GST glossary
IRP
Invoice Registration Portal
The IRP is the government-authorised portal that validates your e-invoices and returns the IRN and signed QR code. It then passes the details to the GST portal and the e-way bill system. NIC runs the main IRP, and GSTN has authorised private IRPs as well.
Why it matters to your business
Every e-invoice you issue passes through an IRP. When it works smoothly you hardly notice it: invoices go out with their IRN and QR code, your GSTR-1 fills itself, and your e-way bills can take their details from the invoice. When it rejects an invoice, you need to know why, fix it and report it again before the customer needs it.
How it works
As of September 2026:
- NIC, which also runs the e-way bill system, operates the main IRP at einvoice1.gst.gov.in. GSTN has also authorised private companies to run IRPs.
- Your software, or an agency called a GST Suvidha Provider, sends the invoice to the IRP through an API. You can also upload a file of invoices on the portal (Bulk Upload), or enter one by hand.
- The IRP validates the invoice, generates the IRN, signs the invoice and returns a QR code.
- It then passes the invoice to the GST system for your GSTR-1 and, if you include transport details, generates the e-way bill as well.
The IRP does not store invoices for you as a record-keeping system. Your own books remain the record.
What it rejects most often
- An invoice number already registered for your GSTIN in that year.
- An inactive or wrong customer GSTIN.
- HSN codes that do not exist or have too few digits.
- Tax amounts that do not match the rate and taxable value.
- An invoice older than 30 days, for a business with turnover of ₹10 crore or more.
Questions about IRP
Is the IRP the same as the GST portal?
No. The GST portal is where you file returns and pay tax. The IRP only registers e-invoices, and then shares their details with the GST portal, where they fill your GSTR-1, and with the e-way bill system.
What does the IRP check?
That the invoice follows the standard format, the GSTINs are valid and active, the HSN codes exist, the tax and totals add up, and the invoice number has not already been registered for that GSTIN and year.
Can I use more than one IRP?
Yes. You can report through any authorised IRP, and the IRN is unique across all of them. Most businesses report through their billing software, which connects to one of them.
What happens if the IRP is down?
You cannot get an IRN until it is back. Report the invoices as soon as it is available again, and within 30 days of the invoice date if your turnover is ₹10 crore or more.
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