2.40 lakh+
DPIIT-recognised startups in India — the base of founders juggling client invoicing, GST compliance and receivables largely on their own.
DPIIT Startup India data, 2026
Built for tech startups & service businesses
GST & Export Invoicing Built for Tech Startups
Bill Indian and international clients correctly — SAC codes, LUT export invoices, milestones and retainers, all from one screen.
- SAC-code service invoices — GST-compliant billing for consulting, development and every project line
- Zero-rated export invoices under LUT — bill international clients without paying IGST upfront
- Milestone & retainer billing — invoice by project phase or a fixed monthly retainer, your call
- Client receivables tracking with ageing — know who owes what, and for how long
- API integration for CRM — keep clients, invoices and payments in sync automatically
125,000+ businessesExport-ready under LUT4.9 on GoogleISO 9001 Certified
Export invoice
0% IGST · under LUT
Milestone 2 of 4 · ₹1,85,000
BillClap Research · 2026
What billing like a shop is actually costing tech startups
$246B
in IT services exports from India in FY2026 — and every rupee of it needs a compliant, zero-rated export invoice under LUT.
IT-BPM industry estimates, FY2026
1 year
the window to realise export-of-services payment from the invoice date under LUT — miss it and IGST plus interest applies.
GST Rule 96A, RFD-11 filing rules
18%
the standard GST rate on most domestic IT/professional services (SAC 9983) — the wrong SAC code means the wrong rate, on every invoice.
CBIC GST rate schedule
The cost of billing like a shop, not a service business
Every misfiled export invoice or missed retainer is real money, quietly gone
Spreadsheets and generic invoicing tools quietly cost tech startups compliance accuracy, billing discipline, and visibility into who owes what. Here is where it hurts most.
A missed LUT filing before your first export invoice of the financial year means that invoice can't be zero-rated — IGST and interest apply.
One missed filing, real IGST cost
The wrong SAC code or GST rate on a client invoice is the kind of mistake that surfaces months later, at audit time.
Compliance gaps that surface late
Milestone and retainer clients tracked on a spreadsheet mean someone forgets to bill, or bills the wrong amount, every few months.
Manual billing, manual mistakes
No single view of which client owes what, and for how long, turns cash flow into a surprise instead of a plan.
Receivables you can't see
Why a tech startup is different
A tech startup doesn't bill like a shop
A retail shop sells a product at a fixed price, in person, to a walk-in customer. A tech startup bills a client for a project delivered over months, sometimes from outside India, sometimes as a fixed retainer, sometimes tied to milestones that shift. There's no HSN code and no e-Way Bill here — there's a SAC code, a place-of-supply rule, and for an international client, a Letter of Undertaking that has to be filed before the very first export invoice of the financial year.
Generic GST billing software is built for HSN codes and physical dispatch.
A tech startup needs SAC-code service invoices, zero-rated export billing under LUT, milestone and retainer invoicing, and a clean view of client receivables — built for how services actually get billed, not goods.
Entities covered on this page
GSTGSTINSAC CodeLUTRFD-11IGSTCGSTSGSTExport of ServicesGSTR-1GSTR-3BITCTDSAPICRMDPIIT
From spreadsheet billing to done
The six things that quietly slow down every tech startup's billing — and how BillClap fixes each
The problem
“My export invoice for a US client got taxed with IGST because my LUT wasn't filed yet.”
Risk: missed zero-rating, real IGST cost
The BillClap fix · Enterprise Plus
Export Invoices under LUT generate zero-rated, GST-compliant invoices for international clients, the moment your LUT is on file.
Outcome: 0% IGST, correctly, every export invoice
The problem
“I keep second-guessing which SAC code and GST rate apply to a consulting vs a dev project.”
Risk: wrong SAC code, wrong rate
The BillClap fix
GST/Non-GST Billing applies the right SAC code and rate to every service line, set once per client or project.
Outcome: correct GST, every invoice
The problem
“My retainer clients get billed late because someone has to remember to raise the invoice every month.”
Risk: manual retainer billing
The BillClap fix · Enterprise Plus
Milestone & Retainer Billing invoices a project phase or a fixed monthly amount on your terms, not from memory.
Outcome: on-time billing, every cycle
The problem
“I don't have one place that shows me which client owes what, and for how long.”
Risk: receivables you can't see
The BillClap fix · Pro Plus onward
Client receivables tracking (Udhaar Khata) shows every client's balance and days overdue on one screen, with reminders.
Outcome: know your dues, and their age
The problem
“My CRM has all my client and deal data, but my invoicing tool doesn't know about it.”
Risk: disconnected CRM and billing
The BillClap fix · Enterprise Plus
API Integration for CRM keeps clients, invoices and payments in sync automatically.
Outcome: one source of truth, no re-entry
The problem
“My CA asks for GST filings every month, and I'm hunting for invoices and export proof.”
