Are you struggling to sort your invoice creation confusion? In a nutshell, you need not have a limited company to create invoices. There are several businesses across the country that operate as a sole proprietor. You can legally issue an invoice in the name of your client. But it is unlike the GST tax invoices. A GST invoice is a detailed document issued under section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017. A GST tax invoice contains mandatory contents. It includes GSTIN of both supplier and buyer, addresses, taxable amount, etc. Only taxable goods and services registered under the government can issue the GST invoices. It allows you and the recipients to claim ITC (Input Tax Credit). However, for safe and secure functioning of the business. It is always recommended to register your business. Whether you want to have a limited company or not, this article will address all your confusion concerning creating invoices.
How Can I Invoice Without A Registered Company?
“Can I invoice without being self-employed?” It is the most commonly asked questions by freelancers who do not want to declare themselves as self-employed. Being a freelancer or a sole proprietor does not require you to take formal actions. Only businesses with specific thresholds are mandated to create invoices under GST. Otherwise, you can always send invoices to your clients as per their request. However, there are specific key considerations that you must include in your professional invoices.
What Should My Invoice Include?
Integrity is a choice between what’s convenient and what’s right. Professionalism is vital for small businesses to succeed in the near future. It is why most freelancers and sole proprietors prefer online invoicing. Invoicing your clients is easier with online invoicing templates on the invoice generator. Here are a few key considerations that you must document in your invoices.
- Professional Header
Your invoice must primarily consist of your full name or business name. Ensure the visibility of the name. Use a bigger size and formal font. Include your contact details like mailing address, contact number, email address, and website link (if any). You can also add a personal logo to make your invoice look more professional.
- Contact Information of the Client
The next vital consideration of a formal invoice is the client’s contact information. Below the header, specify the details of the recipient. Include your client’s name, address, contact number, and other additional information. Note that your contact information must be placed opposite to your client’s contact details. Place your logo on the top-right and set your client’s details on the left corner, below the header.
- Invoice Details
Next up is invoice details. Mention the invoice information such as invoice number, invoicing date, and payment due date. Setting up a sequential invoice number helps your track all your transactions. Specify payment terms in your invoice, specify your bank account details or payment options. If you want to get paid faster, mention the penalty fee for late payments. It may prompt your client to pay you earlier or, at least, on time.
Legalities for Formal Invoicing
Most small businesses are concerned about the legalities of their formal invoices. Formal invoices are considered legal and will stand in court when required. However, you may run into trouble if your invoice is considered fraudulent. For instance:
- When you invoice with a higher amount against the contracted price on goods or services.
- When you include fraudulent charges in your invoice, such as fees on services you have not provided to your client.
- An invoice is considered fraudulent in the eye of law when you request funds in the form of an invoice.
In a nutshell, keep your invoice precise and accurate. Breakdown the charges and include all the necessary key considerations mentioned in the article above.
Quick Tips to Successfully Invoice Your Clients
Sending manual invoices can hurt the image of your business. You can automate the invoicing process through online accounting software. GrofleX.io is the #1 billing software for small businesses in India. Create invoices on our software to invoice companies successfully. Sending manual invoices to huge companies might delay your payments. It is more likely that your paper invoice will get piled or lost. Instead, you can automate all your invoicing processes, payment reminders, reoccurring invoices, and more. The image below is the demonstration of automated invoice templates on GrofleX.in.
Automated Invoice Templates
You can directly email the invoice to the client on our accounting software. Automate reoccurring invoices and payment reminders. Get paid on time by sending invoices while the project is still fresh in your client’s mind. The software comes with advanced features such as payment registration for invoices. It allows your customer to pay online from anywhere. It increases your chances of getting paid instantly.
Advanced Invoicing Features
Sending e-invoices is an ideal way of practicing professionalism in your business. Along with creating invoices, GrofleX.in also allows you to create unique quotations concerning the diversified businesses. You can also track time, petty cash, and each transaction by using GrofleX.in. Are you planning to expand your small business or register your freelance service? You can also issue tax invoices on GrofleX GST billing software.
Create Invoices: GST Invoice Rules for Start-ups in India
Although you can send formal invoices, it is limited to goods and services only. Any business with an annual turnover threshold exceeding five lakhs is required to register under VAT. Likewise, businesses with a turnover exceeding the threshold limit of 40 lakhs in a financial year must follow the compulsory registration under GST. The GST law has now implemented the composition scheme for small businesses in India. Companies with a turnover of up to 1.5 crores are subjected to a lower tax amount under this scheme. Only the registered companies must file goods and service tax e-invoice on purchases and sales. Otherwise, individuals can send formal invoices to a registered person or business without registering under GST. For more information on GST invoice rules, GST invoice guide, and latest updates on GST invoicing templates, read this article.
Simple Procedure for GST Registration
Most businesses are increasingly registering under the GST scheme. The new returns filing system provides additional security and financial benefits to companies in India. Unlike the old procedures, even the registration process has been made easier. You can quickly register your business or service under GST in just a few clicks. You can complete the whole registration process online and promptly obtain a registration number. GST had brought relief to start-ups and small businesses in India. Companies can now benefit from newly registering under the scheme.
Conclusion
In simpler words, yes, you can send regular invoices if you are a freelancer or sole proprietor. It is simply called as an official bill. However, the goal of most small businesses is to convert invoices into payments quickly. Create invoices through accounting software instead of excel or paper invoices. You can get a glimpse of successful invoicing outcomes for free—login to GrofleX accounting software.
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