GSTN-Empanelled Free Accounting & Billing Software - Complete Technical Guide to Government-Approved Solutions for Small Taxpayers
📅 15 Jan 2026
📂 General
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To support small taxpayers and MSMEs, the GST Network (GSTN) has empanelled selected Accounting and Billing Software solutions that are made available free of cost to eligible businesses in India.
As per the GST official notification, these solutions are provided to registered taxpayers having aggregate annual turnover below ₹1.5 Crore, enabling them to:
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Generate GST-compliant invoices
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Maintain basic books of accounts
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Prepare GST returns
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Reduce dependency on paid accounting software
This Knowledge Base article provides a technical, practical, and unbiased analysis of each empanelled software, their deployment model, features, use cases, limitations, and best-fit scenarios.
Official Eligibility & Scope
Eligibility Criteria
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GST-registered taxpayer
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Aggregate annual turnover < ₹1.5 Crore
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Use limited to basic accounting & GST compliance
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Free access as per terms approved by GSTN
Official Source
GSTN – Empanelled Companies & Products (gstn.org.in)
List of GSTN-Empanelled Free Software
| Sr. | Company | Product | Deployment | Mobile App |
|---|
| 1 | Adaequare Info Pvt Ltd | uBooks | Cloud | Yes |
| 2 | Cygnet Infotech Pvt Ltd | Cygnet FACE | On-Premise | No |
| 3 | Focus Softnet Pvt Ltd | FocusLyte | Cloud | No |
| 4 | IRIS Business Services Ltd | CaptainBiz | Cloud | Yes |
| 5 | Relyon Softech Ltd | Saral Accounts | On-Premise | Yes |
| 6 | Zoho Corporation Pvt Ltd | Zoho Books | Cloud | Yes |
1. uBooks – by Adaequare Info Private Limited
Overview
uBooks is a cloud-based lightweight accounting and GST billing tool designed for micro businesses and traders.
Technical Features
Use Cases
Benefits
Limitations
2. Cygnet FACE – by Cygnet Infotech Private Limited
Overview
Cygnet FACE is an on-premise accounting solution, best suited for users who prefer local data storage.
Technical Features
Use Cases
Benefits
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Works without internet
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Complete data ownership
Limitations
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No mobile app
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Manual backups required
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Device-dependent
3. FocusLyte – by Focus Softnet Private Limited
Overview
FocusLyte is a simplified cloud accounting solution, derived from Focus ERP ecosystem.
Technical Features
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GST invoice & returns
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Chart of accounts
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Browser-based access
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Minimal setup
Use Cases
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Small service providers
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First-time GST users
Benefits
Limitations
4. CaptainBiz – by IRIS Business Services Limited
Overview
CaptainBiz is a GST-first accounting platform, designed specifically for compliance accuracy.
Technical Features
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GST invoice generation
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GSTR-1, GSTR-3B ready reports
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Input tax credit tracking
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Cloud hosting with audit trails
Use Cases
Benefits
Limitations
5. Saral Accounts – by Relyon Softech Limited
Overview
Saral Accounts is a desktop-based accounting solution, popular among traditional accountants.
Technical Features
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On-premise installation
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GST billing & reports
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Accounting vouchers
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Local database
Use Cases
Benefits
Limitations
6. Zoho Books – by Zoho Corporation Private Limited
Overview
Zoho Books is a mature cloud accounting platform, with a free GST edition for eligible Indian taxpayers.
Technical Features
Use Cases
Benefits
Limitations
Step-by-Step: How to Start Using GSTN Free Software
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Visit GSTN empanelled software page
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Select software based on:
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Cloud vs On-Prem
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Mobile requirement
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Register using GSTIN
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Verify eligibility
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Activate free plan
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Configure:
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Business details
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GST rates
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Item & party masters
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Start invoicing & reporting
Security Considerations
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Prefer cloud solutions with encryption & access control
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Use strong passwords and 2FA (if supported)
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For on-premise software:
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Enable daily backups
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Restrict system access
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Avoid sharing GST credentials
Best Practices
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Choose software aligned with business scale
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Do not treat free tools as full ERP replacements
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Reconcile GST data monthly
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Export data periodically
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Coordinate with your CA before return filing
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Resolution |
|---|
| Login failure | Browser cache | Clear cache / reset password |
| GST mismatch | Incorrect tax setup | Verify tax masters |
| Data loss (on-prem) | No backup | Enable daily backup |
| Return mismatch | Manual edits | Use system-generated reports |
Conclusion
GSTN-empanelled free accounting software provides a credible, government-approved starting point for small taxpayers to remain compliant without additional cost.
Each solution serves a different user profile:
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Cloud-first users → Zoho Books, CaptainBiz, uBooks
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Offline users → Saral Accounts, Cygnet FACE
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Compliance-focused → CaptainBiz, IRIS ecosystem
Businesses should choose based on connectivity, accounting depth, mobility needs, and future growth plans.
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