Admin GST 05/07/2017
Invoicing forms a crucial function when it comes to the execution of a transaction. The invoice becomes a basic document for recording the sale/purchase in books of accounts.
The government has notified rules of invoicing under GST along with a template of invoice(GST INV-01) covering the elements such as supplier’s details, GST tax rates etc that need to be presented. Let us understand these in detail.
Invoicing in the current tax regime
In the current tax regime, two types of invoices are issued:
a. Excise Invoice(as per Rule 11 of Central Exercise)
The excise invoice is signed by the owner of the factory (where it is manufactured) or his authorized agent. This invoice is issued to highlight all the particulars of goods along with details of duty paid to let the recipient know how much tax has been charged and how much CENVAT input he can claim on the purchase of the goods.
b. Vat Invoice
The VAT invoice is issued by registered VAT dealers in the manner as prescribed by the State Vat laws of the respective state of the supplier. Eg. for a dealer doing business in Maharashtra, he will be required to quote his VAT TIN no.(Tax Identification Number under MVAT)/ CST no.
2. Retail or commercial invoice
This is issued to an unregistered dealer or retail customer. The VAT charged in the bill is shown separately but as it is issued to the ultimate consumer who has the final liability to pay the tax, tax credit is not to be passed on and hence tax credit can’t be claimed on this invoice.
Invoicing under GST
In the GST regime, two types of invoices will be issued:
1. Tax invoice
2. Bill of supply
1. Tax Invoice
When a registered taxable person supplies taxable goods or services, a tax invoice is issued. Based on the rules regarding details required in a tax invoice, a sample tax invoice has been shown:
Tax invoice is generally issued to charge the tax and pass on the credit. In GST there are some instances where the supplier is not allowed to charge any tax and hence a Tax invoice can’t be issued instead another document called Bill of Supply is issued.
When goods are supplied, the supplier is required to issue three copies of the invoice– Original, Duplicate, and Triplicate.
