How to Create a GST-Compliant Invoice for Brand Collaborations in India | Adivoq

Step-by-step guide to creating GST-compliant invoices for brand collaborations in India. Learn GST rates, SAC codes, TDS rules, and invoice format for influencers and creators.Step-by-step guide to creating GST-compliant invoices for brand collaborations in India. Learn GST rates, SAC codes, TDS rules, and invoice format for influencers and creators.

Super Admin

Mar 23, 2026 5 min read

How to Create a GST-Compliant Invoice for Brand Collaborations in India

You just closed a ₹1 lakh brand deal. Exciting, right? Then the brand says — "Send us a GST-compliant invoice."

And suddenly you're staring at a blank spreadsheet, Googling SAC codes, and wondering whether to charge CGST+SGST or IGST.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. Thousands of Indian creators and freelancers lose time, money, and brand relationships because invoicing feels overwhelming. This guide from Adivoq breaks down the entire process — so you never chase a payment or stress about compliance again.

What Is a GST-Compliant Invoice?

A GST-compliant invoice is a legal tax document issued under the Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. It includes your GSTIN, correct SAC code, proper tax breakup (CGST, SGST, or IGST), TDS details, and all fields mandated by law.

Without it, brands cannot claim Input Tax Credit — which means they'll delay your payment or stop working with you entirely.

Do You Need GST Registration as a Creator?

GST registration is mandatory if:

Your annual income exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states)
You provide inter-state services (creator in Mumbai billing a Delhi brand) — no threshold; mandatory from ₹1
You sell through e-commerce platforms collecting TCS

How to register:

Visit gst.gov.in
Submit PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, bank details
Receive your 15-digit GSTIN within 3–7 days

💡 Pro Tip: Even below ₹20 lakh, voluntary registration helps you land bigger deals. Brands prefer GST-registered creators.

Which SAC Code Should Creators Use?

Service Type	SAC Code	GST Rate
Brand Promotion & Advertising	998361	18%
Content Creation	998314	18%
Photography	998386	18%
Video Production	999612	18%
Event Appearances	998596	18%

Most brand collaborations fall under SAC 998361 at 18% GST.

CGST+SGST or IGST? Here's How to Decide

Scenario	Tax Type	Rate
Same state (Delhi → Delhi)	CGST 9% + SGST 9%	18%
Different states (Mumbai → Bangalore)	IGST 18%	18%

Confused about which one applies? Adivoq auto-calculates CGST, SGST, or IGST based on state codes — so you never get it wrong.

Quick Example:

Component	Amount
Service Fee	₹1,00,000
IGST @ 18%	₹18,000
Total Invoice	₹1,18,000

Mandatory Fields Every Invoice Must Have

Under Rule 46 of CGST Rules, your invoice must include:

✅ Unique sequential invoice number (max 16 characters)
✅ Invoice date
✅ Your name, address, and GSTIN
✅ Brand's name, address, and GSTIN
✅ Place of supply (state + code)
✅ SAC code
✅ Description of each deliverable
✅ Taxable value (base amount)
✅ GST breakup (CGST+SGST or IGST)
✅ TDS deduction details (if applicable)
✅ Total amount in figures and words
✅ Bank account details
✅ Signature

⚠️ Missing even one field can make your invoice non-compliant. That's why creators are switching from messy spreadsheets to Adivoq — which includes every mandatory field automatically.

Understanding TDS on Brand Payments

Brands deduct TDS before paying you. Here's how it works:

Section	Rate	Applies To
194J	10%	Professional/technical services
194C	2%	Contractual work

TDS is deducted on the base amount only — NOT on GST.

Component	Amount
Service Fee	₹1,00,000
TDS @ 10%	-₹10,000
IGST @ 18%	+₹18,000
You Receive	₹1,08,000

Adivoq lets you add TDS deductions directly on the invoice — so both you and the brand are on the same page.

Don't Forget: Barter Deals Are Taxable Too

If a brand sends you a product worth ₹50,000 for a post, GST applies on the market value.

GST payable = ₹50,000 × 18% = ₹9,000

Many creators miss this and face notices later.

5 Invoicing Mistakes That Cost Creators Money

Wrong SAC code — triggers GST notices
Missing Place of Supply — wrong tax classification
Random invoice numbers — must be sequential
Not itemizing deliverables — always list each service separately
Chasing payments manually — wastes hours every month

Why Creators Are Ditching Spreadsheets for Adivoq

Let's be honest — spreadsheets weren't built for invoicing. They don't auto-calculate GST, they can't send WhatsApp reminders, and they definitely can't track which brand owes you money.

Adivoq is an invoicing platform built specifically for creators and freelancers. Here's what it does:

Feature	How It Helps You
GST-Compliant Invoices	Auto-calculates CGST, SGST, or IGST based on state codes. Adds TDS. 100% compliant.
WhatsApp Reminders	Send invoices and payment reminders directly on WhatsApp. Brands respond faster.
Payment Links	Generate shareable links. Brands pay via Razorpay, Stripe, or bank transfer.
Revenue Analytics	Track revenue by brand, platform, and campaign. See exactly who owes you what.
Brand & Campaign CRM	Manage all brands in one place. Link invoices to specific campaigns and deals.
Tax Management	Track GST collected, TDS deducted. Download tax-ready reports for your CA.