Risk: month-end filing panic
The BillClap fix · Pro Plus onward
Schedule GSTR1 with your CA in one click — GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B data stays filing-ready all month.
Outcome: filing becomes routine, not panic
Setup to first compliant client invoice — under 30 minutes
How BillClap works for a tech startup — from day one
Most founders set up their services, file their LUT and raise their first compliant invoice within 30 minutes of signing up.
STEP 0115–30 min
Set up your business & SAC-coded services
Add each service line with its SAC code and GST rate, and file your LUT for the financial year if you bill international clients.
Create your business
No cardBusiness name
Codeflux Labs Pvt Ltd
GSTIN
09ABCDE5678F1Z2
Create account
STEP 02~2 min
Raise a project, milestone or retainer invoice
Pick the client, the billing type — one-time, milestone or retainer — and the right SAC code and GST (or zero-rated export) applies automatically.
New sale · POS
INV-0308Subtotal
₹1,56,780
Milestone 2
GST mixed
18%
auto
Total
₹1,85,000
due today
Save & send invoice
STEP 03instant
Share the invoice, get paid
Send the invoice on WhatsApp or email, with a payment link and QR-based UPI for domestic clients. International clients pay by their usual method, zero-rated under LUT.
Payment link
UPI · CardsTo Northwind Analytics Inc.$3,200
Link sent on WhatsAppPaid
Receipt entry auto-created in BillClap
STEP 04daily
Receivables update automatically
Every invoice, payment and overdue balance updates on one screen — know exactly which client owes what, and for how long.
Day Book — Today
Auto-postingRETAINERLoopwave DesignPaid
EXPORTNorthwind Analytics12 days due
MILESTONENimbusStack Pvt Ltd+₹1,85,000
Cash in hand
₹6,42,000
Today's profit
₹1 account
STEP 05month-end
GST filing & CRM sync, without the scramble
GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B stay filing-ready, and every invoice and payment syncs to your CRM via API integration.
GST & e-Way
MayGSTR-1 auto-compiled
Export invoices, LUT reference attached
Client & payment data synced to CRM
GST data ready · CA can review & file
SAC-coded billing, export invoices, receivables and GST filing all run from one platform — not a spreadsheet and a separate accountant call.
Everything on the counter
Features built for how a tech startup actually bills clients
Every feature below is live in BillClap today. Plan tier noted where relevant.
Export Invoices under LUT
Zero-rated, GST-compliant invoices for international clients — no IGST paid upfront, once your LUT is on file.
Enterprise PlusSAC-Code Service Billing
The right SAC code and GST rate applied to every service line, set once per client or project.
All plansMilestone & Retainer Billing
Invoice a project phase or a fixed monthly retainer on your terms — not from memory.
Enterprise PlusClient Receivables Tracking
See what every client owes and how many days it's been outstanding, with automatic reminders.
Pro Plus+API Integration for CRM
Keep clients, invoices and payments in sync with your CRM automatically — no manual re-entry.
Enterprise PlusGST/Non-GST Billing
Invoices, estimates & quotations with your branding — PDF, WhatsApp or email.
All plansGSTR-1, GSTR-3B & 40+ Reports
GST reports and a one-click CA schedule, so filing stays a review, not a scramble.
Enterprise Elite+Payment Gateway — Links & QR UPI
Send a payment link or QR code to domestic clients; the receipt posts automatically once paid.
Enterprise PlusFull WhatsApp Integration
Send invoices and payment reminders directly from your own WhatsApp number.
Enterprise PlusMultiple Firms Management
Run more than one entity or subsidiary from a single login.
Enterprise Elite+Cash Book & Day Book
Every invoice, expense and receipt auto-posts — see cash in hand and profit at a glance.
Pro Plus+Tally Export & Sync
Tally Export (XML) included free; Tally Sync available as an add-on for your accountant.
Enterprise PlusDigital Commerce (Optional Add-On)
If you also sell a SaaS product or plugin, launch a 0% commission storefront on your own domain.
Enterprise PlusCloud & Mobile-First Access
Bill from your laptop or phone, from anywhere — invoices and client data always in sync.
