Search for GST billing software and you'll see the government's own GST websites in the results, which leads many owners to ask whether the government gives billing software away. It did, for a while. Here's what the scheme was, what's free today and how to judge "free" billing software. We make paid billing software, VelBooks, so we've stuck to facts you can check.
The GSTN free accounting and billing software scheme
In 2019, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) announced free accounting and billing software for small businesses, offered through empanelled software companies. It was meant for GST-registered taxpayers, including composition taxpayers, with annual turnover below ₹1.5 crore, and covered basic invoicing, inventory, ledgers and GST return preparation.
The free period ended on 31 March 2021. After that, the vendors could charge for continued use. The GST portal still has the FAQs and the list of empanelled companies, which is why the pages still appear in search results, but the free offer is no longer current.
What's free from the government today
- The GST portal itself: filing returns, registration and payments are free.
- Offline tools: GSTN provides free utilities such as the returns offline tool for preparing GSTR-1 data, and e-way bill and e-invoice portals offer bulk-generation tools. These help with returns and compliance; they aren't billing software for daily sales.
- Public information: the HSN/SAC list and rate notifications. Our HSN code finder uses the official list.
Free options from private companies
Several vendors offer free plans or free apps, usually with limits on users, invoices, features or support. As of October 2026, for example, Swipe and Zoho Books publish free plans, and Khatabook's core ledger apps are free. Our comparison pages list what each vendor publishes, with sources and the date we checked.
Free tools also help for one-off jobs: our GST invoice generator and GST invoice format cost nothing and need no signup.
How to judge "lifetime free" billing software
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What's limited on the free plan? | Invoice counts, users, items, reports or GST features may be capped |
| Can I export all my data? | If you move later, you need your invoices, items and parties in a usable format |
| How are GST changes handled? | Rate changes such as GST 2.0 and new return rules need timely updates |
| What support is included? | Free plans often have email-only or no support |
| How does the company earn money? | Upgrades, add-ons, loans or ads. Know what you'll be asked to buy |
| Where is the data stored, and is it backed up? | Your invoices are legal records you must keep for years |
Is paid software worth it?
For a business making a few invoices a month, a free plan or a free invoice generator may be enough. Once you bill every day, keep stock and file returns, the cost of errors (wrong rates, mismatched returns, missing stock) is usually far higher than a subscription. Compare the total cost over a year, including your time. Our honest shortlist of billing software in India can help.
Where VelBooks fits
VelBooks is paid software with a free 30-day trial of the full app, so you can test it with your own items before paying. See pricing.
Sources
- GST portal FAQs: view and download accounting and billing software
- GSTN press release on free accounting and billing software (2019)
- GST portal
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or consult your tax adviser.