Claim ITC Easily with These 5 GSTN-Approved Apps

To ensure real-time validation and authenticity of the e-invoices issued by suppliers, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has come up with a revolutionary tool.?

Although this functionality was present in the GST portal, it was only available on a PC or laptop. Today, business people have access to five official mobile applications through which they can verify e-invoices considerably faster, efficiently, and conveniently than before.

These GST mobile apps have been developed by GSTN and four other vendors: EY, Cygnet, NIC, and IRIS. Experts have applauded this move, saying that it will make e-invoice verification more streamlined and improve compliance measures. Furthermore, it will fight against fraudulent GST invoices that are still a concern to businesses.

Please read further to learn more about how these GST mobile apps function, what features they include, and why it is so important for both the buyer and the seller to verify e-invoices.

Why Is E-Invoice Verification Important for Businesses?

The introduction of GST e-invoicing aimed to make the taxation process efficient and transparent. However, some issues like fake invoices, fraudulent ITC claims, and non-compliance have emerged as major issues for enterprises.

According to Bimal Jain, the Founder of A2Z Taxcorp LLP, earlier suppliers provided fake or wrong invoices that were not compliant with GST.?

Such failures happened as the buyers were not aware of such issues, which made them encounter several difficulties in claiming Input Tax Credits. The inability to claim ITC results in financial losses, as the buyer cannot claim ITC if an invoice does not meet the prescribed GST format.

Jasmine Damkewala, Senior Partner at Circle of Counsels, emphasizes that verifying GST invoices is crucial to:

• Prevent Tax Evasion: Authentic e-invoice verification reduces fraudulent activities.
• Ensure Accuracy: Verification helps ensure invoices are accurate and compliant with GST regulations.
• Protect ITC Claims: Genuine verification ensures buyers can claim eligible Input Tax Credits without issues.
• Avoid Legal Penalties: Proper GST verification helps businesses avoid non-compliance penalties.

With these apps, buyers can now easily check invoice authenticity in real time, reducing litigation risks and financial setbacks.

Key Features of the GST E-Invoice Verification Apps

The five GST apps, developed by GSTN and vendors (EY, Cygnet, NIC, and IRIS), offer a range of functionalities to make e-invoice verification seamless and efficient. Here's a look at their standout features:

1. QR Code Verification Instantly verify details embedded in the invoice's QR code and cross-check them with printed invoices for accuracy.
2. User-Friendly Interface Designed for all users, the sleek and intuitive layout ensures smooth navigation, even for non-technical individuals.
3. PAN-Based Search Easily track e-invoices using the supplier's PAN, which is particularly helpful for businesses managing multiple accounts.
4. No Login Required Access verification features instantly without requiring login credentials, enhancing convenience and security.
5. Comprehensive IRP Coverage The apps support e-invoices from all six Invoice Registration Portals (IRPs), ensuring wide transaction coverage.
6. Automatic Exemption List Generate a list of suppliers exempt from e-invoicing requirements to maintain compliance effortlessly.
7. Global Search Capability Use the universal search bar to locate e-invoices across all IRPs, simplifying e-invoice management.

Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY India, highlights that these apps enhance user convenience by allowing quick QR code scans and eliminating the need for manual uploads or portal logins.

The five apps are interoperable, meaning they perform similar tasks but have been developed by different vendors:

• GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network)
• NIC (National Informatics Centre)
• EY (Ernst & Young)
• Cygnet
• IRIS

Gourav Sogani, Partner at Economic Laws Practice, explains that all these apps can:

• Verify GSTIN (Goods and Service Tax Identification Number)
• Retrieve e-invoices
• Generate e-invoices
• Check supplier history
• Verify IRN (Invoice Registration Number) status

Notably, the NIC and Cygnet apps offer an additional layer of security by verifying digital signatures, which other apps currently do not.

To access the apps:

1. Scan the QR code provided for each app (available on official sources).
2. Some apps, like NIC's QR Code Verify App, require phone number verification via OTP.
3. Once verified, download the app from the respective vendor's website or app store.

This seamless process ensures businesses can quickly verify invoices without relying on desktops or manual uploads.

How Do These Apps Benefit Businesses?

1. Simplified Invoice Verification

Earlier, businesses had to upload invoices manually on the GST portal for verification. This process was time-consuming and limited to desktops or laptops. With these apps, users can now verify invoices instantly by scanning QR codes on their smartphones.

