Free Proforma Invoice Generator
Create a proforma invoice with GST online, for an advance payment: the items, GST, total and your bank details. No sign-up needed to start.
- Free
- No sign-up to build
- Sign up free to download
What is a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill. It shows the buyer exactly what they'll be invoiced for, with the items, prices, GST and total, before the sale is made. Businesses send one to confirm an order, to ask for an advance, or because the buyer's accounts team, bank or import paperwork needs one.
It is not a tax invoice. GST law doesn't define a proforma, so it isn't reported in your GST returns, and the buyer can't claim input tax credit on it; that needs a tax invoice or debit note (Section 16(2) of the CGST Act).
When the sale happens, you issue the tax invoice from your regular invoice series: for goods, by the time they're sent out; for services, within 30 days of supplying them.
Taking an advance? For goods, no GST is due on the advance; you pay it when you invoice (Notification 66/2017-Central Tax). For services, GST is due when the advance reaches you, and you issue a receipt voucher for it (Rule 50 of the CGST Rules).
Proforma invoice format: what it should show
No GST rule sets a proforma format, because it isn't a tax document. As it previews the tax invoice, it should carry the same details, plus a clear label:
- The title 'Proforma Invoice' and the words 'This is not a tax invoice', so nobody books it as a sale or claims credit on it.
- A proforma number from its own series, such as PI/2026-27/001, so your tax invoice numbers stay consecutive.
- The date, and the buyer's PO number and date if it answers a purchase order.
- Your name, address and GSTIN, and the buyer's.
- Each item with a description, HSN/SAC code, quantity, unit and rate.
- The GST rate and amount, as CGST + SGST or IGST, and the total.
- Payment terms: how much in advance and by when, with your bank details or a UPI QR code.
- Delivery terms, and how long the prices hold.
- A signature, or 'For [your business]' above an authorised signatory.
Source: Good practice, not a legal requirement: GST law has no proforma format. The tax invoice that follows must meet Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, 2017, including its consecutive numbering.
How to create a proforma invoice with this generator
Add both parties
Type your business name, address and GSTIN, then the buyer's. If the buyer sent a purchase order, add its number and date.
Add the items
Enter each item with its HSN/SAC code, quantity, unit, rate and GST rate, plus any discount. You can type prices including GST instead.
Check the GST
The editor charges CGST + SGST or IGST from the two GSTINs, totals everything, rounds off if you choose and writes the amount in words. 'This is not a tax invoice.' prints under the title.
Ask for the advance
Add your bank details and a UPI QR code, and write the payment terms in the terms or notes, for example '50% advance, balance before dispatch'.
Choose the look
Pick the Modern, Classic or Minimal template and a colour.
Download it
Press Download and sign up free for the PDF; your proforma opens in your new account. When the order goes through, turn it into a tax invoice there in one click.
Proforma invoice vs tax invoice
A proforma looks like an invoice and carries the same figures, but only the tax invoice counts under GST.
| Proforma invoice | Tax invoice | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Proforma invoice: A preview of the sale: the bill before the bill. | Tax invoice: The legal bill for the sale under GST. |
| When it's issued | Proforma invoice: Before the sale, often to collect an advance. | Tax invoice: For goods, by the time they're sent out; for services, within 30 days. |
| Under GST law | Proforma invoice: Not defined; not a tax document. | Tax invoice: Required by Section 31 of the CGST Act, with contents set by Rule 46. |
| GST returns | Proforma invoice: Not reported. | Tax invoice: Reported in GSTR-1, with the tax paid through GSTR-3B. |
| Input tax credit | Proforma invoice: The buyer can't claim any. | Tax invoice: A registered buyer can, once you report it. |
| Numbering | Proforma invoice: Its own series, such as PI/2026-27/001. | Tax invoice: One consecutive series, up to 16 characters, unique for the financial year. |
| Changing it | Proforma invoice: Revise it freely until the buyer agrees. | Tax invoice: Changes in value or tax go through a credit or debit note. |
Frequently asked questions
Proforma invoice kya hota hai?
Proforma invoice ek advance bill hai jo sale se pehle bheja jata hai, taaki buyer ko pata ho ki final invoice kitne ka banega. Ye tax invoice nahi hai, isliye is par input tax credit nahi milta.
Is GST charged on a proforma invoice?
GST is shown on it so the buyer sees the full amount, but the proforma itself creates no GST liability. GST is paid on the tax invoice or, for services, on an advance when you receive it.
Can the buyer claim input tax credit on a proforma invoice?
No. Input tax credit needs a tax invoice or debit note from a registered supplier, reported by the supplier in their GSTR-1 (Section 16(2) of the CGST Act).
Is GST payable on an advance received against a proforma?
For goods, no: GST on goods is paid when you invoice, not when an advance comes in (Notification 66/2017-Central Tax). For services, yes: GST is due when you receive the advance, and you must issue a receipt voucher (Rule 50).
Can I use my invoice number series for proformas?
Better not. Tax invoice numbers must run consecutively within the financial year (Rule 46), so give proformas their own series, such as PI/2026-27/001.
Does a proforma invoice need GSTINs?
No rule demands them, but include both. They show whether CGST + SGST or IGST applies, and the buyer will check them before paying.
What happens to the proforma once the sale is made?
The tax invoice replaces it, under your normal invoice series. With a free CredHill account, you can turn the proforma into that invoice in one click.
More free formats
Guides to GST invoicing, quotations, challans and more: read the CredHill blog.
Last reviewed .