GST Portal Guide: How to Download Your E-Invoice

Introduction

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) now allows taxpayers to download e-invoices directly from the GST Portal. Registered taxpayers—both suppliers and recipients—can access and download these e-invoices using a valid GSTIN and their GST portal login credentials.

E-invoices can be downloaded by signing in to the e-Invoice Portal with your GST login details and selecting the e-Invoice JSON download option. The JSON file remains available for download for six months from the date the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) is generated.

This article covers what GST e-invoices are, why they are important, the different ways to access them, and the step-by-step process to download e-invoices from the GST Portal.

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What Is the GST e-Invoice System?

The GST e-invoice system enables GST-registered taxpayers to upload all B2B invoices to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP). Once uploaded, the IRP generates a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN), provides a digitally signed e-invoice, and issues a QR code.

This system enhances compliance, reduces tax evasion, and allows seamless data flow between suppliers, recipients, and the GST network. E-invoicing is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹5 crore. It also auto-populates key details in GST returns and e-way bills, making tax filing faster and more accurate.

Importance of GST e-Invoices for Businesses

GST e-invoices offer several advantages:

Improved Accuracy & Efficiency: Eliminates manual data entry, minimizes errors, and ensures consistent data across platforms.
Simplified Tax Filing: Auto-populates GST returns and Part-A of e-way bills, reducing filing time and mistakes.
Faster ITC Claims: Real-time validation speeds up input tax credit processing.
Reduced Invoice Fraud: Provides a verified audit trail, preventing fake invoices.
Better Cash Flow: Faster ITC processing enhances liquidity for businesses.
Real-Time Tracking: Enables instant monitoring of invoice status for improved transparency.

Different Methods to Download GST e-Invoices

The GST e-invoice portal provides three download options:

1. By IRN (Invoice Reference Number)

View active and cancelled IRNs for a specific invoice.

PDF download available only for active IRNs.
Useful for retrieving details of a single invoice.

2. For Period

Download all e-invoice JSON files for a selected month.

Suitable for bulk downloads.
Available for up to 6 months from the IRN generation date.

3. List of IRNs

Download an Excel file containing all IRNs (active/cancelled, generated/received) for a month.

Ideal for analysis, accounting, and record-keeping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download GST e-Invoices

1. Log in to the GST Portal

Use your GST credentials and go to:
Services → E-Invoice → Download E-Invoice

2. Choose Invoice Category

Two tabs appear:

Generated – IRNs created by the supplier
Received – IRNs obtained by the recipient

3. Download by IRN

Use the IRN tab to search using:

IRN, or
Financial Year + Document Type + Document Number

Download Options:

PDF – available for a single active IRN
JSON – original e-invoice format

4. Download for a Period (Bulk)

Select Financial Year and Month
Click DOWNLOAD E-INVOICE (JSON) for bulk download

Filters available:

Recipient GSTIN
Supply Type

5. View Download History

After initiating a download, click Download History to access files generated within the last two days.

6. Download List of IRNs (Excel)

Go to List of IRNs tab
Select Financial Year and Month
Click DOWNLOAD E-INVOICE (Excel)

Additional filters:

GSTIN
Supply Type

7. Download History (IRN List)

Use Download History to retrieve the Excel file containing IRNs.

Duration of File Availability

Files downloaded using the For Period and List of IRNs options remain available in the download history for two days from generation. After that, the file must be regenerated to download again.

About the Author

Ravi

Ravi is an expert legal writer who transforms complex laws into clear, actionable guidance. He helps entrepreneurs understand their legal responsibilities, empowering them to build confident, compliant, and sustainable businesses.

January 8, 2026