Rule 46 of the CGST Rules, 2017

From the IndiaAuditLens Law Library

GST›CGST Rules, 2017›Chapter VI, Tax Invoice, Credit and Debit Notes

At a glance

Rule 46 lists the particulars of a registered person’s tax invoice under section 31, subject to Rule 54. It covers identification, numbering, recipient and delivery details, supply values, tax details and authentication. The requirements vary for registered and unregistered recipients. The section 31(3)(b) exception also permits the stated daily consolidated invoice procedure when its conditions are met.[1]

An invoice must distinguish taxable value, tax rate and tax amount, and state reverse-charge treatment. Inter-State supplies need place-of-supply details. Electronic invoice preparation under Rule 48 adds the specified QR code containing the Invoice Reference Number. Separate provisions govern HSN notifications, export endorsements, electronic authentication and notified QR-code requirements. An above-threshold taxpayer using another preparation method faces the prescribed declaration requirement.

The footnotes identify the IRN QR-code insertion from 30 September 2020 and later declaration and recipient-State amendments. From 1 November 2024, the earlier monthly consolidated recipient-invoice proviso is omitted and the export proviso wording changes. That deleted monthly procedure should not be confused with the separate daily consolidated invoice procedure retained for qualifying supplies to unregistered recipients.

Text

The text below is the rule as served by the CBIC tax information portal on 17 September 2026, with the portal's own amendment footnote markers (shown as small numerals before a bracket) and its footnotes.[1] The Rules as published in the Gazette of India is the legal source.

Rule 46, verbatim (show)

Rule 46

Rule 46. Tax invoice.-

Subject to rule 54, a tax invoice referred to in section 31 shall be issued by the registered person containing the following particulars, namely,-

(a) name, address and Goods and Services Tax Identification Number of the supplier;

(b) a consecutive serial number not exceeding sixteen characters, in one or multiple series, containing alphabets or numerals or special characters- hyphen or dash and slash symbolised as "-'' and "/" respectively, and any combination thereof, unique for a financial year;

(c) date of its issue;

(d) name, address and Goods and Services Tax Identification Number or Unique Identity Number, if registered, of the recipient;

(e) name and address of the recipient and the address of delivery, along with the name of the State and its code, if such recipient is un-registered and where the value of the taxable supply is fifty thousand rupees or more;

(f) name and address of the recipient and the address of delivery, along with the name of the State and its code, if such recipient is un-registered and where the value of the taxable supply is less than fifty thousand rupees and the recipient requests that such details be recorded in the tax invoice

8[Provided 10[in cases involving supply of online money gaming or in cases] that where any taxable service is supplied by or through an electronic commerce operator or by a supplier of online information and database access or retrieval services to a recipient who is un-registered, irrespective of the value of such supply, a tax invoice issued by the registered person shall contain the 9[name of the state of the recipient and the same shall be deemed to be the address on record of the recipient]];

(g) Harmonised System of Nomenclature code for goods or services;

(h) description of goods or services;

(i) quantity in case of goods and unit or Unique Quantity Code thereof;

(j) total value of supply of goods or services or both;

(k) taxable value of the supply of goods or services or both taking into account discount or abatement, if any;

(l) rate of tax (central tax, State tax, integrated tax, Union territory tax or cess );

(m) amount of tax charged in respect of taxable goods or services (central tax, State tax, integrated tax, Union territory tax or cess );

(n) place of supply along with the name of the State, in the case of a supply in the course of inter-State trade or commerce;

(o) address of delivery where the same is different from the place of supply;

(p) whether the tax is payable on reverse charge basis; and

(q) signature or digital signature of the supplier or his authorised representative; and

1[(r) Quick Response code, having embedded Invoice Reference Number (IRN) in it, in case invoice has been issued in the manner prescribed under sub-rule (4) of rule 48].

