Consulting Invoice Format
A GST-ready invoice format for a management / business consultant in India — with the correct SAC code, the right GST rate, and the line items you actually bill. Fill it in and download a PDF, free and no sign-up.
A management consultant's invoice in India should clearly state your services under SAC code 998311 (management consulting and management services), which attracts 18% GST. Because consulting is often billed on retainers, milestones, or success fees, spell out the engagement type, the period covered, and any advance already received so both sides can reconcile easily and your client can claim input tax credit. If you invoice a client in another state, charge IGST at 18%; within your own state, split it as CGST 9% + SGST 9%.
What a management / business consultant typically bills for
| Item / service | Billed | Typical rate |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy & management consulting retainer (monthly) | per month | ₹75,000 |
| Business advisory / diagnostic engagement | per project | ₹2,50,000 |
| Senior consultant advisory time | per hour | ₹4,000 |
| Process improvement / operations review | per project | ₹1,80,000 |
| Board / leadership workshop facilitation | per day | ₹40,000 |
| Market entry / feasibility study report | per report | ₹1,50,000 |
Indicative market rates — set your own. Add these as line items and the invoice totals GST for you.
Opens the free GST invoice generator, pre-filled with these items.
How to make a consulting invoice
Your name / business, GSTIN if registered, and the client's details.
List what you delivered — use the items above as a starting point — under SAC 998311.
Pick 18% GST, choose CGST+SGST or IGST, and download the PDF.
What a GST-compliant consulting invoice must include
A GST tax invoice should carry: your name, address and GSTIN; a unique invoice number and date; the client's name, address and GSTIN (if registered); a description of the service with its SAC code (998311 for consulting); the taxable value; the GST rate and amount split as CGST + SGST (same state) or IGST (inter-state); the total in words; and your signature. Consultants typically take a 30-50% advance to start an engagement, bill retainers at the beginning of each month, and settle project milestones on Net 15-30 terms.
Invoice format by profession
Consulting invoice — frequently asked questions
Which SAC code and GST rate should a management consultant use?
Use SAC 998311 (management consulting and management services including financial, strategic, HR, marketing and operations). Almost all consulting engagements attract 18% GST — charged as IGST 18% for out-of-state clients, or CGST 9% + SGST 9% within your state.
Do I need GST registration to raise a consulting invoice?
GST registration becomes mandatory once your annual consulting revenue crosses ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special-category north-eastern and hill states). Below that you can invoice without GST, but many corporate clients prefer a GST invoice so they can claim input tax credit.
How do I show a retainer or advance on the invoice?
GST is payable when you receive an advance or retainer, so raise a receipt voucher or tax invoice at the point of receipt and charge 18% on it. On the final invoice, list the total fee, apply GST, then deduct the advance already billed so only the balance is payable.
Will TDS be deducted from my consulting fees?
Yes. Business clients usually deduct TDS at 10% under Section 194J on professional/consultancy fees (on the fee amount, not the GST). Show your PAN clearly so they can deposit it correctly — you claim that TDS as credit when filing your income tax return.