Do freelancers in India need to charge GST?
You need to register for GST and charge it only if your annual turnover crosses the threshold (₹20 lakh for most states, ₹10 lakh for special category states) — or if you voluntarily register. If you're below the threshold and unregistered, leave the GST toggle off; charging GST without a GSTIN isn't valid. If you are registered, add your GSTIN so it shows on the invoice.
What should a freelance invoice include?
At minimum: your name/business name and contact details, the client's name and address, a unique invoice number, the invoice and due dates, an itemized list of services with amounts, the total due, and how you'd like to be paid (bank details or a UPI ID). Keeping invoice numbers sequential makes it easier to track payments and file taxes later.
Is this invoice legally valid?
This generates a standard commercial invoice suitable for freelance and consulting work. If you're GST-registered, make sure the GSTIN, place of supply, and applicable tax rate are correct — for anything beyond straightforward service invoices (exports, reverse charge, composition scheme), consult a chartered accountant.