- Free GST accounting software is crucial for businesses in India to remain compliant with the tax laws, automate complex tax processes, and save time and costs for the businesses.
- While choosing free GST software, businesses must carefully consider various factors, such as their business size, transaction values, whether they need a cloud-based solution or a desktop solution, etc.
- There are several free GST accounting software for small businesses; however, many of them don’t offer advanced features in their free plans.
Accounting is an integral process of every business, and the Indian accounting software market size is expected to reach US $21.86 billion by 2030. Investing in accounting software is crucial for businesses in India. Without a dedicated accounting software, they can experience inefficiency, a lack of proper financial visibility, a higher risk of errors, etc. Businesses in India also need to ensure that they are GST-compliant.
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GST compliance is quite complex with strict deadlines and heavy penalties in case of any manual errors. This has resulted in increasing the adoption of accounting software, which can automate GST-related processes.
In this article, we have listed some of the top free accounting software with GST features.
GSTN-Partnered Accounting Software and Free Tools for MSMEs
- Zoho Corporation Private Limited – ZOHO Books
- Marg ERP Limited – MARG GST Pro
- Relyon Softech Limited – SARAL ACCOUNTS
- Seshaasai Business Forms Private Limited – GENIEBOOKS
- Focus Softnet Private Limited – FOCUS LYTE
- Adequate Info Private Limited – UBOOKS
- Cygnet Infotech Private Limited – Cygnet FACE
- IRIS Business Services Limited – IRIS Vyapari
The software listed above is available under the Download tab on the official GST Portal, which is www.gst.gov.in. For downloading the Accounting and Billing software on the GST Portal, the taxpayer requires logging in to the GST Portal with validating credentials.
Why Businesses Need GST-Ready Accounting Software?
The primary reason why businesses need GST-ready accounting software is to ensure their adherence to India’s tax laws. If businesses fail to ensure legal compliance, then they will be charged with heavy penalties and other legal issues. Businesses that still rely on manual bookkeeping face various challenges, such as:
- Entering incorrect data like GSTINs, date, tax amounts, invoice numbers, etc.
- Filing incorrect tax returns like GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, etc., which in turn can result in heavy penalties, interest charges, etc.
- Missing the deadlines related to GST return filings.
This is why it is really important for businesses to invest in a good accounting software with GST features.
Key Benefits of GST-Ready Accounting Software
- Automatic tax calculation – A GST-ready accounting software can automatically calculate various taxes, such as CGST, SGST, IGST, etc. This frees up a lot of time, allowing businesses to focus on other key areas of growth.
- GSTR filing and reconciliation – GSTR filing and ITC reconciliation are complex processes that can be simplified with the help of the right software. It helps businesses to file returns like GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9, and automatically matches the purchase invoices with government data.
- Invoice generation with HSN/SAC codes – GST-based invoicing is different from the other forms, and it includes Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSC) codes and Service Accounting Codes (SAC).
- Error reduction and audit readiness – The software helps in automating various GST-related tasks. This helps in reducing the number of errors, and it also ensures that the business is audit-ready because all the data is stored in cloud-based systems.
Top Free GST Accounting Software in India: Quick Comparison
Below is a quick comparison of these accounting software with GST features.
| Software Name | Best for | Key Features | GST Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoho Books | Small businesses | Automated workflows, Invoicing and billing, GST-compliant billing, Real-time GSTR filing, Inventory management | GST reports and filing, GST tracking, GST payments |
| Vyapar | Retailers and microbusinesses | Customizable invoices, Inventory management, Bank reconciliation, Multi-user access, Payment reminders | GST-compliant invoicing, Generate GSTR reports, Input Tax Credit management |
| GoGSTBill | Small retailers and service providers | Invoice template, Customizable templates, Tax calculations, Expense tracking, Multi-user access | GST return reporting, Automated GST calculations, Create professional GST invoices |
| ProfitBooks | Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses | Unlimited GST-compliant invoices, Automated expense tracking, Multi-user access, Direct integration with payment gateways, Inventory management | Automated GST calculations, GST invoicing, Direct GST return filing |
| Refrens | Small businesses and agencies | Customizable invoice templates, Automated payment reminders, Bank reconciliation, Inventory management, Expense tracking | GST-compliant billing, E-invoicing and e-way bills, Automated GSTR reports |
Today, there are several accounting software programs that come equipped with GST features. Looking at such a wide array of options, it can be quite overwhelming for businesses to narrow down one software. To make things easier for you, we have listed some of the top free accounting software with GST features in India.
1. Zoho Books: Best for small businesses and service providers
Zoho Books
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting software that offers a wide range of features, enabling service providers to run their accounting processes smoothly. Its ability to integrate with other Zoho software makes it a preferable choice of accounting software for small businesses.
Features
- Automated workflows
- Invoicing and billing
- GST-compliant billing
- Real-time GSTR filing
- Inventory management
Pros
- Can be seamlessly integrated with other Zoho applications
- It is a cloud-based solution, making it easily accessible from anywhere
- Offers a forever-free plan
Cons
- Customization options are limited
- Some users may find it difficult to learn the software
Pricing
- Standard plan: Starts from INR 749
- Professional plan: Starts from INR 1499
- Premium plan: Starts from INR 2999
- Elite plan: Starts from INR 4,999
2. Vyapar: Best for retailers and microbusinesses
Vyapar
Vyapar is an accounting software designed specifically for Indian businesses looking to ensure compliance with GST. It is an easy to use software, making it a preferred choice by offline businesses, such as kiranas and wholesalers. It also offers lifetime free desktop billing.