2[(s) a declaration as below, that invoice is not required to be issued in the manner specified under sub-rule (4) of rule 48, in all cases where an invoice is issued, other than in the manner so specified under the said sub-rule (4) of rule 48, by the taxpayer having aggregate turnover in any preceding financial year from 2017-18 onwards more than the aggregate turnover as notified under the said sub-rule (4) of rule 48- "I/We hereby declare that though our aggregate turnover in any preceding financial year from 2017-18 onwards is more than the aggregate turnover notified under sub-rule (4) of rule 48, we are not required to prepare an invoice in terms of the provisions of the said sub-rule."]

3[Provided that the Board may, on the recommendations of the Council, by notification, specify-

(i) the number of digits of Harmonised System of Nomenclature code for goods or services that a class of registered persons shall be required to mention; or

(ii) a class of supply of goods or services for which specified number of digits of Harmonised System of Nomenclature code shall be required to be mentioned by all registered taxpayers; and

(iii) the class of registered persons that would not be required to mention the Harmonised System of Nomenclature code for goods or services:]

11[****]

4[Provided 12[further that in the case of] the export of goods or services, the invoice shall carry an endorsement "SUPPLY MEANT FOR EXPORT/SUPPLY TO SEZ UNIT OR SEZ DEVELOPER FOR AUTHORISED OPERATIONS ON PAYMENT OF INTEGRATED TAX" or "SUPPLY MEANT FOR EXPORT/SUPPLY TO SEZ UNIT OR SEZ DEVELOPER FOR AUTHORISED OPERATIONS UNDER BOND OR LETTER OF UNDERTAKING WITHOUT PAYMENT OF INTEGRATED TAX", as the case maybe, and shall, in lieu of the details specified in clause (e), contain the following details, namely,-

(i) name and address of the recipient;

(ii) address of delivery; and

(iii) name of the country of destination:]

Provided also that a registered person 5[other than the supplier engaged in making supply of services by way of admission to exhibition of cinematograph films in multiplex screens,] may no tissue a tax invoice in accordance with the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 31 subject to the following conditions, namely,-

(a) the recipient is not a registered person; and

(b) the recipient does not require such invoice, and

shall issue a consolidated tax invoice for such supplies at the close of each day in respect of all such supplies.

6[Provided also that the signature or digital signature of the supplier or his authorised representative shall not be required in the case of issuance of an electronic invoice in accordance with the provisions of the Information Technology Act,2000 (21 of 2000):]

7[Provided also that the Government may, by notification, on the recommendations of the Council, and subject to such conditions and restrictions as mentioned therein, specify that the tax invoice shall have Quick Response (QR) code.]

1. Inserted (w.e.f. 30.09.2020) ) vide Notification No. 72/2020-CT dated 30.09.2020. [Corrected by Corrigendum GSR 611(E), dated 01.10.2020].

2. Inserted vide Notification No. 14/2022-CT dated 05.07.2022.

3. Substituted vide Notification No. 79/2020-CT dated 15.10.2020 for "Provided that the Board may, on the recommendations of the Council, by notification, specify-

(i) the number of digits of Harmonised System of Nomenclature code for goods or services that a class of registered persons shall be required to mention, for such period as may be specified in the said notification; and

(ii) the class of registered persons that would not be required to mention the Harmonised System of Nomenclature code for goods or services, for such period as may be specified in the said notification:"

4. Substituted vide Notification No. 17/2017-CT dated 27.07.2017. Till then it read as follows -

Provided also that in the case of the export of goods or services, the invoice shall carry an endorsement

"SUPPLY MEANT FOR EXPORT ON PAYMENT OF INTEGRATED TAX" or "SUPPLY MEANT FOR EXPORT UNDER BOND OR LETTER OF UNDERTAKING WITHOUT PAYMENT OF INTEGRATED TAX", as the case may be, and shall, in lieu of the details specified in clause (e), contain the following details, namely,-

(i) name and address of the recipient;

(ii) address of delivery; and

(iii) name of the country of destination.

