Best GST Software in 2024

What is GST Software?

GST Software is a must-have application for businesses to manage the taxation process easily. This software helps with the calculation of taxes as per the latest GST compliances & GST verification. Using this software, organizations can file their GST returns directly in just a few clicks. Data can be imported quickly and invoices can be matched automatically for GSTR-1 & GSTR-2 returns.

Along with simplifying GST return filing, the software also assists with invoice generation, bank reconciliation, and overall accounts management. Traders, distributors, small businesses, and big enterprises rely on GST filling software modules to record purchases and create sales orders.

Who needs GST Software?

1. Business Owners: A business organization irrespective of its size can implement GST software. Therefore, both SMEs and large scale companies can use this software for completing various GST activities.
2. Freelancers and Consultants: A Freelancer or Consultants has plenty of clients in his/her kitty can invest in GST accounting software to file returns, generate invoices, pass journal entries, reconciliation.
3. CA Firms: CA firms can also use GST ready software to submit GST forms, import data, generate e-way bills & challans, pay tax as per accurate GST rate, and more such GST-relevant purposes.
4. Accountants and Tax Professionals:Professionals who offer accounting and tax advisory services use GST software to manage their clients’ GST compliance efficiently, including return filing, reconciliation, and consultancy.

Types of GST Software

There are different types of gst software solutions designed to assist businesses and professionals in managing various aspects of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Each type of software serves a specific function in the broader GST compliance process.

1. GST Billing Software: GST billing software helps in creating bills or invoices that are compliant with GST regulations. It typically includes features to calculate GST rates for different products or services and generates invoices that include GST details. This way, business owners can reduce their compliance burden and focus more on running their business efficiently.
2. GST Invoice Software: Similar to GST billing software, gst invoice maker focuses specifically on generating invoices that comply with GST requirements. It ensures that all necessary GST information is included on invoices as required by law
3. GST Accounting Software: With the help of GST accounting software, businesses can manage their accounting information accurately in compliance with the latest GST rules. From voucher entry, ledger management, expense tracking to final statements, every process can be made GST-enabled with this software. Along with GST ready accounting, this software module assists with billing and inventory, pricing, managing service orders, credit, and debit notes.
4. GST Reconciliation Software: This software aids in reconciling GST transactions, such as matching the GST you've paid on purchases with the GST you've collected on sales. This is crucial for accurate GST return filing and ensuring you're claiming the correct input tax credit.
5. GST Filing Software: Specifically designed to assist in preparing and submitting GST returns, gst return filing software simplifies the process of filing GST returns with the tax authorities, ensuring compliance with filing deadlines and regulations.
6. GST E-Invoice Software: This software generates electronic invoices compliant with the GST regime's e-invoicing standards. It's part of the digital initiative to standardize the format of invoices and facilitate the seamless exchange of information between businesses and the tax authority.

What Is The Difference Between Online And Offline Gst Billing Software?

When businesses consider implementing GST billing software, they have two main options: online and offline GST billing software. Each comes with its own set of features, advantages, and disadvantages, catering to different business needs. Here is a detailed comparison to help you understand which might be the right choice for your business.

Online GST Billing Software:

This type of software operates over the internet and stores data on cloud servers. Users access it through web browsers or mobile applications.

Advantages of Online GST Billing Software:

• Accessibility: It can be accessed from anywhere at any time, provided there is an internet connection. This facilitates easy remote working.
• Data Security and Backup: Cloud-based services often include automatic data backups and robust security measures to protect your data.
• Updates and Maintenance: The service provider handles software updates, ensuring you always have access to the latest features without needing to manually update the software.
• Scalability: Easily scales with your business. You can typically add more users or access additional features as needed without significant disruptions.

Disadvantages:

• Dependence on Internet: Since it's cloud-based, a reliable internet connection is required for access. This can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
• Subscription Costs: Most online solutions operate on a subscription model, which might lead to higher long-term costs.

Offline GST Billing Software

This software is installed directly on a local computer or server and does not require an internet connection for basic operations.