All plansHow BillClap compares
GST depth, receivables and CRM sync — not just an invoice PDF generator
| Capability | BillClap Enterprise Plus | Zoho Invoice | Refrens | QuickBooks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Export invoices with LUT + zero-rated GST | Native, Enterprise Plus | Genuine Zoho strength — LUT reference plus multi-currency support built in, and it's free | Strong SAC/HSN and place-of-supply handling for exports | Not supported India GST e-invoicing/returns unsupported since the dedicated India product was discontinued in 2023 |
| SAC-code service billing with correct GST | Native, every plan | India-specific GST rates built in | A genuine Refrens strength — built specifically for Indian freelancers/agencies | Partial General tax tracking, not India-specific GST compliance |
| Milestone / retainer / project billing | Native, Enterprise Plus | Partial Recurring invoices supported; true milestone/project billing is limited | Project billing + quotation-to-invoice conversion, a genuine strength | Partial Project tracking exists globally, not India-GST-linked |
| Client receivables with ageing + reminders | Udhaar Khata with ageing, Pro Plus onward | Automated payment reminders, a genuine strength | Payment tracking + WhatsApp/email reminders | Partial Standard AR reports, not India-specific |
| Recurring / subscription invoice automation | Not yet On our roadmap — every invoice today is raised per project, milestone or retainer cycle | Genuine Zoho strength — recurring invoices built in, free | Partial Recurring reminders, not full subscription automation | Recurring invoicing supported globally |
| GST filing (GSTR-1/GSTR-3B) support | 40+ reports, Enterprise Elite+ | GSTR-1 via API, GSTR-3B JSON export | GST reports built in | Not supported Not supported for India GST returns since 2023 |
| Cost structure | ₹4,999/yr flat, all-in | ₹0/yr 100% free for Indian businesses — a genuine Zoho strength | ~₹8,700–11,300/yr Premium plan; free plan capped at 15 invoices/year | Not India-viable Dedicated India product discontinued 2023 |
Our take: If all you need is simple GST invoicing, Zoho Invoice's free tier is genuinely hard to beat. BillClap's edge shows up once billing gets more complex — milestone and retainer workflows, client receivables with ageing, CRM API integration, and (for founders who also sell a product) a bundled 0% commission storefront — plus dedicated phone and RM support most free tools don't offer.
Illustrative annual cost, by billing complexity
For a startup billing 20–40 invoices a month across domestic and export clients. Based on July 2026 vendor pricing research.
BillClap Enterprise Plus₹4,999/yr
Flat — export, milestones, retainers, receivables & CRM API
Zoho Invoice₹0/yr
Free — strong for simple invoicing; limited milestone/support
Refrens (Premium)~₹9–11k/yr
Paid tier needed beyond 15 invoices/year on free plan
QuickBooksN/A
Not India-viable for GST returns since 2023
Simple plans that grow with your startup
All prices exclusive of GST. Lock a longer term, save more.
Pro Plus
Entry level · get billing right
₹3,599/year
1 User · 1 Business · Unlimited Parties, Invoices & Products
- Core invoicing, SAC/GST rates & basic accounting
- Cash Book & Day Book
- Client receivables (Udhaar Khata)
- No export invoices under LUT, milestone billing or CRM API
Enterprise Elite
Compliance basics · early-stage
₹4,499/year
2 Users · 2 Businesses
- Everything in Pro Plus, plus:
- GSTR-1, GSTR-3B & 40+ reports
- Multiple firms management
- Export invoices, milestone/retainer billing & CRM API reserved for Enterprise Plus
Enterprise Plus
Export billing, milestones & CRM sync
₹4,999/year
3 Users · 2 Businesses · +1 extra user/business at ₹1,299/yr
- Everything in Enterprise Elite, plus:
- Export invoices under LUT (0% IGST)
- Milestone & retainer billing
- API integration for CRM
- Payment gateway — links & QR UPI
- Digital Commerce, if you also sell a product
- API/ERP integration · phone + dedicated RM support
- Tally Export (XML) free; Tally Sync add-on at ₹1,299 + taxes/yr
Who this is for
Made for every stage of a tech startup's client billing
Dev shops & software agencies billing clients
SAC-code service invoices with milestone or retainer billing. Enterprise Plus
Startups billing international clients
Zero-rated export invoices under LUT, done right. Enterprise Plus
Founders juggling client CRM and invoicing
API integration keeps clients, invoices and payments in sync. Enterprise Plus
Startups with multiple legal entities
Multiple Firms Management runs every entity from one login. Enterprise Elite+
Startups extending client payment terms
Client receivables tracking with ageing, across every account. Pro Plus onward
Startups also selling a SaaS product or plugin
Digital Commerce adds a 0% commission storefront alongside your service billing. Enterprise Plus
Owners on BillClap
Real dukaans. Real numbers.
Tech startups across India — dev shops, SaaS teams, design and IT consulting — running their client billing, export invoices and receivables on BillClap.
Late billing −0 months
“Retainer invoice ab khud raise ho jaata hai time pe. Client ko bhoolna hi nahi padta.”
Rahul Kapoor
Codeflux Labs · Bengaluru
Tech startup · software development
Export invoices, zero IGST errors
“LUT ke saath export invoice generate karna itna simple pehle kabhi nahi tha.”
Neha Iyer
Pixel & Co. · Pune
Tech startup · SaaS
Receivables visibility 100%
“Kaun sa client kitne din se due hai, ab ek screen pe dikh jaata hai.”