5. Inserted vide Notification No. 33/2019-CT dated 18.07.2019 with effect from 01.09.2019

6. Inserted vide Notification No. 74/2018-CT dated 31.12.2018

7. Inserted vide Notification No. 31/2019 - CT dated 28.06.2019 with effect from 01.04.2020 as notified by Notification No. 71/2019 dated 13.12.2019.

8. Inserted vide Notification No. 26/2022-CT dated 26.12.2022.

9. Substituted vide Notification No. 38/2023-CT dated 04.08.2023.

10. Inserted vide Notification No. 51/2023-CT dated 29.09.2023.

11. Omitted (w.e.f. 01.11.2024) "Provided further that where an invoice is required to be issued under clause (f) of sub-section (3) of section 31, a registered person may issue a consolidated invoice at the end of a month for supplies covered under sub-section (4) of section 9, the aggregate value of such supplies exceeds rupees five thousand in a day from any or all the suppliers:" vide Notification No. 20/2024-CT dated 08.10.2024.

12. Substituted (w.e.f. 01.11.2024) vide Notification No. 20/2024-CT dated 08.10.2024.

46 opening; (a)-(d)Identity and numbering

Subject to rule 54, a tax invoice referred to in section 31Rule 46 opening; (a)-(d)

Rule 54 limits the general particulars requirement. Identify the supplier, issue date and registered recipient’s GSTIN or Unique Identity Number. A consecutive number must be unique for the financial year and follow the stated character limits.

46(e)-(f)Unregistered recipient details

where the value of the taxable supply is fifty thousand rupees or moreRule 46(e)-(f)

The stated recipient and delivery details are mandatory at the threshold and below it when requested. The law does not settle which address controls the accompanying State name and code when recipient and delivery addresses lie in different States.

46(f) provisoRecipient State for specified online supplies

irrespective of the value of such supplyRule 46(f) proviso

The specified online gaming, electronic-commerce and information-service cases require the unregistered recipient’s State name regardless of value. That State name is deemed the recipient’s address for this purpose.

46(g)-(p)Supply and tax particulars

whether the tax is payable on reverse charge basisRule 46(g)-(p)

The invoice includes HSN, description, goods quantity and unit, total value and taxable value after applicable discount or abatement. Tax rate and amount are separately identified by applicable tax type. Inter-State supplies require place of supply and State name; a differing delivery address is also specified.

46(q)-(r)Authentication and IRN code

Quick Response code, having embedded Invoice Reference Number (IRN) in itRule 46(q)-(r)

Supplier or authorised-representative authentication is generally required. An invoice prepared under Rule 48(4) carries the IRN-containing QR code. The separate electronic-invoice proviso removes the signature requirement where the stated information-technology-law condition is met.

46(s)Declaration for alternative preparation

a declaration as below, that invoice is not required to be issued in the manner specified under sub-rule (4) of rule 48Rule 46(s)

A taxpayer above the notified turnover threshold in any preceding financial year from the stated starting year must include the prescribed declaration when issuing an invoice otherwise than under Rule 48(4). The declaration addresses why that preparation requirement does not apply; it does not itself establish an exemption.

46 HSN provisoNotified HSN requirements

the Board may, on the recommendations of the Council, by notification, specifyRule 46 HSN proviso

The Board may specify HSN digits by taxpayer class or supply class. It may also identify taxpayer classes not required to mention HSN.

46 export provisoExport and SEZ particulars

name of the country of destinationRule 46 export proviso

The applicable endorsement distinguishes integrated-tax payment from bond or Letter of Undertaking supply without that payment. Recipient name and address, delivery address and destination country replace clause (e) details.

46 daily consolidation provisoDaily consolidated invoice

shall issue a consolidated tax invoice for such supplies at the close of each dayRule 46 daily consolidation proviso

The section 31(3)(b) exception requires an unregistered recipient who does not require the individual invoice. The stated multiplex cinema-admission supplier is excluded. Qualifying supplies are instead included in the daily consolidated invoice.

