All about the QR code /e invoice verifying app

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. Read on to know more about the QR code verification App and how to verify e-invoice.

Latest Updates

9th June 2023
The GSTN has launched an ‘e-Invoice QR Code Verifier’ app on Google Play Store to enable users to quickly and conveniently verify e-invoices. The user-friendly app will authenticate the information embedded in the QR code, which can be compared with the information printed on the e-invoice. The iOS version will be available shortly.

10th May 2023
CBIC notified the 6th phase of e-invoicing. Hence, taxpayers with ₹5 Cr+ turnover in any financial year from 2017-18 shall issue e-invoices w.e.f 1st August 2023.

06th May 2023
The GST department has deferred the time limit of 7 days to report the old e-invoices on the e-invoice IRP portals by three months. Further, the department is yet to announce the new implementation date.

13th April 2023
The GSTN released an advisory on 12th and 13th April 2023 stating that taxpayers with an annual turnover of Rs.100 crore and more must report tax invoices and credit-debit notes to the IRP within 7 days from the date of issue of the invoice/CDN from 1st May 2023. 

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.

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

How to download and install the QR code verification App?

Follow the steps below to download the e invoice verification app:

Step 1:Visit https://einvoice1.gst.gov.in/Others/QRCodeVerifyApp. You will be able to view the screen below:

Step 2: Users should select the type of operating system on their mobile device, whether Android or IOS.

Step 3:Enter the mobile number and click on ‘Submit’.  The user will receive an OTP on the entered mobile number, valid for 10 minutes. Enter the OTP and verify the same.

On successful validation, the e-invoice system will send a QR code.

Step 4:Verify the App APK to the registered mobile number. A user can download this app and install the APK and verify the QR code.

How to scan e invoice QR code?

NIC provides a detailed guide on steps to use the e invoice verification app. Know how to verify e-invoice. You can scan invoice and get results within minutes. Follow the below steps:

Step 1: After installing the APK, click on the “verify QR code” button on the app which is the first option. It is convenient when you need to quickly verify one e-invoice.

The second option is to upload the invoice JSON. Click on the “verify signed e-invoice” button on the home screen of the app. The option is preferred when you have many e-invoices to be verified.

Browse the JSON file to upload and get the invoice details as shown below:

Step 2: Scan the QR code on the invoice to get the invoice verification details as shown below:

You notice that the message ends with a confirmation that the e-invoice is signed by the government-authorised IRP such as NIC or Clear IRP. If it is not a valid e-invoice, it throws a message accordingly that it is not one.