Handling an Invoice sent incorrectly to a different recipient

We at GSTZen have noticed quite a number of our users facing a situation.

Supplier A has issued a hard-copy paper invoice to Recipient B, but has wrongly reported to the Government Portal that the Invoice is for Recipient C.

The user of our software (Recipient B) is unable to show this Invoice in their GSTR-2 Tax Return of Inward Supplies. Therefore they are unable to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). When uploading the Invoice details, users see an error message (from GSTZen) as shown below

Screenshot of error message from GSTZen

The error message from the Government Portal is shown here

Screenshot of error message from Government Potal

Recommendation

There is no direct solution through the GSTN Government Portal. We recommend the following steps

  • Pick the phone and call the Supplier
  • Request them to call Recipient C (the wrong recipient) to Reject the Invoice
  • Recipient B can upload an Invoice with a slightly different number with the same details
  • The supplier can then accept this Invoice
  • This will ensure that Recipient C gets credit this tax period (month)