Basic E-invoicing Features Every B2B Business Needs to Know

Since the GST council implemented e-invoicing, B2B enterprises throughout the country have been attempting to keep up with the technology that makes business reporting easier.

Even today, though, many are unaware of the features and perks of e-invoicing. This blog will educate and assist them in not falling behind in comprehending e-invoicing.

Features of E-invoicing

E-invoicing has numerous features:

Verification of IRN for De-duplication of E-invoices

The IRP will generate an Invoice Reference Number (IRN) for each e-invoice submitted. Further, the Central Registry of GST System checks it to guarantee that no duplicate e-invoices are uploaded.

Digital Signing by IRP for Creation of Valid E-invoices

Following the upload of the invoice data to the IRP (Invoice Registration Portal), the IRP will generate the IRN and digitally sign it with the IRP’s private key. Then, the IRP will sign the full e-invoice JSON payload, including the IRN/hash. Upon that, this e-invoice becomes a valid e-invoice for the seller, and they can use it for his business dealings.

Generation of QR Codes for Tax Official’s Validation

The IRP will generate a QR code including the unique IRN (hash), other parameters, and a digital signature. The central portal or a mobile App will then confirm it. The QR code would assist tax officers in verifying the legitimacy of invoices during road checks when internet connectivity is not always available.

It consists of the following critical particulars of e-invoice:

1. GSTIN of supplier
2. GSTIN of recipient
3. Invoice number, as given by the supplier
4. Date of generation of invoice
5. Invoice value (taxable value and gross tax)
6. Number of line items
7. HSN code of the main item (line item having the highest taxable value)
8. Unique IRN (Invoice Reference Number/hash)
9. Date of generation of IRN

Availability of Multiple IRPs for Interoperability

Multiple registrars (IRPs) will ensure continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To begin, NIC(National Informatics Centre) will serve as the initial Registrar. As time goes on, we may find more registrars (IRPs).

Standardisation of E-Invoicing for Uniform Interpretation

Following industry consultation, a technical group formed by the GST Council Secretariat established specifications for e-invoices. The e-invoice schema/template has subsequently been alerted.

Multiple Reporting Modes for Satisfying User’s Needs

Numerous modes are offered, allowing taxpayers to choose the optimal mode for their needs, like:

• API-based (direct interface with the taxpayer’s system)
• API-based (connection with the taxpayer’s system via GSP/ASP)
• Free Offline Utility (IRP-downloadable ‘Bulk Generation Tool’)

In the future, web-based and mobile app-based modes will be available.

Printing of E-invoices for Submissions

The IRP sends signed JSON to the provider. This payload can be received, transformed into a readable format, and inserted into a PDF file. If the taxpayer prefers, he can print it as a paper invoice, including the entity logo and other relevant information.

Cancellation of E-invoices for a Specific Period

To cancel an existing e-invoice, you should cancel the IRN first. And then, they should cancel the e-invoice within a given time following the generation of the IRN. After that, you cannot use the invoice number from a cancelled invoice again.

Amendment of Existing E-invoices for Prior E-invoices

IRP allows for amendment. Amendment of already uploaded e-invoices can be made only on the GST portal while filing GSTR-1.

Advantages of E-invoice From a GST Perspective

E-invoice has many benefits for businesses, such as

• Automation of reporting documents for various compliances in GST. It reduces the need to provide the same data in multiple forms (GSTR-1, e-way bill etc.)
• Reconciliation of the Purchase Order after receiving information from the GST System
• Reduction in tax evasion and a complete audit trail for B2B invoices
• Input credit and output tax matching at the system level and fraud mitigation by the elimination of fake invoices
• Facilitation of standardisation and interoperability

All these benefits combined reduce disputes among transacting parties, improve payment cycles, reduce processing costs and thereby significantly improve overall business efficiency.

How Does myBillBook Improve Your E-invoices Generation Experience?

So far, you have read about how e-invoicing benefits you. Have you wondered whether there is a way to make it easier? If you are still struggling with e-invoicing, you can always get help from e-invoicing software like myBillBook.

It is effortless. All you have to do is to be a GST-registered business and purchase the enterprise plan of the software.

Then it is just a matter of enabling a toggle that says “ Enable e-Invoicing.” Here is how you do it:

1. After you have signed up and logged in, Go to company settings.
2. Select “Are you GST Registered” as yes, and input your GSTIN
3. When you turn the toggle on, you will see a confirmation modal from where you can check your e-invoicing enablement status from the govt portal – https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Others/EinvEnabled.
4. Afterwards, click “Enable e-invoicing” to turn on e-invoicing for this company.
5. In doing so, the e-invoicing tab will start appearing for the user in the left navbar.
6. You can also disable the same by turning the e-invoicing toggle off if you wish.