Advantages of Using Offline GST Billing Software:

• No Internet Required: Once installed, the software can be used without an internet connection, making it ideal for locations with unreliable internet access.
• One-time Cost: Typically, offline software requires a one-time purchase, potentially making it more cost-effective over the long term.
• Control Over Data: Since the data is stored locally, businesses have complete control over their data and its security.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Access: The software can only be accessed on the computer it is installed on, limiting remote work capabilities.
• Manual Updates and Maintenance: Users are responsible for manually updating the software and maintaining their own data backups, which can be time-consuming.
• Risk of Data Loss: Without automatic cloud backups, there is a higher risk of data loss due to hardware failure or other issues.

The choice between online and offline GST billing software depends on your business needs, including the importance of remote access, your internet reliability, and your budget. Online GST billing software offers flexibility and ease of access but comes with ongoing costs and requires reliable internet. Offline software may be more cost-effective in the long run and is usable without internet access, but it lacks the convenience of remote access and automatic updates.

Modules of GST Software Which Helps To Any Businesses

• E Way Bill Generation: These modules generate bulk E-way bills for registered taxpayers and transporters, while also allowing complete control over all related activities. You can easily extend, cancel or reject the bill with a few clicks, and print it in a short or detailed manner.
• Item Master: You can create item master and import items in bulk with GST software.
• Invoice Settings: You can add a company logo, terms, and conditions, or any customized file as per your business requirement.
• Sales & Purchase Invoices: With sales invoices and purchase invoices, you can manage multiple functions, such as creating a bill of supply, delivery challans, and recording purchase invoices.
• Import-Export Data: Import-Export Data GST software solution facilitates the import/export of data from third-party software. You can import data related to supplier & receiver directly from online portals. Similarly, importing the JSON file from any software or utility to GST-ready software is also possible. Additionally, the proposed software supports the export of data to the GST government offline tool
• GST Invoicing: GST Invoicing Solution is one of the essential modules of GST billing software, as it lets you generate invoices as per the GST standards. The invoice has complete details regarding product/service, different types of GST tax levied (SGST, CGST, IGST), etc. Moreover, there are many GST software that also provides you with ready-made GST invoice templates.
• Inventory Management: Inventory Management Solution with GST Software supports in maintaining a proper list of goods and services including rate, description, tax information, date of purchase, date of sale, etc. You remain updated about the inventory level and eventually place the order as per the business requirement. Also, you have complete information regarding stock issues including the number of products, client details, and more.
• Database Management: Database Management with GST Software Solution to Manage complete data related to your customers and vendors with the best GST software in India. Get details concerning customers such as the amount of invoice raised, the payment received, amount due, and the discount is given. Similarly, you can easily verify the GSTIN of your vendors, reconcile payments, check the amount to be paid, etc.
• Tax Software: Tax Software for Input Tax credit management by your side, you can never miscalculate the amount of Input Tax Credit (ITC) or fail to receive it on time. The respective software will calculate the input amount as per GST rules and update the GST credit register on time. Also, it compares GSTR 3B and GSTR 2A to ensure you are claiming the exact amount of ITC that has been shown by the supplier against the taxpayer’s GSTIN.
• Report Generation: Generate Reports help you in making informed business decisions by letting you prepare insightful reports. These reports are created using accurate data and assist in analyzing true business performance. Using the software, you can make reports on various metrics such as sales, purchases, invoices. Additionally, if there is any mismatch in the ITC amount claimed and the taxpayer is eligible for it, a report regarding the same can also be generated.
• Ready for ERP System: Now on demand of Indian industries, the GST software solution is ready for ERP along with advanced features and due to this most of the manufacturing companies start using it. This GST software is a combined system of accounting, billing, invoicing, inventory, product management compliance, etc.

