15 August 2024
Invoice issued and payment received for supply of goods. But goods not removed due to non availability of vehicle. Hence e way bill not generated and invoice not cancelled since it is e invoice. After 15 days , now the company wants to move the goods. Is it safer to transport the goods along with the old bill by taking fresh e way bill? Thanks in advance.
12 August 2025
Situation Recap: Invoice issued & payment received. Goods not moved immediately due to lack of vehicle. No e-way bill generated at invoice date. Invoice not canceled (it's an e-invoice). After 15 days, want to move goods now. What to do with e-way bill and invoice? E-way Bill Validity and Timing: E-way bills must be generated before or at the time of movement of goods. You cannot generate e-way bill retrospectively for goods already moved. Since goods were not moved, e-way bill was not generated earlier. Using Old Invoice: The original invoice is valid for 15 days from invoice date for e-way bill generation. After 15 days, generating e-way bill against that invoice may not be accepted by the system. Options for Movement Now: Option 1: Generate a new invoice and new e-way bill for current movement. This is the safest and most compliant option. Issue a debit note/credit note or a fresh invoice reflecting actual movement date. Option 2: Generate fresh e-way bill against the old invoice number (if system allows). Usually, GSTN portal restricts e-way bill generation after 15 days. If allowed, it may invite scrutiny; this is risky. Option 3: Cancel old invoice and reissue a fresh invoice (if legally possible). Cancel original invoice (if allowed) and issue a new invoice dated current date. Generate e-way bill on new invoice. Transport with Old Invoice Without E-way Bill? Not allowed under GST. Goods movement without a valid e-way bill can attract penalties and seizure. Best Practice Recommendation: Issue a fresh invoice dated on or before the movement date or raise a debit/credit note to reflect actual movement. Generate a fresh e-way bill based on the updated invoice. Move goods with fresh e-way bill.