GST touches every bill a shop prints. This guide collects everything a small retailer, wholesaler or restaurant needs, in the order you will need it.
1. Get the invoice right
Every taxable sale needs an invoice with your GSTIN, a serial number that does not repeat within the financial year, the HSN code, the taxable value and the tax split as CGST + SGST (same state) or IGST (another state). Our GST invoice format guide walks through every mandatory field. Returns and price changes after a sale are handled with a credit note or debit note, never by editing the old bill.
2. Charge the right rate
From 22 September 2025 GST runs on four main slabs: 0%, 5%, 18% and 40%; the 12% and 28% slabs were removed. Check your item list against the new GST rates list. Clothing and footwear are price-based — 5% up to ₹2,500 a piece and 18% above — explained in GST on clothes and footwear.
3. File your returns
Your sales go into GSTR-1 and the tax you pay is settled in GSTR-3B. Larger businesses must also generate an IRN for B2B invoices — see e-invoicing for small businesses.
4. Small turnover? Consider composition
Composition dealers pay a flat rate on turnover and issue a Bill of Supply instead of a tax invoice. Read the composition scheme guide before you opt in.