Bimal Jain points out that mobile-based GST verification significantly reduces the effort required to validate invoices, saving time and resources for businesses.

2. Reduced Fraud and Litigation Risks

Fraudulent GST invoices have been a persistent issue, leading to improper ITC claims and legal penalties. By instantly verifying invoice details, businesses can:

• Detect counterfeit invoices and fraudulent IRNs.
• Cross-check supplier compliance with GST regulations.
• Ensure their ITC claims are valid and genuine.

According to Gourav Sogani, the apps help taxpayers easily identify whether invoices comply with GST law, significantly reducing legal disputes and ensuring ITC eligibility.

3. Faster Approval and Processing of Invoices

For businesses dealing with hundreds or thousands of suppliers, manually checking each invoice can be overwhelming. These GST mobile apps simplify this process with features like:

• Instant QR code scans
• PAN-based searches
• Universal invoice tracking

Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner at KS Legal & Associates, explains that faster verification enables quicker approvals for business invoices, improving overall accounting efficiency.

4. Single-Window Access to Multiple Functions

Jasmine Damkewala highlights that the apps provide a single-window platform for multiple tasks, eliminating the need to navigate multiple tabs on the GST portal. Key functionalities include:

• Invoice validation and verification
• Compliance checks
• Fraud detection
• Transaction reporting and tracking

With built-in data analytics tools, these apps also help businesses make better decisions by providing transaction insights and reducing errors.

5. Enhanced Convenience and Accessibility

The apps are developed to support both Android and iOS systems. It will help users verify the accounts easily while on the move. Basic amenities such as the no login function and user-friendly design of the apps ensure that the apps are easy to use by even companies that are small in size and may not have sufficient IT personnel.

How Do These Apps Help Sellers?

Sellers also benefit from these apps, as verified invoices are approved more quickly by buyers. By generating accurate, GST-compliant e-invoices, sellers can:

• Build trust with buyers by ensuring compliance.
• Avoid disputes over invalid or incorrect invoices.
• Expedite invoice approvals and payments.

Saurabh Agarwal from EY India emphasizes that the apps provide an efficient infrastructure for both buyers and sellers to verify e-invoices and improve overall compliance.

Invoicera is Another Helpful Tool

While the GST-approved apps are great for verification, many businesses also use Invoicera for comprehensive e-invoicing. This platform specializes in IRP (Invoice Registration Portal) features:

• Direct IRP integration and validation
• Auto-validation before IRP upload
• Quick IRN and QR code generation
• One-click e-way bill creation
• Easy tracking of IRP invoices
• Fast fixes for rejected invoices
• Built-in security checks
• Real-time invoice status tracking

Final Thoughts

It is noteworthy that the introduction of these five GST e-invoice verification apps is a new start towards easier GST compliance.?

These apps offer practical, mobile-based solutions for invoice verification, thereby overcoming challenges, including fake invoices, incorrect ITC claims, and manual validations.

With features such as QR code scans, PAN-based searches, and real-time verification, businesses can work smarter today. They can save time and decrease compliance exposure than ever before while increasing the efficiency of their accounting processes.

Though these functionalities were enabled on the GST portal also, the migration into mobile apps has made it even more convenient for taxpayers.

Thus, for companies that need to manage their GST effectively, these apps are a perfect tool to guarantee the e-invoicing processes are accurate and prompt as well as meet all the requirements.

FAQs

What happens if the app shows an invoice is invalid??

If an invoice fails verification, take a screenshot for your records, immediately contact your supplier, and request a corrected invoice. Don't process payment until you receive a valid invoice to protect your ITC claims.

Can I use these apps for bulk verification of GST invoices?

Currently, these mobile apps are designed for individual invoice verification. For bulk verification, you'll need to use the GST portal through a desktop computer.

Do I need separate apps for different states where my business operates??

No, all these apps work across India regardless of your business location. One app can verify invoices from suppliers in any state.

What's the data security like on these apps?

These apps only read invoice data and don't store any information on your phone. They connect directly to secure GST servers for verification, making them as safe as the official GST portal.

Download the Apps Today:

Businesses can access these apps via QR codes provided by GSTN and the respective vendors (EY, Cygnet, NIC, IRIS). Stay compliant, avoid risks, and simplify your e-invoice management effortlessly!