAs who value accuracy, velocity, and credible sources.
What does “free” seriously go over?
Most “totally free” or freemium plans Present you with Main invoicing with limitations (prospects/objects/month to month invoices). State-of-the-art GST abilities —e-invoicing( IRN QR),e-way payments, GSTR-All set exports,multi-person controls, inspection trails — routinely sit prior to paid classes. That’s forfeiture, providing you know the boundaries and the exact second to update( e.g., when you crosse-invoice thresholds or start out Repeated goods motion).
Non-negotiable compliance Fundamentals (even on cost-free programs)
1.E-invoice readiness (IRN + signed QR)
When you are underneath the e-invoicing mandate, your software package have to make schema-valid JSON, report back to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP), and print the signed QR/IRN to the invoice. (That’s how an Bill turns into “registered”.)
two.Dynamic QR on B2C (just for incredibly large enterprises)
B2C invoices of taxpayers with aggregate turnover > ₹five hundred crore require a dynamic QR code. MSMEs typically don’t need to have this—don’t pay for characteristics you gained’t use.
3.E-way Monthly bill guidance
Movement of goods generally higher than ₹50,000 necessitates an e-way bill. A free Device ought to not less than export proper data for EWB era, even if API integration is paid.
4.Clean up GSTR exports
Your application must develop GSTR-1/3B-Completely ready Excel/JSON in order to avoid rework. This issues a lot more in 2025 as GSTR-3B is becoming tightened/locked, pushing corrections by using GSTR-1/1A in lieu of manual edits.
5.Time-Restrict alerts for e-Bill reporting
From 1 April 2025, taxpayers with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore will have to report invoices to an IRP inside of thirty times of issuance. Your application should warn you very well ahead of the window closes.
2025 adjustments to approach for (don’t get caught out)
GSTR-3B tightening/locking from July 2025: Edits to auto-populated liabilities are now being limited; corrections move via GSTR-1A. This rewards “initially-time-right” info in GSTR-1 and penalizes sloppy invoicing.
3-12 months time-bar on returns: Submitting outside of a few years from authentic because of date won’t be allowed within the portal, raising the expense of issues and delays.
Aspect checklist at no cost GST billing computer software
Compliance
E-invoice JSON export that validates towards IRP specs; capability to print IRN/QR right after registration.
E-way bill information export (Component-A/Component-B) with length/auto fields.
GSTR-one/3B table-ready exports aligned to present-day portal actions.
Invoicing & goods
HSN/SAC masters, position-of-provide logic, RCM flags, credit/debit notes.
GSTIN verification and tax calculations that follow NIC/IRP schema anticipations.
Info, security & Command
12 months-sensible doc vault (PDF, JSON, CSV) and entire info export—steer clear of lock-ins.
Role-dependent accessibility; basic action logs; two-factor indicator-in parity with authorities units.
Scalability
A clear enhance path for IRP/e-way API integration and multi-consumer workflows when you improve.
A ten-minute evaluation move (actionable)
1.Map your use scenarios: B2B or B2C? Providers or products with motion? Typical Bill quantity?
two.Produce 3 take a look at invoices: B2B regular, B2C, and also a credit Be aware. Validate IRP JSON/export; affirm QR/IRN print structure.
three.Export GSTR-one/3B: Open up in Excel and check table mapping using your CA.
four.Simulate an e-way Monthly bill: Be certain exports have required fields and threshold logic.
5.Examine guardrails: App reminders for 30-day IRP reporting and 3B locking implications; your method click here need to prioritize mistake-absolutely free GSTR-one.
Absolutely free vs. freemium vs. open up-supply—what’s safest?
Cost-free/freemium SaaS: quickest commence; verify export top quality and the price of “unlocking” e-invoice/EWB APIs afterwards.
Open up-supply/self-hosted: highest Handle, but you should monitor NIC e-invoice FAQs/spec changes and keep schema parity—otherwise IRP rejections increase.
Safety & information possession (non-negotiable)
Insist on:
On-desire CSV/Excel/JSON exports; your knowledge stays portable.
Doc vault with FY folders—useful for banks, audits, and inspections.
Essential copyright and utilization logs, mirroring the security posture on governing administration portals.
Speedy FAQs
Can be a free of charge application ample for e-invoicing?
Frequently no—you’ll possible require a compensated connector for IRP API calls. But a very good free of charge plan really should export completely compliant JSON and allow you to print IRN/QR following registration.
Do MSMEs require a dynamic B2C QR?
Only taxpayers with AATO > ₹five hundred crore want dynamic QR on B2C invoices. Most MSMEs don’t.
When can be an e-way bill obligatory?
Typically for movement of goods valued earlier mentioned ₹fifty,000, with state-degree nuances and validity regulations.
What changed for returns in 2025?
GSTR-3B is getting locked/tightened from July 2025; corrections go by using GSTR-1A. Also, returns turn out to be time-barred immediately after a few years from due date. Program for accuracy upfront.
What about e-invoice reporting timelines?
From 1 April 2025, companies with AATO ≥ ₹10 crore should report invoices to an IRP in 30 days of concern; set reminders to prevent invalid invoices.
Credible assets for deeper reading through
NIC e-Invoice portal & FAQs (IRN, signed QR, cancellation).
CBIC round on Dynamic B2C QR (Notification fourteen/2020 + clarifications).
E-way Invoice FAQs (policies, thresholds, validity).
GSTR-3B tightening/locking: mainstream coverage & practitioner Examination.
30-working day e-Bill reporting limit (AATO ≥ ₹10 cr): practitioner advisories summarising GSTN updates.
You are able to Completely start with a free GST billing application—just guarantee it exports compliant IRP/GSTR/EWB knowledge and supports a easy upgrade route. 2025 policies reward very first-time-correct invoicing and well timed reporting, so select computer software that retains you precise by design and style and warns you prior to deadlines strike.