Common Features Of GST Software

• Sales and Purchase Reports: Users can get a summarized and rate-wise report for sales figures and get the option to view GSTR-2A as per return as well as period (monthly/quarterly). Also, get an excel report for supplier-wise GSTN.
• Return Filing Status: Users can get return filing status of the receiver and supplier with their monthly or quarterly mode to know the date when the credit will be available and if GSTR-1 has been is filed or not.
• Import-Export facilities: You can import client details, suppliers' data, and more in Excel for streamlined e-filing of GSTR.
• Invoice for Goods & Services: It helps with the billing of goods and services by taking care of billing format across different industries.
• HSN and SAC Code Mapping: GST software saves your time by helping you find the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) Code and Service Accounting Codes (SAC). With the right HAC and SAC, you need not add a detailed description of goods/services. Moreover, the tax amount is automatically calculated by software with the applicable rate of GST.
• Multi-Currency & Multi-Lingual: Various GST-ready software that accepts data in other currencies and languages. Such software comes in handy for organizations that work at the global level. Auto-conversion is done as per applicable rate, the tax amount is calculated as per GST standards and charged in the invoice by the software.
• GST Reconciliation: The software module facilitates the automatic reconciliation of data and IT returns. For instance, it reconciles GSTR-3B with Input Tax Credit Register maintained. It also matches the purchase invoice with the sales invoice uploaded by sellers. The respective software helps in quickly handling cases of mismatches and ensures that the correction is made in no time.
• Track Accounts Receivable GST Compliance: Accounting software enhances the transparency into the business by tracking down the accounts receivables against all the invoices raised. It will help you set the credit period and notify if the collection is not made on time. By helping you receive timely payment, it will ensure that the cash flow of your business remains healthy.
• GST Return Filing: GST Return filing is one of the crucial features of GST-ready software. It facilitates quick e-filing of all the GST returns. You can import the required data related to purchase, sales, input tax credit and it will be automatically registered in the GST returns. If there is any error, discrepancy, or mismatch of the amount, you will be informed instantly to ensure that the correct return is filed.
• GST Payment: It provides you with the ease of paying tax returns via an e-payment facility. You can pay GST online with a secured payment gateway such as net banking, credit card, debit card. You can even make payment via generating the challan and the proposed software will help you in generating electronic challan from the GST portal. Further, it will facilitate challan printing as well as challan register maintenance.
• Automatic Ledger Creation: It doesn’t need a professional to use it. You can use it with little or no accounting knowledge, especially for preparing ledgers. Once you have raised or uploaded the invoice, the rest will be done by the software automatically. Not only ledgers but the auto-generation of financial statements is also facilitated by the respective software.

Advantage of GST Software Implemention

Paying Taxes On Time: GST accounting software plays a vital role by enabling companies to pay taxes on time and at a legit rate. Unlike the previous tax regime, GST calls for uploading invoices with return filing to get the tax credit. GST billing software ensures that every invoice is verified before processing so that there is no roadblock in the way of getting the input tax credit. Additionally, if e-filing of return is delayed or not done, the penalty is bound to be levied. And, GST software helps you in filing a timely return. Similarly, GST-ready software is required to ensure that other areas concerning GST and accounting work effectively.

Effortless Return Filing: Return filing is the key feature of GST software. You can file any number of GST returns online and in no time using this software. For instance, a taxpayer registered in one state needs to file 25 GST returns in a year. Considering business is PAN-India, you need to file 725 returns in a year, i.e. two returns per day. Don’t you think, accomplishing this task manually is a bit difficult?

Minimal Manual Efforts: With GST invoice software, you can smoothly get rid of errors such as amount calculation, levying the right tax rate, applying various taxes in the invoice. With the respective software, your manual efforts are reduced to a minimum, due to which the scope of errors is brought down to zero. Considering the example mentioned in the above point, manually filing so many returns is not only tedious, but they also call for errors.

Simplified Invoicing: is another reason why GST software is popular amongst business persons. They have to execute a dreary task of checking the tax rate for different items, calculating taxes for each transaction, and then preparing an invoice accordingly. With the help of the proposed software, these tasks can be performed automatically.

Accountant Friendly: If the software will make invoicing simple, ease the return filing process, and reduce overall manual work, of course, every accountant will like it. Besides this, online GST accounting software also helps in the easy execution of accounting activities such as keeping track of receipts, expenses, amounts due to be received, etc. Some GST software also gives multi-currency support.

