Service Invoice
Create service invoices with SAC codes and GST. Perfect for freelancers, consultants and agencies in India.
In short
A service invoice is a GST invoice for services rather than goods, using SAC (Services Accounting Code) instead of HSN and a service period in place of shipping details. Freelancers, consultants, agencies and contractors use it. VyaparKit's service invoice generator creates it with the right CGST, SGST or IGST, PO reference, amount in words, and a shareable link with a UPI payment button.
Create a Service Invoice in under a minute
Sign in once with Google or email. Your business name, GSTIN, logo, bank details and saved customers fill in automatically. Download a PDF or share a link on WhatsApp. 5 invoices a month are free, forever.
- ✓Beautiful PDF with your logo and details
- ✓GST calculated automatically where applicable
- ✓Saved customers, vendors and items, so no retyping
- ✓Share link with WhatsApp button and UPI QR
- ✓Converts to related documents in one click
About the service invoice tool
Designers, developers, consultants, chartered accountants, digital agencies, event managers and repair technicians all sell time and expertise rather than boxes. Their invoices need a SAC code for each service, a service period such as September 2026, and usually the client's PO number, but they do not need shipping addresses or vehicle details. Since most services attract 18% GST and many clients deduct TDS before paying, the invoice has to be clean enough for both sides' accountants.
Freelancers typically start with a Canva or Word template and quickly hit problems: they charge CGST and SGST to a client in another state, forget the SAC code, or issue two invoices with the same number after copying a file. VyaparKit's service invoice picks the tax head from the place of supply, stores your services with SAC and rate so you never look them up twice, keeps numbering consecutive across the financial year, and prints the total in words.
Every service invoice posts to the client's ledger, so the outstanding statement and payment reminders tell you who owes what and for how long. A payment receipt marks the invoice paid or partially paid, which handles TDS shortfalls neatly. Share the invoice link on WhatsApp with a Pay via UPI button, and see when the client opened it. Free accounts include 5 invoices a month, with no card.
How to make a service invoice with SAC codes
- 1
Set up your profile
Add your name or firm name, GSTIN if registered, state, signature, bank account and UPI ID. They appear on every invoice.
- 2
Add the client
In Bill to, pick a saved client or add one with GSTIN and address. Set the Place of supply to the client's state to get IGST or CGST plus SGST right.
- 3
Describe the services
Click Add line, pick a saved service or type one with its SAC code, quantity (hours, days or a lump sum), Rate and GST rate. Fill the Service period and the PO / reference number.
- 4
Set payment terms
Choose a Due date, add your payment terms and any late-fee note in Terms & conditions, and pick a template.
- 5
Create and get paid
Click Create invoice. Send via WhatsApp or Share link with the Pay via UPI button, then record the money with a payment receipt.
What a service invoice under GST must show
- Your name, address and GSTIN; if unregistered, omit GST entirely and do not call it a tax invoice.
- Consecutive invoice number unique for the financial year and the date of issue, within 30 days of completing the service (Rule 47).
- Client name, address and GSTIN, and their PO or work order reference if any.
- SAC code for each service line: 4 digits for turnover up to ₹5 crore, 6 digits above.
- Description of the service, period covered, quantity or units (hours, days, milestones) and rate.
- Taxable value, and CGST plus SGST or IGST based on place of supply.
- Place of supply, which for most services is the location of the registered recipient.
- Bank details and UPI ID for payment, and the signature of the authorised signatory.
Who uses the service invoice
Freelance designer in Pune
Bill a Mumbai startup with SAC 998391, CGST plus SGST at 9% each, and get paid via the UPI link on the invoice.
Digital marketing agency
Send monthly retainer invoices with the service period, the client's PO number and IGST for out-of-state clients.
AC and appliance repair technician
Invoice service visits and AMC charges with SAC codes, and link job cards to the invoice for the customer's records.
Chartered accountant or consultant
Raise invoices for audit, filing and advisory work; the ledger tracks which clients paid net of 10% TDS.
Service Invoice: frequently asked questions
- What is a SAC code and where do I find mine?
- SAC stands for Services Accounting Code, the 6-digit classification for services under GST, all starting with 99. For example 998314 is IT design and development, 998391 is specialty design and 998222 is accounting and bookkeeping. Use the HSN/SAC lookup tool on VyaparKit to search by keyword and see the GST rate.
- Do freelancers need GST registration to send invoices?
- Freelancers must register once aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh in a financial year (₹10 lakh in special category states), or immediately if they supply services through certain e-commerce platforms. Below that you can invoice without GST using the non-GST invoice tool. Once registered, every invoice must carry your GSTIN and SAC codes.
- How do I handle TDS deducted by the client on a service invoice?
- Invoice the full amount including GST. The client deducts TDS under Section 194J (10% for professional fees, 2% for technical services) on the value excluding GST and pays the rest. Record the amount received with a payment receipt; the invoice shows as partially paid until you book the TDS credit, which you claim in your income tax return via Form 26AS.
- Can I invoice a foreign client with a service invoice?
- Yes. Export of services is zero-rated when the recipient is outside India and payment arrives in convertible foreign exchange. Quote your LUT number and mention 'export of services under LUT without payment of IGST' in the notes. Amounts on VyaparKit are in rupees, so note the foreign currency amount and rate as well. Confirm the treatment with your CA.
- What is the place of supply for services?
- For most services supplied to a registered business, the place of supply is the location of the recipient, so a Pune freelancer billing a Delhi company charges IGST. Some services follow other rules: work on immovable property uses the property's location, and events use the venue. VyaparKit uses the place of supply you select to choose the tax head.
- Should I mention the service period on the invoice?
- Yes. A service period such as 'September 2026' or '1 to 15 Sep 2026' tells the client which work is being billed, avoids disputes on retainers, and helps both sides match the invoice to the contract. VyaparKit's service invoice has a dedicated Service period field that prints under the invoice details.
Guides from the blog
Presumptive taxation under Section 44AD and 44ADA: who qualifies and when it pays
Turnover limits with the 5% cash condition, the 8%, 6% and 50% deemed profit rates, the 5-year lock-in, advance tax by 15 March, ITR-4 and two worked examples.
Read the guide →