Invoice Series

Invoice series, for example in FY 2018-19 started from T-001.

Now in new FY 2019-20, it has again been started from T-001 without any year prefix/suffix.

So is it wrong? If yes, what will be the consequence, and what should be done now? Kindly explain.

Originally posted by : RAJA P M
	@ Vikky., Yes... As per GST it's wrong...If we will same series of invoice numbers then we can't file GSTR 1 return with the invoice numbers...portal will be shown "The Invoice number already exists"

Resp. Raja Sir,as we started new FY with the similar series, what is the remedy now? 12 invoices have already been issued so far. Eway bills were generated without any error though.

In the meanwhile,I just checked, the invoice series used by me in each of FYs since launch of GST in July'17 onwards is just the same every year.

In FY 2017-18 from 1st July'17, it was T-001 to T-027

In FY 2018-19 it was again T-001 to T-064.

I have filed all GSTR-1 returns till March'2019 and didn't face any such issue with invoice numbers, and the system didn't generate any error either. So, kindly have your thoughts considering this aspect. Other members may also please share their experience if similar series was followed in both preceding years, and if they got any errors on this count while filing GSTR1.

Anyway, kindly advise if we should add some prefix/suffix of FY henceforth, and also on already issued invoices to distinguish from earlier year. But then how will the invoice number match with that on eway bills already generated?

Interestingly, I have observed that all my suppliers are also using similar invoices numbers without any distinction from earlier years. 

Please enlighten. Regards.

Rule 46 (b) of the CGST Rules 2017 suggests that any tax invoice should have a 16 character alpha-numeric invoice number unique for a financial year. 

GSTN has issued an advisory which also states that the invoice series should be unique for a given financial year. That means for a new financial year, we can simply reset/restart the invoice number series.

“Attention of all taxpayers is invited to Rule 46 (b) of the CGST Rules 2017, which specifies that the tax invoice issued by a registered person should have a consecutive serial number, not exceeding sixteen characters, in one or multiple series, containing alphabets or numerals or special characters - hyphen or dash and slash symbolized as “-” and “/” respectively, and any combination thereof, unique for a financial year. "

Here's the link : 

https://www.gst.gov.in/newsandupdates/read/263

Regards,