46 final provisoNotified QR code

specify that the tax invoice shall have Quick Response (QR) code.Rule 46 final proviso

The Government may impose a QR-code requirement by notification on Council recommendation. The notification’s conditions and restrictions govern that requirement.

Other questions to answer on the file

Questions a reviewer answers from the engagement file, grouped by the part of the rule they come from. They describe what the rule asks; they do not decide it.

Source-state and selected obligation opening words

Questions to answer on the file5 questions
Ticks stay in this browser only.

Ordinary invoice particulars (a)–(c), (h), (j)–(m), (p)

Questions to answer on the file18 questions
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Registered-recipient particulars (d)

Questions to answer on the file6 questions
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Unregistered-recipient ordinary particulars (e), (f)

Questions to answer on the file13 questions
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Online-supply recipient-State particular proviso to (f)

Questions to answer on the file7 questions
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Goods quantity particular (i)

Questions to answer on the file5 questions
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Place-of-supply and delivery particulars (n), (o)

Questions to answer on the file6 questions
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HSN particular and notified modifications (g)

Questions to answer on the file11 questions
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Invoice signature (q)

Questions to answer on the file4 questions
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Electronic-invoice QR particular (r)

Questions to answer on the file5 questions
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Non-Rule-48-method declaration (s)

Questions to answer on the file7 questions
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Export endorsement and replacement particulars export proviso

Questions to answer on the file11 questions
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Small-value invoice election and daily consolidation small-value proviso

Questions to answer on the file8 questions
Ticks stay in this browser only.

General QR notification requirement last proviso

Questions to answer on the file8 questions
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Frequently asked questions

Do Rule 46 particulars apply without exceptions?

The opening words make them subject to Rule 54. The separate section 31(3)(b) daily-consolidation exception has its own recipient conditions and multiplex-service exclusion.

Rule 46 opening; daily consolidation proviso

Does every invoice require the same QR code?

The IRN-containing code is tied to preparation under Rule 48(4). The final proviso separately permits a notified QR-code requirement with its own conditions and restrictions.

Rule 46(r); final proviso

Which address supplies the State details when two States are involved?

The law does not settle whether the recipient address or delivery address controls the State name and code required alongside those addresses. No priority is assumed.

Rule 46(e)-(f)

Amendment history

The CBIC text carries 12 footnotes. The table gives each in the source's own terms. Effective dates are as the footnotes state them.[1]

Amendments to Rule 46 as footnoted in the CBIC text
NoteChange
1Inserted (w.e.f. 30.09.2020) ) vide Notification No. 72/2020-CT dated 30.09.2020. [Corrected by Corrigendum GSR 611(E), dated 01.10.2020].[2]
2Inserted vide Notification No. 14/2022-CT dated 05.07.2022.[3]
3Substituted vide Notification No. 79/2020-CT dated 15.10.2020 for "Provided that the Board may, on the recommendations of the Council, by notification, specify-[4]
4Substituted vide Notification No. 17/2017-CT dated 27.07.2017. Till then it read as follows -[5]
5Inserted vide Notification No. 33/2019-CT dated 18.07.2019 with effect from 01.09.2019[6]
6Inserted vide Notification No. 74/2018-CT dated 31.12.2018[7]
7Inserted vide Notification No. 31/2019 - CT dated 28.06.2019 with effect from 01.04.2020 as notified by Notification No. 71/2019 dated 13.12.2019.[8]
8Inserted vide Notification No. 26/2022-CT dated 26.12.2022.[9]
9Substituted vide Notification No. 38/2023-CT dated 04.08.2023.[10]
10Inserted vide Notification No. 51/2023-CT dated 29.09.2023.[11]
11Omitted (w.e.f. 01.11.2024) "Provided further that where an invoice is required to be issued under clause (f) of sub-section (3) of section 31, a registered person may issue a consolidated invoice at the end of a month for supplies covered under sub-section (4) of section 9, the aggregate value of such supplies exceeds rupees five thousand in a day from any or all the suppliers:" vide Notification No. 20/2024-CT dated 08.10.2024.[12]
12Substituted (w.e.f. 01.11.2024) vide Notification No. 20/2024-CT dated 08.10.2024.[12]
Provisions connected to Rule 46
ProvisionConnectionWords that tie them
Section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017Section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017 prescribed by this provision31(1)/(2) prescribed particulars; 46 opening "a tax invoice referred to in section 31"
Rule 54this provision exception in Rule 5446 "Subject to rule 54"
Rule 48this provision requires Rule 4846 "in the manner prescribed under sub-rule (4) of rule 48"
Section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017this provision exception in Section 31 of the CGST Act, 2017(3)(b)46 "in accordance with the provisions of clause (b) of sub-section (3) of section 31"

