GST e-invoicing - Relaxation and latest changes



Quick Summary
The government has introduced relaxations for certain taxpayers regarding GST e-invoicing due to COVID-19 hardships. Invoices issued in October 2020 without the e-invoicing procedure will be considered valid if the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) is obtained within 30 days. Recent amendments also clarify that businesses with an aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 500 Cr. in any financial year from 2017-18 onwards are covered, including export supplies. The QR code with IRN must be on the invoice copy, and physical invoices are not required during goods movement if the QR code is available electronically.

1.‘e-invoicing’ for certain classes of taxpayers has come into effect from 1-10-2020.

2. Keeping in view the hardships faced by the taxpayers due to COVID-19 lockdown and as some of these taxpayers are still not ready, as a last chance, Government had given relaxation that invoices raised by notified taxpayers during October, 2020 without following e-invoice procedure (i.e. uploading invoice details on e-invoice portal (IRP), obtaining IRN and issuing invoice with QR Code) will be deemed to be valid and no penalty will be there if the IRN for such invoices is obtained within 30 days of date of invoice.

3. Further, vide notifications (Central Tax) 70/2020 and 72/2020 dated 30-9-2020, certain amendments and additions were made in respect of e-invoicing. Below is the summary of amendments:

  1. Regarding aggregate turnover threshold, it was specified that those who crossed Rs. 500 Cr. in any preceding financial year from 2017-18 onwards, will be covered.
  2. Supplies for ‘exports’ are also specifically included under e-invoicing.
  3. QR code, having the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) to be part of invoice copy issued to buyer.
  4. In case of any contingency, Commissioner can exempt a person or a class of registered persons from e-invoicing for a specified period.
  5. Where e-invoicing is applicable, physical copy of invoice need not be carried (during movement of goods) and it is sufficient if the QR code having IRN is produced electronically, for verification by proper officer.

FAQ :

Invoices issued without following the e-invoicing procedure in October 2020 will be deemed valid if the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) is obtained within 30 days of the invoice date.

Businesses with an aggregate turnover of Rs. 500 Cr. or more in any preceding financial year from 2017-18 onwards are covered under e-invoicing.

Yes, supplies for exports are specifically included under the e-invoicing requirements.

The QR code, containing the Invoice Reference Number (IRN), must be part of the invoice copy issued to the buyer.

No, where e-invoicing is applicable, a physical invoice does not need to be carried. It is sufficient to produce the QR code with the IRN electronically for verification.

Yes, the Commissioner can exempt a person or a class of registered persons from e-invoicing for a specified period in case of any contingency.




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Finance news reporter covering taxation, GST, income tax, business compliance, and economy updates. I simplify complex financial topics into easy-to-understand articles for professionals, taxpayers, and business owners on leading finance and tax platforms.

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