How to Make an Invoice as a Freelancer in India

Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

An invoice is how you ask a client to pay, and it is also your record of income for tax. A clear, complete invoice gets paid faster and saves questions later. Here is what to include, how to handle GST and TDS, and how to create one in a couple of minutes.

What every freelance invoice should include

The word "Invoice" (or "Tax Invoice" if you are registered for GST and charging it).
Your details: your name or business name, address, email and phone.
Your client's details: their name or company name and address.
A unique invoice number and the invoice date.
What you did: a clear description of each service, with quantity (hours, days, pieces) and rate.
Totals: subtotal, any tax, and the total amount due, in the correct currency.
Payment terms: the due date and how to pay you (bank account details, UPI ID or payment link).

If you are registered for GST, a tax invoice needs extra details such as your GSTIN and the SAC code for your service. See our GST invoice format guide.

How to number your invoices

Use a simple sequence that never repeats, for example INV-001, INV-002, or one that includes the financial year such as 2026-27/001. If you are registered for GST, invoice numbers must be consecutive, unique within each financial year (April to March) and no longer than 16 characters, using letters, numbers, hyphens (-) and slashes (/).

Do you need to add GST?

Only if you are registered for GST. As a service provider you generally have to register once your aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in a financial year (₹10 lakh in some special category states), and you can also register voluntarily below that. If you are not registered, do not charge GST and do not call your invoice a tax invoice.

If you are registered, most professional and IT services are taxed at 18%, but the correct rate depends on your service. Whether you charge CGST + SGST or IGST depends on where your client is. Our CGST, SGST and IGST guide explains which to use.

TDS: why you may receive less than you invoiced

Indian businesses that pay you professional or technical fees may deduct TDS (tax deducted at source), commonly under section 194J, and pay you the rest. Always invoice the full amount. The TDS deducted shows up in your Form 26AS and annual information statement, and you claim credit for it when you file your income tax return, so keep track of it for every client.

Invoicing clients outside India

Invoice in the currency you agreed with the client, for example USD or EUR, and make sure your bank details can receive it.
Services to a client abroad can count as an export of services under GST, which is zero-rated. Registered freelancers often supply these under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) without charging GST. The CGST, SGST and IGST guide covers the conditions.
Keep the bank's foreign inward remittance advice or certificate for each payment as proof of the export.

Get paid on time

Agree payment terms before you start, for example 50% upfront for new clients or payment within 15 days.
Send the invoice as soon as the work, or the agreed milestone, is delivered.
Put the due date and your payment details on the invoice so the client never has to ask.
Only charge late fees if your contract says so, and state them on the invoice.
Follow up politely on the due date, then again a week later.

Keep your records

Save a copy of every invoice and note when each was paid. They are your income records for your tax return. If you are registered for GST, you must keep your accounts and records for 72 months from the due date of the annual return for that year.

Create an invoice with eInvoicePad

Open the free invoice generator and enter your name, your client, the invoice number and dates.
On the Items tab, add your hourly work and any fixed-price items.
On the Tax tab, switch on GST if you are registered, and enter your rate and GSTIN.
Click Download PDF Invoice and send it to your client.

There is no signup, and your data stays in your browser. Tick "Remember my details" to have your details filled in next time, with the next invoice number ready.

This guide is general information about Indian GST and invoicing, not tax or legal advice. Rules and thresholds change, so check the current position with a chartered accountant or tax adviser. See our Disclaimer.