The quick answer
Start with a valid registered business profile and a supply that requires a tax invoice. Then connect customer details, items, taxable value and tax components. A first invoice is best checked against a small real transaction whose quantities and price you can verify independently.
Dukanam connects supported billing with stock, balances and payments. GST-aware features depend on the plan. A saved invoice does not directly submit an IRP e-invoice, e-way bill or GST return; check any separate obligation for your transaction.
Before you begin
- Approved GSTIN, effective date, taxpayer type and correct business address.
- An invoice-number series and the required customer and supply information.
- Item description, unit, classification, price and applicable rate.
See how the pieces connect
Business
Use the correct registration and invoice series.
Buyer
Identify the customer and supply particulars.
Items
Calculate quantity, taxable value and tax.
Issue
Review the document and keep payment separate.
Work through the steps
Set the business profile
Enter the approved legal details and actual registration status. Check the plan’s GST preparation capability. Do not use a draft application reference as GSTIN or enable a different taxpayer type simply to access a field.
Define the invoice series
Use a traceable, financial-year-unique numbering scheme that meets the applicable rules. Confirm the next number and document date before the first bill. Keep cancelled numbers traceable.
Select the customer and supply facts
For a registered buyer capture and verify required GST details. Record delivery and place-of-supply information as needed. A contact name or phone number cannot establish the correct tax treatment.
Add the actual items
Use a clear description, correct unit, quantity and classification. Verify the applicable rate and whether the price includes GST. A loose kilogram item and a packaged piece need consistent units and prices.
Review tax and total
Check taxable value after applicable discounts and the correct CGST/SGST or IGST components. Recalculate one line independently. Include applicable cess or special particulars when required.
Issue and record payment accurately
Preview required particulars and print or share the final document. Record only confirmed collections, leaving unpaid amounts as customer balance. Keep the invoice, receipt and any required separate submission evidence linked.
A worked example
Check one line before issuing a full bill
Illustrative regular-taxpayer intrastate sale, with a hypothetical 18% rate and tax-exclusive price.
| Field | Input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and unit price | 3 units × ₹200 | ₹600 taxable value |
| CGST and SGST | 9% + 9% | ₹54 + ₹54 |
| Invoice total | Value plus tax | ₹708 |
| Confirmed payment | ₹500 received | ₹208 outstanding |
The invoice total and amount collected are different fields. Partial payment does not change the value of the sale or make the bill fully paid.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing tax treatment before checking registration and supply facts.
- Mixing GST-inclusive price with an extra added GST amount.
- Marking the invoice paid before the payment is confirmed.
Questions you might have
Can I practise using sample records?
Use an appropriate test or disposable setup and sample particulars. Do not issue invented transactions in the live tax records.
Does printing the invoice file my GST return?
No. Printing is document delivery. Preparation, government submission and return filing are separate workflows.
Dukanam
A smart, low-cost choice for small-business GST billing
Dukanam brings billing, purchases, stock, customer balances, payments and reports together. It is built for Indian small businesses that want clear records without a complicated setup.
Best suited to shops that want connected everyday billing and bookkeeping, web and mobile access, and nine product languages. Choose the plan that includes the features you need.
GST-aware billing and preparation depend on your plan. Review records before filing on the GST portal; Dukanam does not directly submit GST returns, government e-invoices or e-way bills.
Current plans with GST preparation
- Advanced Plan₹299.00 per month
Check annual prices, limits, applicable taxes and checkout terms. Paid plans do not include a free trial.
Sources and further reading
Official rules and portal screens can change. Use the linked authority for the current requirements; the figures in our worked examples are illustrative.