Proforma Invoice Format in India (Free Template)
A proforma invoice is a commitment to supply at stated terms, issued before the supply happens. Indian buyers ask for one to raise a purchase order, release an advance, or open a letter of credit. It is not a tax invoice, carries no input tax credit, and creates no GST liability on its own.
What the document must contain
- Proforma number and date (required): A separate series from your tax invoices.
- Validity of the offer (required): Prices and availability are only held for so long.
- Supplier and buyer details with GSTIN (required): The buyer's finance team matches these against the purchase order.
- Item description, quantity, rate (required): The same lines that will appear on the tax invoice.
- GST rate and estimated tax (required): Shown as an estimate, since liability arises on supply.
- Advance payable and bank details (optional): The reason most proformas are requested.
- Delivery terms (optional): Essential for exports and for anything shipped.
Frequently asked questions
Is a proforma invoice legally binding?
It is an offer, not a contract. It becomes binding when accepted, usually by a purchase order or by payment of the advance stated on it.
Can the buyer claim input tax credit on a proforma invoice?
No. Input tax credit needs a tax invoice. This is the single most common reason a buyer's accounts team sends a proforma back.
Do I need to report a proforma invoice in GSTR-1?
No. Only tax invoices, credit notes and debit notes are reported. A proforma never enters your GST returns.
Should proforma invoices have their own number series?
Yes. Tax invoice numbering must be consecutive, so mixing the two creates gaps that are hard to explain in an audit.