FAQs

Queries Related to E-Invoice and E-Way Bill

You can find the answers to the following questions related to E-Invocing and E-Way Bill in this section -

Upload Data

1. What kind of templates are available to upload data into Clear E- invoicing?

You can upload invoice data into ClearTax using any of the two templates. Please note that both of them can be used to create IRNs as well as E-Way Bills -

1. Government Template user guide

2. Custom Template user guide

1. How can i download the sample template?

To download the Govt templates from the Clear E-invoicing portal, simply go to

• Import

• You will see the option - 'Download Govt template for EWB and E-inv and add data' at the bottom

1. Which file formats are supported?

We support csv & xlsx formats.

1. Is there a limit on the number of invoices uploaded per file?

While there is no limit on the number of invoices but limits are present on the file size depending on the file type. For example, 16 mb is allowed for .xlsx, 1 mb for .xlsb, etc. You can add as many invoices as long as it is within the file size limit

1. Where and how to put Custom Fields like CIN, LUT, product code etc?

Custom fields like above can be added as a separate column in Govt Template (after removing the top level headers) or can be added through your own custom template and should be mapped one time through Custom Excel template.

1. What do the columns/fields in Import data templates mean

All column/fields with a * are compulsory. To get a detailed understanding of each field, you can download the template from our portal & refer the "Explanation Sheet".

1. My data got imported with errors, how do I identify and correct those errors?

All errors in your imported data will have been highlighted in red. You may need to scroll further right. Keep the mouse pointer on the highlighted red box to check the reason for errors and correct the error and revalidate.

If you prefer to work offline, you can download the error file in the top right corner of the interface. Open the downloaded file, make the necessary corrections to the errors listed & Re-upload the Corrected File.

1. Where do I find the Master list for fields like State Code, HSN Code, Country Code, Pin code, Port Code, etc?

You can find it on the govt website​. Please make sure to use only govt approved values else you will get a failure error while generating IRN.

1. How can I upload credit notes/debit notes via data upload templates?

You have to use the same template that is used for uploading invoices. However, you must ensure that the 'Document Type' should be set to CRN for credit notes & DBN for debit notes. Once the template is completed with the necessary information, it can be uploaded through the ClearTax platform.

1. Which import template should i use for SEZ invoice?

You have to use the same import template. However, you must ensure that the Document Type should be set to INV and supply type should be set to SEZWP (for supplies to SEZ with payment) or SEZWOP (for supplies to SEZ without payment).

Generation

1. When do I need to generate an IRN? For what type of invoices do I need to generate an IRN?

IRN can be generated only for B2B invoices and EXPORT invoices (SEZWP- SEZ with payment, SEZWOP - SEZ without payment, EXPWP - Export with payment, EXPWOP - Export without payment , DEXP - Deemed exports)

1. Up to how many line items can one invoice have for IRN generation?

By default 1000 line items are supported from NIC for one Invoice, however this can be increased to 5000 by request to NIC with business justification.

1. Can I generate more than one IRN with the same invoice number?

No, you cannot use the same invoice number more than once in a Financial year.

1. Can I generate e-invoice for invoice number starting with 0 ?

No, the invoice number should not be starting with 0, /and - . If so , the request is rejected.

1. Can I create an IRN for a purchase invoice?

IRN for purchase invoice is not possible. E-invoices can be generated only for sales invoices.

1. Can I generate an e-invoice for bill of supply?

E-invoice for (BOS) Exempt, Nil Rated, Non Gst Supplies cannot be raised. IRN can be generated only for B2B invoices and EXPORT invoices( SEZWP, SEZWOP, EXPWP, EXPWOP , DEXP)

1. When I generate an IRN via clear E-invoicing product, does it update the Govt portal or do I need to explicitly update the Govt. NIC portal?

Yes, if you generate an IRN via Clear E-invoicing, the NIC portal gets automatically updated.

1. On the Clear E-invoicing portal IRN Status is generated but it is not showing on the GST portal/GSTR 1 data

As per NIC, the invoice details will be reflected in GSTR-1 data on the GST portal within 24 hrs of IRN generation. If the invoices are not reflecting after 24 hrs please raise a ticket with the GSTN team along with the invoice and IRN details at https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/ or call them at 1800-103-4786 for further assistance.

1. If i generate an IRN directly on the NIC portal, does it reflect in Clear E-invoicing?

If IRN is generated directly on the NIC portal those invoices will not be updated in the cleartax portal. However, if you were to regenerate that IRN via Clear E-invoicing, you will get a duplicate IRN message. If you have integrated your ERP with us, you can make a GET_IRN api call within 48 hours to get the IRN details of an IRN generated on NIC portal.

1. How to generate an IRN for a backdated invoice?

You can generate an IRN for any invoice with a document date (actual date the invoice was generated) that is is less than or equal to the date you generate IRN. The document date should be with in the same financial year i.e. greater or equal to Apr 1. IRNs cannot be created for invoices generated before Oct 2020.

1. Why did IRN generation fail? How can I check the reason for failure?

IRN generation can fail for multiple reasons. Some of the reasons could be : > HSN code is invalid > GSTIN is invalid/incorrect > Pin code is incorrect > Distance between the pin codes is incorrect However, to know the exact reason for failure, please click on the invoice number that failed (usually highlighted in red) the error reason will show up on top.

1. How can i get an excel report of all the errors for the failed invoices?

Go to Documents tab and set the filter to choose status as "failed ". You will get a list of all failed documents and under more action you can download the error report. You can choose the lite report or detailed report . Lite reports give very basic information about your download data but the detailed report contains all information and is equivalent to the e-invoice govt template.

