Mandatory GST Compliance Features
These features are not optional — without them your billing software is non-compliant:
1. Automatic CGST/SGST vs IGST calculation: The software must determine tax type based on buyer and seller states — not leave it to manual selection. Errors here cause ITC rejections.
2. HSN/SAC code support: Every product on your invoice must have an HSN code (goods) or SAC code (services). The software should have a searchable database so you don't need to look them up externally.
3. Sequential invoice numbering: GST law requires consecutive invoice numbering within a financial year. The software must auto-assign and never allow gaps or duplicates.
4. Place of supply: This field determines the tax jurisdiction. The software must capture and display it correctly on every invoice.
5. Amount in words: A legal requirement on GST invoices — the software must auto-generate this.
Essential Business Efficiency Features
6. Inventory management: Stock must auto-update with every invoice. Without this, stock counts drift from reality within weeks.
7. Customer ledger: Full payment history and outstanding balance per customer — essential for collection management.
8. GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B reports: Monthly sales data in a format your CA can use directly for return filing.
9. PDF download: Professional invoice PDF with your logo — no watermarks, no limits on downloads.
10. WhatsApp sharing: One-tap invoice delivery via WhatsApp — the standard channel for business communication in India in 2026.
2026-Specific Features Worth Having
11. E-invoice/IRN support: If your turnover exceeds ₹5 crore, e-invoicing is mandatory. Your billing software must generate and fetch the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) from the GST portal.
12. Mobile-first design: Billing on the go is standard in 2026. Software that only works well on desktop is no longer acceptable.
13. Cloud backup: Automatic backup ensures data is never lost regardless of device issues.
14. Multi-payment mode recording: Cash, UPI, card, credit — all recorded separately for accurate collections reporting.
How Khata Billing Scores on This Checklist
Khata Billing checks every feature on this list:
- ✅ Auto CGST/SGST/IGST — state-based automatic detection
- ✅ HSN/SAC code database — built-in searchable
- ✅ E-invoice/IRN support — available for eligible businesses
- ✅ GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B reports — monthly, export-ready
- ✅ Sequential numbering — automatic, no gaps
- ✅ PDF download — professional, no watermarks, free
- ✅ Inventory management — real-time auto-update
- ✅ Customer ledger — full history, WhatsApp statement
- ✅ WhatsApp sharing — one-tap delivery
- ✅ Mobile access — works on any phone, any browser
- ✅ Cloud backup — automatic, always on
- ✅ Multi-payment modes — cash, UPI, card, credit
All of this is available on the free plan.