Influencer Invoicing FAQ

Confirm the final scope and amount in writing (email or WhatsApp), then issue a numbered invoice the day the deliverable goes live (or per the contract's milestone schedule). The invoice should carry your name/business name, PAN, GSTIN if registered, the brand's legal entity name and GSTIN, a clear line-item description of the deliverable, the amount, GST breakdown, and your bank/UPI details. Email it as a PDF to the brand's accounts contact (not just the marketing manager) and CC the campaign lead. CollabSafe's GST Invoice Generator produces a compliant PDF in under a minute.

Only if your annual turnover from services exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special-category states like the North-East). Below that threshold, GST registration is optional — you can invoice without a GSTIN by simply omitting the GST line. However, many brand agencies and large companies prefer working with GST-registered creators because they can claim input tax credit, so voluntary registration can unlock bigger deals.

Influencer marketing and brand promotion services attract 18% GST. The most commonly used SAC codes are 998361 (advertising services) and 999293 (other professional services). For inter-state invoices (you and the brand in different states), charge IGST at 18%. For intra-state, split it as CGST 9% + SGST 9%. Always check the brand's state and your registered state before deciding.

A GST-compliant tax invoice must include: a unique sequential invoice number, date of issue, your name/trade name, address, PAN and GSTIN, the recipient brand's name, address and GSTIN, place of supply (state), description of services, SAC code, taxable value, GST rate and amount (CGST/SGST or IGST), total amount in figures and words, your signature (digital is fine), and bank/UPI details. Without these fields, the brand may reject the invoice or you may face issues during a GST audit.

Brands typically deduct TDS at 10% under Section 194J (professional/technical services) before paying you. Section 194R (10%) applies to the value of free products or perks given by a business if they exceed ₹20,000 in a financial year — this is the 'barter TDS' rule. The deducted TDS is your tax credit: claim it when filing your ITR using Form 26AS, and reconcile it against the TDS certificate (Form 16A) the brand must issue quarterly.

It depends on the payment structure agreed in the contract. The cleanest split is 30–50% advance invoice on contract signing, and the balance invoice raised on the date the content goes live (with payment due within 30 days). Never wait until the brand 'asks' for the invoice — that delay alone can push your payment by 30–60 days. Raise it proactively the day you deliver.

Even for pure barter deals, issue an invoice at the fair market value (MRP) of the goods received and mark it 'Settled by way of barter — no cash consideration'. This protects you for income-tax purposes (barter income is taxable) and creates a paper trail. If the gift value crosses ₹20,000 in a financial year from one brand, they're required to deduct TDS under Section 194R — your invoice helps them comply.

Yes. Most Indian creators operate as sole proprietors and invoice using their personal PAN and trade name (e.g., 'Riya Sharma trading as RiyaCreates'). You don't need an LLP, Pvt Ltd, or even a GSTIN until you cross the turnover thresholds. A current account in your trade name and a simple proprietorship declaration are usually enough for brand accounts teams.

Net 30 is the Indian market default for direct brand deals. Large agencies (GroupM, Dentsu, Schbang) often push for Net 45 or Net 60 — push back to Net 30 unless they're paying a premium. For first-time clients or agencies with poor payment reputations, insist on 50% advance + Net 15 on the balance. Always write the payment term into the contract; 'Net 30 from invoice date' is much clearer than 'within a month'.

Day 31 (one day past due): send a polite reminder email re-attaching the invoice. Day 45: send a firmer follow-up CC'ing the brand's finance head and your campaign lead, citing the contract's payment clause and any late-fee interest (1.5% per month is standard and enforceable in India). Day 60: send a formal legal notice via a lawyer — this almost always triggers payment within a week. Keep all correspondence in writing; WhatsApp screenshots and emails are admissible evidence in Indian consumer courts.