Circulars and notifications

Circulars and notifications in the CBIC repository that cite this rule, newest first, by number, date and subject. A listing here does not say what an instrument decides; read the instrument.

Circulars (8)

NumberDateSubject
Circular No. 242/36/2024-GST31 December 2024Clarification on place of supply of Online Services supplied by the suppliers of services to unregistered recipients
Circular No. 183/15/2022-GST27 December 2022Clarification to deal with difference in Input Tax Credit (ITC) availed in FORM GSTR-3B as compared to that detailed in FORM GSTR-2A for FY 2017-18 and 2018-19
Circular No. 125/44/2019-GST18 November 2019Seeks to clarify the fully electronic refund process through FORM GST RFD-01 and single disbursement. amended by a later instrument
Circular No. 108/27/2019-GST18 July 2019which seeks to clarify issues regarding procedure to be followed in respect of goods sent / taken out of India for exhibition or on consignment basis for export promotion.
Circular No. 90/09/2019-GST18 February 2019Seeks to clarify situations of compliance of rule 46(n) of the CGST Rules, 2017 while issuing invoices in case of inter- State supply.
Circular No. 43/17/2018-GST13 April 2018clarifying the issues arising in refund to UIN.
Circular No. 38/12/2018-GST26 March 2018Clarifications on issues related to Job Work.
Circular No. 37/11/2018-GST15 March 2018Clarifications on exports related refund issues. Rescinded vide Circular No. 125/44/2019 - GST dated 18.11.2019. rescinded by a later instrument
Notifications (23)
NumberDateSubject
Notification No. 20/2024-Central Tax8 October 2024Seeks to make amendments (Second Amendment 2024) to the CGST Rules, 2017
Notification No. 51/2023-Central Tax29 September 2023Seeks to make amendments (Third Amendment, 2023) to the CGST Rules, 2017 in supersession of Notification No. 45/2023 dated 06.09.2023
Notification No. 38/2023-Central Tax4 August 2023Seeks to make amendments (Second Amendment , 2023) to the CGST Rules, 2017.
Notification No. 26/2022-Central Tax26 December 2022Seeks to make fifth amendment (2022) to CGST Rules
Notification No. 14/2022-Central Tax5 July 2022Seeks to make amendments (First Amendment, 2022) to the CGST Rules, 2017
Notification No. 90/2020-Central Tax1 December 2020Seeks to make amendment to Notification no. 12/2017- Central Tax dated 28.06.2017. made under this rule
Notification No. 82/2020-Central Tax10 November 2020Seeks to make the Thirteenth amendment (2020) to the CGST Rules, 2017.
Notification No. 78/2020-Central Tax15 October 2020Seeks to notify the number of HSN digits required on tax invoice. made under this rule
Notification No. 79/2020-Central Tax15 October 2020Seeks to make the Twelfth amendment (2020) to the CGST Rules.2017.
Notification No. 06/2020-Integrated Tax15 October 2020Seeks to notify the number of HSN digits required on tax invoice. made under this rule
Notification No. 71/2020-Central Tax30 September 2020Seeks to amend notification 14/2020- Central Tax to extend the date of implementation of the Dynamic QR Code for B2C invoices till 01.12.2020. made under this rule
Notification No. 72/2020-Central Tax30 September 2020Seeks to make the Eleventh amendment (2020) to the CGST Rules.
Notification No. 14/2020-Central Tax21 March 2020Seeks to exempt certain class of registered persons capturing dynamic QR code and the date for implementation of QR Code to be extended to 01.10.2020. superseded by a later instrument made under this rule
Notification No. 72/2019-Central Tax13 December 2019Seeks to notify the class of registered person required to issue invoice having QR Code. superseded by a later instrument made under this rule
Notification No. 33/2019-Central Tax18 July 2019Seeks to carry out changes in the CGST Rules, 2017.
Notification No. 31/2019-Central Tax28 June 2019Seeks to carry out changes in the CGST Rules, 2017. amended by a later instrument
Notification No. 74/2018-Central Tax31 December 2018Fourteenth amendment to the CGST Rules, 2017. amended by a later instrument
Notification No. 03/2018-Central Tax23 January 2018First Amendment 2018, to CGST Rules
Notification No. 45/2017-Central Tax13 October 2017Seeks to amend the CGST Rules, 2017
Notification No. 17/2017-Central Tax27 July 2017Seeks to amend the CGST Rules, 2017.
Notification No. 10/2017-Central Tax28 June 2017Seeks to amend CGST Rules notification no 3/2017-Central Tax dt 19.06.2017 amended by a later instrument
Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax28 June 2017Seeks to notify the number of HSN digits required on tax invoice amended by a later instrument
Notification No. 05/2017-Integrated Tax28 June 2017Seeks to notify the number of HSN digits required on tax invoice amended by a later instrument