Easy Tax Compliance: GST compliance accounting software help businesses, CA Firms, and others in managing taxation-related job efficiently and as per the GST tax provisions. Variety of taxes (SGST, CGST), and the tax rate is levied as per taxation rules. You are notified for e-return filing on the due date to ensure you file the GST return on or before time.

Time-saving & Cost-effective: GST-ready software is a time saver for all accounting professionals. It saves you from doing the same thing again and again. For example, you can save templates of invoices and make changes therein. You don’t have to put (feed) the data in return, simply import the data and filing can be done in a single click. The ‘HSN code mapping’ feature saves your time by automatically providing you with a good/service description, and you don’t have to write the same.

Avoid Penalties: Users can avoid prosecutions as well as penalties under the Goods & Services Tax regime. One can get to know about the different offenses under Goods and Services tax and avoid them accordingly. Various scenarios for prosecution can also be prevented under the Goods & Services Tax.

Import and Export: Import as well as export invoicing details and GST returns into MS excel. Users can also export all types of software data to excel.

Useful Features for CAs & Tax Professionals: Chartered professionals can import client data in bulk and can also manage offline bills creation.

Easier Contact Settings: The best GST software helps create contacts, import contacts in bulk and collect their GSTIN information in real-time.

How to choose best GST Software for your business?

Choosing the best GST software for your business involves evaluating various factors to ensure that the software not only meets your current compliance needs but also has the scalability to grow with your business. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting GST software:

1. Compliance Features: Ensure the software is up-to-date with the latest GST regulations and can handle all types of GST filings, including GSTR-1, GSTR-2, GSTR-3B, and any other relevant returns. It should also support e-invoicing if applicable to your business size and type.
2. Ease of Use: The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate for you and your team. Look for software that requires minimal training to use effectively, which can save time and reduce errors in data entry.
3. Integration Capabilities: Consider how well the software integrates with your existing business systems, such as accounting software, ERP systems, and banking platforms. Seamless integration can significantly streamline your financial operations and reporting processes.
4. Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business. This means it should be able to handle an increasing volume of transactions and adapt to any changes in your business structure, such as opening new locations or expanding into new product lines.
5. Security: Given the sensitivity of financial data, the GST software must have robust security measures in place, including data encryption, secure login mechanisms, and regular security updates.
6. Reporting and Analytics: Look for software that offers comprehensive reporting and analytics tools. Detailed reports can help you understand your tax liabilities better, manage cash flow, and make informed business decisions.
7. Customer Support: Good customer support is crucial. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support through multiple channels (e.g., phone, email, chat) and provide helpful resources such as tutorials, FAQs, and user forums.
8. Pricing: Evaluate the pricing structure to ensure it fits within your budget while meeting your needs. Consider both upfront costs and ongoing fees, such as subscription fees or charges for updates and support. Also, check if there are any hidden costs.
9. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from other users, especially those in similar industries or business sizes, to gauge the software's performance and reliability. Recommendations from your network can also provide valuable insights.
10. Trial Version: If available, take advantage of trial versions to test the software’s features, usability, and compatibility with your business operations before making a commitment.

10 Best GST Software List in India

Here’s a simplified comparison based on common GST software options and their standout features or best uses:

Comparison of Best GST Software In India
GST Software	Best For
TallyPrime	Comprehensive business management and depth in GST compliance.
ClearTax GST	Efficient GST return filing and easy software integration.
Marg ERP	Trade-focused businesses with robust offline capabilities.
Saral GST	Straightforward return filing and compliance management.
HostBooks	Ease of use and efficiency in GST compliance and accounting.
myBillBook	Mobile app for GST billing and inventory management for SMEs.
Vyapar	Android-based GST billing and accounting for small traders.
FreshBooks	Simple invoicing and accounting with GST for freelancers/small businesses.
QuickBooks India	User-friendly interface for SMEs with cloud access.
Zoho Books	Cloud-based accounting with strong integration capabilities.