Two of the most misunderstood GST compliance requirements are e-Invoice and e-Way Bill. They are not the same thing. This guide covers what each is, who must issue them, thresholds, validity and how software like Deccan Bill removes the manual work.
What is an e-Invoice?
An e-Invoice is a B2B invoice that is authenticated in real time by the government's Invoice Registration Portal (IRP). Once approved, the IRP returns an IRN (Invoice Reference Number) and a QR code that must be embedded on the invoice. Businesses whose aggregate turnover exceeded ₹5 crore in any previous financial year are required to generate e-Invoices.
What is an e-Way Bill?
An e-Way Bill is a movement document. If you move goods worth more than ₹50,000 (₹1,00,000 in some states) inter- or intra-state, you must generate an e-Way Bill on the EWB portal. It contains the invoice details, transporter GSTIN, vehicle number and validity based on distance.
Common mistakes
- Assuming e-Invoice = e-Way Bill (they are separate)
- Not generating IRN before dispatch when required
- Incorrect distance / vehicle updates on e-Way Bill
- Missing QR code on the printed e-Invoice
How Deccan Bill helps
On Pro & Business plans, Deccan Bill generates the e-Invoice IRN payload for the IRP and the e-Way Bill data for the EWB portal directly from your invoice — no re-keying. Read more on our GST Billing Software page or Pricing.
Frequently asked
What is the turnover threshold for e-Invoice?
Businesses with aggregate turnover above ₹5 crore in any previous financial year (since FY 2017-18) must generate e-Invoices.
Is e-Way Bill required for services?
No. e-Way Bill applies only to the movement of goods.
How long is an e-Way Bill valid?
For regular vehicles, 1 day per 200 km. For Over-Dimensional Cargo, 1 day per 20 km.
Related reading
What is GST Billing Software? A 2026 Guide for Indian Businesses
GST billing software helps Indian businesses issue GST-compliant invoices, file GSTR-1/3B and manage stock. Here is what it is, who needs it and how to choose the right one.
How to Create a GST Invoice — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Learn how to create a GST-compliant invoice in India step by step — customer GSTIN, HSN codes, CGST/SGST/IGST split, tax total, terms, e-signature and WhatsApp share.
GST Invoice vs Tax Invoice — What's the Difference?
GST invoice and tax invoice — are they the same or different? Understand the legal difference, when to issue each, and how billing software gets it right automatically.
Put this into practice
Start with a free Deccan Bill account and create your first GST-compliant invoice in under a minute.