The GSTN has introduced an efficient e-invoice verification application to simplify and streamline the e-invoice authentication process. This app allows users to verify e-invoices by scanning the QR code displayed on them. The app is user-friendly and ensures a smooth experience for taxpayers
e invoice verification app, released by the NIC, allows users to verify the authenticity of an e-invoice based on the QR code appearing on it. A QR code is a two-dimensional Quick Response code in a machine-readable format. It is mandatory that the signed QR code appears on all e-invoices to provide simplified access to eligible GST invoices.
What is a QR Code in e-invoicing?
A QR code is a two-dimensional code designed in a manner that helps machines read and interpret it. This two-dimensional quick response code plays a key role in the e-invoicing system. Every e-invoice must include a digitally signed QR code to ensure quick and convenient access to valid GST invoices.
When taxpayers upload invoices to the e-invoice portal or Integrated Reporting and Payment System (IRP), it verifies the invoice details. After validation, the IRP digitally signs the invoice and generates an e-invoice with an Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and a signed QR code. Taxpayers are required to print this QR code on the final e-invoice before sharing it with buyers.
Failing to include a valid QR code makes both the e-invoice and the associated e-way bill invalid, leading to non-compliance and potential penalties. Additionally, buyers cannot claim their input tax credit if the QR code is missing or incorrect.
The QR code also simplifies the verification process. Buyers can scan the QR code to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the e-invoice. This protects them from accepting fraudulent or tampered invoices, safeguarding their interests, and preventing financial losses.
Why Do we Need To Add A QR Code?
The e-Invoicing system requires applicable taxpayers to upload certain types of tax invoices on the e-invoice portal or IRP, such as NIC or Clear IRP, for verification and authentication. The IRP verifies the invoice details once those are uploaded, digitally signs the invoice and shares it back as e-invoice alongwith the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and a signed QR code.
Further, the taxpayer must compulsorily include/print the received QR code on the e-invoice while sharing it with the buyer. In case a valid/correct QR code is not printed or not appearing on the final e-invoice, e-invoice and e-way bill generated therefrom, both will be considered invalid and unusable. It can attract heavy penalties from the tax authorities. Further, the buyer cannot claim their rightful input tax credit.
e Invoice verification will therefore help buyers to identify if the e-invoice is valid or not using QR code added.
How to Install QR Code Verifying App?
Step 1. Visit the Official Website –
Go to https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Others/QRCodeVerifyApp.
Step 2. Choose your mobile device’s operating system (Android or iOS).
Step 3. Enter your mobile number and click ‘Submit.’ An OTP will be sent to your mobile number (valid for 10 minutes). Enter the OTP and complete the verification.
Step 4. Verify and download the app’s APK file. Install the APK on your mobile device and use the app to verify e-invoices using QR codes.
FAQs
What are the Features of QR Code Verifier App?
- User-Friendly Experience: The E-Invoice Verifier App features a user-friendly interface designed for easy navigation and a smooth experience. It supports the verification of invoices across all six Integrated Reporting and Payment System (IRP) Platforms. It ensures that users can e-verify invoices regardless of the IRP used. Its user-centric design allows users to explore various features and functionalities effortlessly. This simplifies the verification process, ensuring greater convenience and usability.
- Inclusive Verification: The app supports e-invoice verification across all six Integrated Reporting and Payment System (IRP) platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage and convenience. This inclusive feature allows users to verify e-invoices seamlessly, regardless of the IRP used, providing a consistent verification experience across platforms.
- QR Code Verification: The E-Invoice Verifier app offers features that simplify the verification process, with its core functionality focused on QR code verification. Users can scan the QR code on an e-invoice to authenticate the embedded information. This step ensures the e-invoice’s authenticity and integrity, confirming that the details are accurate and the e-invoice is valid.
- Non-Login Approach: The app doesn’t require users to create accounts or share sensitive personal information, ensuring privacy and simplifying the verification process. This means that the users can quickly access the app and verify their invoices.
Ways to verify the QR code?
A taxpayer, as well as a tax officer, can validate the details of an invoice through the QR code using the e invoice verification system. The QR code usually contains important invoice details such as the GSTIN of the supplier and buyer, invoice number, date of invoice generation, invoice value, HSN code, unique invoice reference number and the digital signature of IRP. Accordingly, there are two ways to verify an e-invoice on the QR code offline app:
- Verify QR code: Scan the QR code on e-invoice using e invoice scanner, e invoice QR code scanner, or e invoice barcode scanner.
- Verify signed e-Invoice: Upload the JSON file and check the authenticity of digital signature used on the signed e invoice