Freelancer Invoice Template (India / GST)

What this is

A plug-and-play Excel invoice template built specifically for Indian freelancers and consultants. Handles GST calculations automatically, supports both intra-state (CGST + SGST) and inter-state (IGST) billing, and includes a payment tracker tab so you know who owes you what.

This is the exact template I use for my own freelance invoices.

What is inside

Tab 1: Invoice

A clean, professional invoice layout with:

• Your business details — name, address, GSTIN, PAN, bank account (fill once, reuse forever)
• Client details — company name, GSTIN, billing address
• Line items — description, HSN/SAC code, quantity, rate, amount
• GST auto-calculation — set the client’s state; the sheet picks CGST+SGST (same state) or IGST (different state) automatically
• Totals — subtotal, GST breakup, grand total in words (auto-generated)
• Payment terms — due date, bank details, UPI ID
• Invoice numbering — auto-incremented format: INV-2026-001

Tab 2: Client Directory

A simple CRM-style table to store:

• Client name, company, GSTIN
• Contact email and phone
• State (used for GST type auto-detection)
• Payment terms (Net 15, Net 30, etc.)
• Notes

Select a client from a dropdown on the Invoice tab and their details auto-fill.

Tab 3: Payment Tracker

Track every invoice you send:

• Invoice number, client, amount, date sent
• Due date (auto-calculated from payment terms)
• Status: Paid / Pending / Overdue
• Payment date and mode
• Overdue highlighting — rows turn red automatically when past due
• Monthly summary — total invoiced, total received, outstanding

Tab 4: Settings

Configure once:

• Your business name, address, GSTIN, PAN
• Bank account details (name, number, IFSC, branch)
• UPI ID
• Default GST rate (18% standard, editable)
• Invoice prefix and starting number
• Your state (for CGST/SGST vs IGST logic)

GST handling

Intra-state (same state as you)

Subtotal: ₹10,000
CGST @ 9%: ₹900
SGST @ 9%: ₹900
Total: ₹11,800

Inter-state (different state)

Subtotal: ₹10,000
IGST @ 18%: ₹1,800
Total: ₹11,800

The template detects this automatically based on your state (Settings tab) and the client’s state (Client Directory).

Common SAC codes for freelancers

Code	Service
998361	IT consulting and support
998312	Management consulting
998313	Marketing and advertising consulting
998314	Human resource consulting
998363	Web design and development
998364	Software development
998399	Other professional services

These are pre-filled in a dropdown on the Invoice tab. Edit or add more in the Settings tab.

How to use it

1. Open the Settings tab — fill in your business details, GSTIN, bank info
2. Add clients in the Client Directory tab
3. Create an invoice — select a client from the dropdown, add line items, print or export to PDF
4. Log it in the Payment Tracker tab
5. Follow up — filter the tracker for “Overdue” status

Tips

• Export to PDF before sending — File > Save As > PDF. The print area is pre-set to A4.
• Keep a copy per financial year — duplicate the file each April. The payment tracker doubles as your revenue log for tax filing.
• Add your logo — there’s a placeholder cell in the top-left of the Invoice tab. Insert > Image > In Cell.

Who this is for

• Freelance developers, designers, marketers, writers, consultants
• Solopreneurs billing Indian and international clients
• Small agency founders who don’t yet need Zoho/Tally

Version history

Version	Date	Notes
2.0	June 2026	Added Client Directory with auto-fill, payment tracker, IGST support
1.0	January 2026	Basic invoice with GST