1. Once an IRN is generated can I modify it?

You cannot modify an IRN once it is generated. However, you can cancel it and generate a new IRN with modified details provided you do it within 24 hours of creating the original IRN. You cannot cancel an IRN after 24 hrs from time of generation. Also, if the IRN is associated with an E-Way Bill, ensure that you cancel the E-Way Bill first (if it is active) before canceling the IRN.

1. I can't find my Generated Invoice

Make sure you've chosen the right set of filers on the documents page. You can identify/search relevant e-invoice documents by narrowing your search using the filter options below: Document date IRN generation date Business Document number Customer name/GSTIN Document Status Supply type Document type Tax value

Please note: Document date is the date on which the original invoice number was raised. While the IRN Generated date will be the date you actually generate an IRN for that invoice. As a general rule your document date will always be less that or same as IRN generated date. If you still cannot find your generated invoice, please check if the data is older than 365 days, as it will be shown in the Historical data section/Archives.

1. How to check if it is possible to create an E-Invoice for a new GSTIN or how to resolve when we see "GSTIN is invalid" error during IRN Generation but the GSTIN is present on the GST portal?

Check here, if the GSTIN is active and enabled. If it is registered and not enabled then enable it on the same page by clicking on 'Update from GST Common Portal'. This issue could also happen to some old GSTINs due to sync issues between GST portal and E-invoice portal.

1. I can't find my invoices. Where did my data go?

All the data older than 365 days will be shown in Historical data section/Archives

Cancellation

1. Can I modify/cancel an IRN once generated?

While you can't modify an IRN, you can cancel it. You can only cancel an IRN within 24 hours from the time it was generated. If it is and IRN Eway Bill then ensure that you cancel the E-Way Bill first( If it is active) and then cancel IRN.

1. How can I cancel/update an IRN after the 24 hours have lapsed?

Any IRN has to be cancelled within 24 hours of generation. If the 24 hours have lapse and you need to cancel that IRN you cannot do that. However, you can generate a Credit note for the same IRN if you need to address any changes or cancellations after this period.

1. Unable to cancel IRN.

You can only cancel an IRN within 24 hours from the time it was generated. If it is and IRN Eway Bill then ensure that you cancel the E-Way Bill first (If it is active) and then cancel IRN.

Printing

1. How to include our company logo on the e invoice format?

Go to settings Business settings Click on edit details on particular entity Click on upload logo and upload

1. How can I add a digital signature on e-invoice?

Go to the settings in your application. Under Global Settings, click on “DSC Configuration.” In the top right corner, click on “Setup Digital Signature.” Click on “Import PFX file,” then add your signature and password, and click on “Proceed.” Now, select the business for which you want to grant digital signature access. Finally, click “Save and Complete.”

1. Some details are incorrect or missing in my invoice print.

Please double check whether you have imported the right values in the excel file. If the values are correct but still the data looks incorrect/is missing on the print, please reach us via the help section in the product.

1. How can i do multiple prints at one go?

Mark the relevant invoices and select the print detailed/basic

1. Can I customise the template of my e-invoice?

If template customisation is part of your paid plan, we will be able to help you out. Please reach us via the help section in the top right of the Clear E-invoicing portal.

1. I can't find my print template

All Standard print templates are present in print preview screens. Any custom template that you have opted for will be visible once development is completed and added to account.

1. I am unable to scan the QR code on my e-invoice

You have to use the scanner approved by IRP available on the link here. https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Others/QRCodeVerifyApp Alternately, you could also try zooming in on the soft copy and then retry scanning.

Downloading

1. Up to how many months of e-invoice data can i download at a time?

You can view & download up to 1 month's/30 days data at a time.

1. Where can i find my downloaded reports?

Click on the Bell Icon on Top right hand side and you can see the request there. Click on the file you have to download.

1. My data/reports are not getting downloaded

You can download the reports and find it inside the notification/bell icon on the top right of the E-invoicing portal. You can access your downloads from he. If you are still not able to download, you may need to change your browser settings as the website may be blocked from downloading. Once you allow downloads from this website, you should be able to download reports.

1. How can I download older invoices?

All invoices dated more than 1 year old can be found in historical data or Archives section.

1. How can I download the latest imported excel file?

The latest imported excel file can't be downloaded. If the you want to check previous data imports summary that can be seen in the import history page. If a particular document is needed that can be searched via document number filter in documents page.

B2C QR Code

1. Which fields are required in B2C QR code?

The purpose of a dynamic QR Code is to enable the recipient/customer to scan and pay the amount to be paid to the merchant/supplier. Hence UPI details are mandatory while generating a B2C QR code/invoice.

Please note: When the part-payment for any supply has already been received from the customer/ recipient, in form of either advance or adjustment through voucher/ discount coupon etc., then the dynamic QR code may provide only the remaining amount payable by the customer/ recipient against “invoice value”.

The details of total invoice value, along with details/ cross reference of the part payment/ advance/ adjustment done, and the remaining amount to be paid, should be provided on the invoice along with the UPI details.

As per latest NIC circular, B2C QR code should have

• The GSTIN of the supplier

• The UPI ID of the supplier

• The payees bank account number and IFSC code

• The invoice number and invoice date

• The total invoice value

• The GST amount, along with the breakup of CGST, SGST, IGST, Cess, etc.

1. I am unable to scan the QR code

You have to use the scanner approved by IRP available on the link here. https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Others/QRCodeVerifyApp Alternately, you could also try zooming in on the soft copy and then retry scanning.

1. Can I cancel B2C invoice?

B2C invoices can not be cancelled because for b2c we are only generating a Dynamic QR code.