IRN (Invoice Reference Number)
A 64-character hash returned by the government IRP that uniquely identifies and authenticates an e-invoice.
Full definition
An IRN (Invoice Reference Number) is the 64-character hash that the Invoice Registration Portal returns to authenticate every e-invoice under GST. It is generated by the IRP using a SHA-256 hash of the supplier's GSTIN, the invoice number, and the financial year. An invoice without an IRN is legally void.
Alongside the IRN, the IRP returns a signed QR code that must be printed on the invoice. Field staff at checkpoints can scan this QR to verify the invoice is authentic.
IRN generation happens in real time via API, a good invoice-billing integration should complete the round-trip in under two seconds so dispatch workflows are not blocked.
Real-world example
Every e-invoice generated by a large distributor carries a 64-character IRN like '9b8f7c1a...' stamped at the top with a QR code alongside.
Where it applies
Applicable industries
This term is relevant across the following SpireStock-supported industries.
How SpireStock handles it
Related SpireStock features
The concepts described above are implemented end-to-end in these product modules.
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