Features
- Customizable invoices
- Inventory management
- Bank reconciliation
- Multi-user access
- Payment reminders
Pros
- Offers a user-friendly interface
- Provides an integrated solution for multiple accounting processes
- Robust reporting features that help in seamless expense tracking
Cons
- Customer support is not very reliable
- The mobile app is not available for iOS users
Pricing
- Silver plan: INR 3,999 annually
- Gold plan: INR 4,299 annually
3. GoGSTBill: Best for businesses and retailers looking for a simple billing process
GO GST BILL
Designed specifically for businesses in India, GoGSTBill is another accounting software with free GST billing features. It is a cloud-based solution that helps businesses to simplify their day-to-day billing needs. This accounting software also offers a lifetime free plan.
Features
- Invoice template
- Customizable templates
- Tax calculations
- Expense tracking
- Multi-user access
Pros
- Offers mobile accessibility, enabling businesses to generate bills from anywhere
- The paid plans are comparatively more affordable than other accounting software
- Provides an integrated platform that helps businesses minimize manual risks
Cons
- The customization options are limited
- Certain advanced features, like E-Invoice, are available in the paid version
Pricing
- Forever free plan
- Premium plan: INR 1,499/year + GST
4. ProfitBooks: Ideal for business owners with limited accounting knowledge
Profitbooks
ProfitBooks is another popular, cloud-based accounting software with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It comes equipped with all the necessary features of accounting software, including automated GST compliance. This software focuses on creating professional invoices in no time.
Features
- Unlimited GST-compliant invoices
- Automated expense tracking
- Multi-user access
- Direct integration with payment gateways
- Inventory management
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy installation
- Provides robust multi-level security features to keep data secure
- Offers multi-currency transaction support
Cons
- Some essential functions, like e-way bill generation, are underdeveloped
- The customization features need to be developed further
Pricing
- Startup plan: forever-free
- SMB plan: INR 749/month
5. Refrens: Ideal for small businesses and agencies requiring simple invoicing
Refrens
Although Refrens may not be a popular choice, it does have the required accounting software capabilities. It is an all-in-one platform that makes it easier for businesses to remain GST-compliant and run their accounting processes seamlessly.
Features
- Customizable invoice templates
- Automated payment reminders
- Bank reconciliation
- Inventory management
- Expense tracking
Pros
- Streamlines the invoicing process with key features like automated recurring invoices
- Simplifies GST compliance with tools like GST filing, tax-related reports, etc.
- Provides a centralized platform to manage accounts and payments
Cons
- Limited customization options for reports
- Certain essential features are available only in the paid plans
Pricing
- Basic plan: free for use
- Paid plans: start from INR 492/month and go up to INR 2,083/month
How To Choose The Right Accounting Software For Your Business?
Choosing the right accounting software is not an easy task. You need to consider various factors before investing in software, even if it is free software. Here are some of the key factors to consider before choosing your ideal accounting software with GST features:
1. Consider your Business Size and Transaction Volume
The size of your business is one of the first factors to consider because some accounting software is designed specifically for small businesses or startups. If you have a larger business, then this accounting software for small businesses will not meet your requirements. You also need to consider the transaction volume of your business because not every accounting software is built to handle large volumes of transactions.
2. Evaluate Cloud vs Desktop Version
The cloud vs desktop version is always a point of contention because both have their own pros and cons. With the cloud version, a physical data storage space is not required, and data can be accessed at any time, etc. However, if there is no internet, then your users will not be able to access the data. A desktop version can overcome this challenge as it can be accessed offline as well; however, it involves additional infrastructure costs.
3. Check for GST Return Filing Support
GST return filing is one of the key features that you look for in an accounting software. Whether you are a startup, small business, or large organization, you must stay on top of your GST return filings, as failure to meet the deadlines will result in heavy penalties. So, you need to consider whether the software you are choosing offers GST return filing support to make your work easier and seamless.
4. Ensure Data Security and Scalability
Data security and scalability are crucial factors to consider while choosing the right accounting software. You must ensure that the software offers strong security features, such as data encryption, regular backups, user access control, etc. If you have plans to scale up your business, then you should choose accounting software that includes features like multi-branch support, multi-user access, network expansion flexibility, etc.
Closing Thoughts
Investing in free GST accounting software has now become essential for businesses of all sizes and types. Whether you have a small retail business or a large organization, you must ensure that you remain GST-compliant. If you do not file your GST returns timely, you will end up paying huge penalties. The best way to ensure compliance is to adopt accounting software with GST-related features.
Yes, there are several free GST billing software available, such as Swipe, ProfitBooks, and GoGSTBills.
Yes, Zoho Books is a free accounting software for small businesses.
Yes, free accounting tools are safe for businesses with simple needs.
Some of the best free accounting software with GST features in India include Vyapar, Zoho Books, and ProfitBooks.
You cannot remove the company branding from most of the free invoicing software. However, you can remove it from two software programs - GoGSTBill and ProfitBooks.
Effective from April 2025, businesses must upload e-invoices within 30 days if their annual turnover is above INR 10 crore.
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