Unsettled questions

The words of Rule 46 do not answer these questions. Where one decides a matter on the file, the answer depends on the position taken on it.

  1. When the recipient address and delivery address lie in different States, which address determines the State name and code required alongside them? The clause lists both addresses and says along with the name of State and its code without identifying the controlling address; no priority is adopted. Authorities unverified.
  2. No new position requested; actual instrument application remains auditor judgement.

See also

References

  1. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. "Rule 46. Tax invoice". Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017, CBIC tax information portal, with amendment footnotes 1 to 12. Retrieved 17 September 2026.
  2. Notification No. 72/2020-Central Tax, dated 30 September 2020: Seeks to make the Eleventh amendment (2020) to the CGST Rules. Cited in CBIC footnote 1.
  3. Notification No. 14/2022-Central Tax, dated 5 July 2022: Seeks to make amendments (First Amendment, 2022) to the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 2.
  4. Notification No. 79/2020-Central Tax, dated 15 October 2020: Seeks to make the Twelfth amendment (2020) to the CGST Rules.2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 3.
  5. Notification No. 17/2017-Central Tax, dated 27 July 2017: Seeks to amend the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 4.
  6. Notification No. 33/2019-Central Tax, dated 18 July 2019: Seeks to carry out changes in the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 5.
  7. Notification No. 74/2018-Central Tax, dated 31 December 2018: Fourteenth amendment to the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 6.
  8. Notification No. 31/2019-Central Tax, dated 28 June 2019: Seeks to carry out changes in the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 7.
  9. Notification No. 26/2022-Central Tax, dated 26 December 2022: Seeks to make fifth amendment (2022) to CGST Rules. Cited in CBIC footnote 8.
  10. Notification No. 38/2023-Central Tax, dated 4 August 2023: Seeks to make amendments (Second Amendment , 2023) to the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnote 9.
  11. Notification No. 51/2023-Central Tax, dated 29 September 2023: Seeks to make amendments (Third Amendment, 2023) to the CGST Rules, 2017 in supersession of Notification No. 45/2023 dated 06.09.2023. Cited in CBIC footnote 10.
  12. Notification No. 20/2024-Central Tax, dated 8 October 2024: Seeks to make amendments (Second Amendment 2024) to the CGST Rules, 2017. Cited in CBIC footnotes 11 and 12.

External links