SmartBiz helps you generate GST-compliant invoices automatically for your online orders. Once you set up your GST details in tax settings, invoices will be created for orders and can be downloaded by you and your customers.
Step 1 — Enter Your GST Details
Go to Settings > Tax in the SmartBiz dashboard and fill in:
GST No: Your GSTIN (GST Identification Number)
State Code & Name: Automatically captured from your GSTIN
Business Registered Name: The legal business name linked to this GST
Business Registered Address: The official address under this GST
Default Tax Rate: Tax % applied to products when no specific HSN/tax is entered
Note:
An HSN Code (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is a standard classification used under GST to identify the type of product being sold and its applicable tax rate. If you’re unsure about the correct HSN code for your product, you can refer to the following List of HSN Codes, your GST registration documents, past GST returns, or consult your tax advisor. If no HSN code is added at the product level, SmartBiz applies the default tax rate you set here.
Step 2 — How Invoices Are Created
Once GST details are enabled:
SmartBiz will generate a GST invoice automatically after you ship an order
You and the buyer can download the invoice anytime from the order details
Understanding the Invoice Fields
Here’s what each field in your GST invoice means:
Sold By: Your GSTIN, business name, and address
PAN No: Extracted from your GSTIN (characters 3–12)
Unit Price: Taxable value per product unit
Net Amount: Unit price × quantity
Discount: Discount applied to selling price (includes prepaid incentives and promotions)
Tax Rate: Applicable GST (IGST/CGST/SGST/UTGST) based on buyer and seller locations
Tax Amount: GST amount calculated on net value
Total Amount: Amount customer pays after discounts and taxes
GST Pricing Display: Inclusive vs Exclusive Tax
When setting product prices, sellers should also decide whether the displayed price already includes GST or whether tax is added separately during checkout. This affects both customer understanding and purchase confidence.
Price including GST (Inclusive Pricing)
In inclusive pricing, the product price shown to the customer already contains GST.
Example:
If a product is shown as ₹118 and GST is 18%, the ₹118 already includes tax.
Why many sellers prefer this:
- Customers immediately know the final payable amount
- There is no surprise at checkout
- Price comparison becomes easier
- It creates a smoother buying experience
Tax added at checkout (Exclusive Pricing)
In exclusive pricing, the product price shown first does not include GST, and tax is added later during checkout.
Example:
A product shown as ₹100 becomes ₹118 after 18% GST is added.
What sellers should understand:
- Customers may feel the final price changed suddenly
- Some buyers may drop off at checkout if the total becomes higher than expected
How pricing display affects customer trust
Customers usually trust stores more when the price they first see is close to the final amount they pay.
Unexpected price increases at checkout can create hesitation, especially for first-time buyers.
Best practice for sellers
- Keep pricing transparent
- Ensure invoice tax matches displayed pricing logic
- Check whether margins remain protected before finalizing listed price
Strategic note: A clear and predictable final price improves customer confidence and reduces cart abandonment.
Best Practice: Set Up Tax Correctly Before You Start Selling
Correct tax setup is important because the invoice generated by SmartBiz directly depends on the GST details and tax rates entered in your settings. Incorrect tax setup can lead to wrong invoices, pricing errors, and difficulties during GST filing.
Why tax settings should be checked carefully
Before accepting orders, sellers should ensure:
- GSTIN is entered exactly as registered
- Business registered name matches GST records
- Registered address is correct
- Default tax rate reflects the most commonly sold products
- Product-level HSN codes are added wherever applicable
If tax settings are incorrect, the invoice may apply the wrong tax amount.
Set product tax thoughtfully
Different products may have different GST rates. Sellers should not rely only on one default tax rate if their catalog includes products across categories.
Example:
- One product may attract 5% GST
- Another product may attract 12% or 18% GST
Using the correct HSN and tax rate at product level improves invoice accuracy.
Important pricing reminder: Calculate selling price after considering tax
Before listing products, sellers should calculate whether tax is already included in the selling price or needs to be adjusted.
If tax is ignored while setting price, the seller may receive less margin than expected after tax deduction.
Simple example
If a seller wants to earn ₹100 on a product with 18% GST:
- Pricing the product at ₹100 means tax will be adjusted within that amount
- Actual retained value becomes lower after GST
To protect margin, sellers should calculate the final selling price after adding tax.
Why this matters
Correct pricing helps sellers:
- Avoid accidental margin loss
- Maintain profitability
- Prevent underpricing products
- Ensure invoices match actual business calculations
Strategic note: A product may sell successfully, but if tax is not planned correctly, the seller can still lose money on every order.
FAQs:-
1. When is the GST invoice created?
The invoice is created automatically when you click Ship order in the Order Management System. It may take about 5–10 seconds after clicking before the invoice appears. You can also open it from the three-dot menu next to each order.
2. Can I delete or edit an invoice once it’s generated?
No — once an invoice is generated, it cannot be deleted or modified in SmartBiz. If you need a corrected invoice, you should issue and keep a separate invoice outside SmartBiz.
3. Do I need GST to use this feature?
Yes — you must enter a valid GSTIN to enable GST invoice generation. Without GST details, SmartBiz will not create GST invoices.
4. What happens if my GST details are incorrect?
If your GSTIN, business name, or address is not entered correctly, the invoice will contain the wrong information. This could cause issues in tax filings. Always double-check the details before saving.
5. What tax rates should I set?
Set the default tax rate that usually applies across your catalogue. If specific products have different GST rates, update those with HSN/tax rate in product setup.
6. Will SmartBiz calculate IGST/CGST/SGST automatically?
Yes — the system applies the correct tax structure (IGST vs CGST/SGST/UTGST) based on your store location and the buyer’s address.
7. Why doesn’t my customer see a GST invoice?
If your store GST settings were incomplete when the order was placed or shipped, SmartBiz won’t generate an invoice. Make sure your GST details are added before orders are shipped.
8. Can I use these invoices for GST filing?
Yes — the GST invoice generated can be used as a valid commercial tax invoice for compliance and filing purposes, provided details are accurate.