Comprehensive GST Rules & Compliance Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about the latest GST regulations, invoicing standards, and compliance mandates in India.
Invoice Rules
Mandatory fields and standards for tax-compliant GST invoices.
E-Invoicing
Thresholds and requirements for digital invoice registration (IRP).
Filing Deadlines
Updated schedule for GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual returns.
In This Guide
Mandatory GST Invoice Fields
Under the GST law, specifically Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, 2017, every tax invoice must contain specific details to be considered valid for Input Tax Credit.
- Supplier Name, Address, and GSTIN
- Unique Consecutive Serial Number
- Date of Issue
- Recipient Name, Address, and GSTIN
- HSN Code (Goods) or SAC Code (Services)
- Description of Goods or Services
- Quantity & Unit (UQC)
- Taxable Value & Total Value
- Tax Rate (CGST, SGST, IGST, Cess)
- Place of Supply (State Name)
E-Invoicing Mandate 2026
Phase-wise implementation of e-invoicing has reached its final stages. For 2026, the updated thresholds are:
₹5 Crore Threshold
Businesses with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹5 Crore in any preceding financial year must generate e-invoices for B2B transactions.
QR Code Requirement
The B2B invoice must bear the IRN (Invoice Reference Number) and the signed QR code from the IRP.
Current GST Tax Rates
| Rate | Category | Common Items |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (Exempt) | Essential Goods | Grains, salt, fresh vegetables, milk |
| 5% | Mass Consumption | Sugar, spices, tea, edible oils |
| 12% | Standard Rate I | Computers, processed food, mobile phones |
| 18% | Standard Rate II | Software, services, toothpaste, monitors |
| 28% | Luxury/Sin Goods | Automobiles, tobacco products, ACs |
GST Registration Thresholds
- Normal Category States: Registration is mandatory if aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 Lakhs (for Goods) or ₹20 Lakhs (for Services).
- Special Category States: Registration is mandatory if aggregate turnover exceeds ₹20 Lakhs (for Goods) or ₹10 Lakhs (for Services).
Composition Scheme
Small taxpayers with an aggregate turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore can opt for the Composition Scheme to simplify compliance.
- Lower tax rates (1% manufacturers, 5% restaurants).
- Quarterly return filing (CMP-08).
- Cannot claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
- Must issue "Bill of Supply" instead of Tax Invoice.
Key GST Return Types
GSTR-1 (Outward Supplies)
Details of all B2B and B2C sales. Due by the 11th of the following month.
GSTR-3B (Summary Return)
Monthly self-declaration of tax liability and ITC claims. Due by the 20th of the following month.
GSTR-9 (Annual Return)
Consolidated return for the entire financial year. Filed by 31st December of the next FY.
Stay Compliant Automatically
Our Free GST Invoice Generator is updated with the latest 2026 rules, HSN requirements, and tax structures. Never worry about manual compliance errors again.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. GST laws are subject to change by the GST Council. Please consult a professional tax consultant or Chartered Accountant for specific business advice.