Arjun Malhotra
Loopwave Design · Delhi
Tech startup · design agency
CRM sync, zero re-entry
“CRM aur invoicing ab automatically sync hote hain. Double entry khatam ho gayi.”
Sanya Kapoor
NimbusStack · Hyderabad
Tech startup · IT consultingBuyer's checklist
Before you pick any client billing tool, ask these seven questions
Here's how BillClap answers each one — honestly, including where we're not there yet.
“Can I generate zero-rated export invoices under LUT?”
Yes — Export Invoices under LUT, on Enterprise Plus.
“Does it apply the right SAC code and GST rate to my services?”
Yes — SAC-code service billing, on every plan.
“Can I bill clients on a milestone or retainer basis?”
Yes — Milestone & Retainer Billing, on Enterprise Plus.
“Can I see which client owes what, and for how long?”
Yes — Client receivables tracking with ageing, from Pro Plus onward.
“Can it connect to my CRM?”
Yes — API Integration for CRM, on Enterprise Plus.
“Does it support recurring/subscription invoices?”
Not yet — it's on our roadmap. Every invoice today is raised per project, milestone or retainer cycle.
“Can I send GST filings to my CA without manual work?”
Yes — Schedule GSTR1 with CA in one click, from Pro Plus onward.
Real counters, real results
“Export invoicing under LUT used to be a headache to get right by hand. Now it's automatic.”
“SAC codes and GST rates apply themselves now. One less thing to double-check on every invoice.”
“Milestone billing means every project phase gets invoiced on time, without me tracking it in a spreadsheet.”
“CRM and invoicing sync automatically now. Double entry is finally gone.”
“GST and export invoicing both run from one place now. No separate Excel sheet needed.”
“Milestone billing means every phase of a project gets invoiced right on time.”
FAQ
The founder's billing handbook
Type a keyword or pick a category — SAC code, LUT, milestone, receivables. Everything a tech startup founder asks before switching is one search away.
16 answersUpdated Q3 2026
What is a SAC code, and does BillClap apply it automatically?
SAC (Services Accounting Code) is the services equivalent of an HSN code, used to classify the exact service and its GST rate. Set it once per service line and BillClap applies it automatically on every future invoice.
Can I generate export invoices under LUT?
Yes, on Enterprise Plus. Once your Letter of Undertaking (Form GST RFD-11) is filed for the financial year, export invoices to international clients are generated zero-rated, without IGST paid upfront.
What GST rate applies to my services?
Most professional and IT services (SAC 9983) attract 18% GST domestically, but the exact rate depends on your specific SAC code — confirm your classification with your CA if you're unsure.
Does it generate GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B data?
Yes, from Enterprise Elite onward, along with 40+ GST reports and a one-click schedule to your CA.
Can I bill a client per milestone instead of a lump sum?
Yes. Milestone billing lets you invoice each project phase as it's delivered, on Enterprise Plus.
Can I set up a fixed monthly retainer for a client?
Yes. Retainer billing raises a fixed invoice on your schedule, without manual re-entry each cycle.
Does BillClap support recurring or subscription billing?
Not yet — this is on our roadmap. Today, invoices are raised per project, milestone or retainer cycle rather than fully automated on a recurring schedule.
Can I see which clients are overdue, and by how much?
Yes. Client receivables tracking (Udhaar Khata) shows every client's balance and how many days it's been outstanding, from Pro Plus onward.
Can I send payment reminders automatically?
Yes. Gentle automated reminders go out to clients with an outstanding balance, without you having to chase manually.
Can I connect my CRM?
Yes. API integration keeps clients, invoices and payments in sync with your CRM automatically, on Enterprise Plus.
Can I connect Tally for my accountant?
Yes. Tally Export (XML) is included free, and Tally Sync is available as an add-on.
Can clients pay via UPI or a payment link?
Yes. Domestic clients can pay via a payment link or QR-based UPI, and the receipt posts automatically once paid.
Which plan is right for a tech startup?
Most tech startups need Enterprise Plus — it adds export invoicing under LUT, milestone/retainer billing and CRM API integration on top of Enterprise Elite's GST reports and compliance basics.
Are the prices inclusive of GST?
All listed prices are exclusive of GST. Lock a 3-year or 5-year term and your effective yearly cost drops significantly.
What support do I get if I'm stuck?
Enterprise Plus includes phone support and a dedicated relationship manager. Every plan gets help in your language — BillClap works in 9 Indian languages.
Does it work on my phone as well as my computer?
Yes. BillClap is cloud-native and mobile-first — bill from the Android app, a tablet, or your PC, and your data is always in sync.
Bill smarter, get paid faster — start today
Join 125,000+ businesses billing smarter. Set up your services and raise your first SAC-coded, export-ready invoice in minutes.
125,000+ businessesExport-ready under LUT4.9★ on GoogleISO 9001 Certified
