A tax invoice format with a filled sample, the copies you need, and free tax invoice templates in Excel and Word. Use the online maker to produce a tax invoice PDF with original, duplicate and triplicate copies.
Tax invoice meaning
A tax invoice is the invoice a GST registered supplier issues for a taxable supply. It is what lets a registered buyer claim input tax credit, so its details must be complete and correct. In everyday speech “tax invoice”, “GST invoice” and “GST bill” mean the same document.
A tax invoice is different from a bill of supply (no tax charged, used for exempt goods or by composition dealers) and from a proforma invoice (an advance quote, not a demand for tax).
Tax invoice format sample
TAX INVOICE
Plot 18, GIDC Odhav, Ahmedabad 382415
GSTIN: 24AAQFS2345L1Z8 | State: Gujarat (24)
Date: 14 Oct 2026
Place of supply: Gujarat (24)
Reverse charge: No
Copy: Original for recipient
Bill to: Neelkanth Builders LLP
402, Shivalik Plaza, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015
GSTIN: 24AAKFN5678Q1Z2 | State: Gujarat (24)
| # | Description | HSN/SAC | Qty | Rate | Taxable value | GST | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Office chair, mesh back, model OC-22 | 9401 | 12 Nos | 4,200.00 | 50,400.00 | 18% | 59,472.00 |
| 2 | Workstation desk 1200 x 600 | 9403 | 6 Nos | 7,800.00 | 46,800.00 | 18% | 55,224.00 |
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Taxable value | ₹97,200.00 |
| CGST @ 9% | ₹8,748.00 |
| SGST @ 9% | ₹8,748.00 |
| Total | ₹1,14,696.00 |
Amount in words: Rupees One Lakh Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Six Only
For Sahaj Office Furniture
Authorised Signatory
Original, duplicate and triplicate
For goods, a tax invoice is prepared in three copies; for services, two. The marking goes on each copy, usually at the top right.
| Copy | Goes to | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Original for recipient | Buyer | Buyer accounts and input tax credit |
| Duplicate for transporter | Driver or carrier (goods only) | Shown during transport |
| Triplicate for supplier | You | Your records and audit |
Tax invoice format in Excel and Word
The Excel version has twelve item rows, discount per line, a GST percentage per line and a round off formula. Add rows by copying the last row down so the formulas copy too.
Fields of a tax invoice at a glance
- Supplier name, address and GSTINrequiredYour legal or trade name, full address and 15-character GSTIN, printed at the top.
- Invoice numberrequiredA consecutive serial number, unique in the financial year, up to 16 characters. Letters, numbers, hyphen and slash are allowed.
- Date of issuerequiredThe date the invoice is made. For goods, issue it before or when the goods leave or are delivered.
- Recipient name, address, GSTINrequiredBuyer details. Add the GSTIN or UIN if the buyer is registered.
- Unregistered buyer, Rs 50,000 or morerequiredName, address, delivery address, and state name with state code.
- HSN or SAC coderequiredHSN for goods, SAC (accounting code) for services. The number of digits depends on turnover.
- Description of goods or servicesrequiredPlain words a buyer can recognise: model, size, period of service.
- Quantity and unitrequiredFor goods: quantity with a unit such as Nos, kg, m or box.
- Total value and taxable valuerequiredTotal value of supply and the taxable value after any discount.
- Tax rate and tax amountrequiredCGST and SGST (or UTGST) for a supply within your state, or IGST for another state. Cess if any.
Tax invoice for services
Service providers issue two copies (original for recipient, duplicate for supplier), use SAC codes, and in the normal case issue the invoice within 30 days of supply. A monthly retainer is usually invoiced at the end of each month.
Revising a tax invoice
Once issued, do not change a tax invoice. If the value or tax was wrong, issue a credit note (to reduce) or a debit note (to increase) against it. If you got GST registration with effect from an earlier date, the rules provide for a “Revised Invoice” for supplies made in that period; ask your accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tax invoice the same as a GST invoice?
Yes. Under GST the invoice that charges tax is called a tax invoice. People also call it a GST bill.
Who can issue a tax invoice?
Only a person registered under GST, for a taxable supply. Composition dealers and sellers of only exempt items issue a bill of supply.
Can a tax invoice be handwritten?
Yes, if it carries all the required details and is serially numbered. Printed bill books are common for this. See the bill book format.
What if I made a mistake on a tax invoice?
Do not edit or reissue the same number. Issue a credit note or debit note that refers to the original invoice.
How long should I keep tax invoices?
Keep them with your books of account for the period GST law requires. Ask your accountant for the current retention period that applies to you.
Checked and updated 14 Oct 2026. Independent template site; not tax or legal advice.