How to Generate E-Invoice (IRN) Automatically for Your B2B Transactions
E-Invoice is mandatory for eligible taxpayers. Here's exactly how ABSS Books generates the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) automatically — and what you need to configure first.
Priya Sharma
GST & Compliance Writer, ABSS
If your business has a turnover above ₹5 crore, E-Invoice is not optional — it's mandatory for every B2B transaction. The problem is that most accounting software treats it as an afterthought: a separate portal login, manual JSON uploads, or an expensive CA who does it at month-end.
ABSS Books generates the Invoice Reference Number (IRN) automatically when you create a qualifying invoice — without leaving the app, without extra steps, without a separate login. This guide explains exactly how it works and what you need to set up.
TL;DR
- ✓E-Invoice (IRN) is mandatory for B2B invoices if your annual turnover > ₹5 crore
- ✓ABSS Books auto-generates IRN when you save a qualifying invoice
- ✓The QR code is embedded in your PDF automatically
- ✓Setup requires linking your GSTIN and IRP credentials — one-time config
What is E-Invoice and Who Needs It?
E-Invoice (electronic invoicing) under the GST framework means that certain B2B invoices must be registered on the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) before they can be issued. The IRP validates the invoice and returns a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN), a digitally signed QR code, and a signed invoice JSON.
The IRN must be present on your invoice PDF. Without it, the invoice is invalid for your buyer's input tax credit (ITC) claim — which means they'll reject the invoice or refuse payment until you fix it.
| Annual Turnover | E-Invoice Mandatory From |
|---|---|
| Above ₹500 crore | October 2020 |
| ₹100–500 crore | January 2021 |
| ₹50–100 crore | April 2021 |
| ₹20–50 crore | April 2022 |
| ₹10–20 crore | October 2022 |
| ₹5–10 crore | August 2023 |
| Below ₹5 crore | Not yet mandatory |
One-Time Setup in ABSS Books
Before ABSS Books can auto-generate IRNs, you need to link your GSTIN to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP). This is a one-time configuration.
Go to Settings → GST Configuration
In ABSS Books, navigate to Settings and open the GST Configuration panel. Enter your GSTIN and verify it — ABSS auto-fills your legal name and address from the GST portal.
Enable E-Invoice and enter IRP credentials
Toggle on 'E-Invoice Integration'. Enter your IRP username and password (the credentials you created on einvoice1.gst.gov.in). ABSS stores these encrypted — never in plain text.
Test with a draft invoice
Create a test B2B invoice and save it. ABSS will attempt IRN generation automatically. If successful, you'll see the IRN and QR code appear on the invoice. If there's an error, ABSS shows the exact IRP error code.
You're live
From this point, every qualifying B2B invoice saved in ABSS Books automatically goes to the IRP, gets an IRN, and has the QR code embedded in the PDF. No manual steps required.
Which Invoices Get an IRN Automatically?
Not every invoice requires E-Invoice. ABSS Books checks the following conditions automatically before attempting IRN generation:
B2B invoices
Buyer has a GSTIN — always triggers IRN
B2C invoices (large)
Above ₹2.5 lakh for certain categories
Export invoices
LUT/bond exports also need IRN
B2C invoices (small)
Below ₹2.5 lakh — IRN not required
Credit notes & debit notes
Against eligible original invoices
Delivery challans
Not a tax invoice — no IRN required
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
ABSS Books surfaces the exact IRP error code when IRN generation fails. Here are the most common ones and what to do:
Duplicate IRN
This invoice already has an IRN generated — check if you're creating a duplicate. The original IRN will appear in the invoice record.
Buyer GSTIN not found
The GSTIN entered for your buyer is incorrect or inactive. Go to the Customer Master, update their GSTIN, and re-validate against the GST portal.
HSN code missing or invalid
Every line item must have a valid HSN/SAC code. Open your Item Master, add the correct HSN code to the item, and re-save the invoice.
IRP timeout
The IRP portal sometimes has downtime. ABSS Books queues the IRN request and retries automatically — you'll get a notification when it succeeds.
Get Started
Set Up E-Invoice in ABSS Books Today
One-time configuration. Auto-IRN generation on every qualifying invoice after that.