Key takeaways
What this article covers, in order:
- Billing and filing are two different jobs
- What do Vyapar and myBillBook do?
- How do the two kinds of software compare?
- So what does a month look like with each?
- When is a billing app enough?
- When do you need filing software?
Ramesh runs a hardware shop in Pune. His billing app prints neat GST invoices, the customers are happy, and every month he still sends a PDF report to his CA so the CA can file. "But my app is GST software," he says. It is, for billing. As of Sep 2026, Vyapar and myBillBook generate GST bills and GST reports but don't file returns. GST filing software takes the next step and submits GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B to the portal. Knowing which one you have saves a lot of confusion around the 20th.
Billing and filing are two different jobs
Billing is the counter. You create a tax invoice with your GSTIN, the buyer's GSTIN if they have one, HSN or SAC, rate and the tax split. You print it, share it on WhatsApp, record the payment. Most billing apps also give you reports that summarise sales and tax for the month.
Filing is the paperwork with the government. Those sales get sorted into GSTR-1 sections, your purchases get matched against GSTR-2B for input tax credit, GSTR-3B works out what you owe, and the returns are submitted on the GST portal with your OTP, EVC or DSC.
A GST report from your billing app is useful. It just isn't a filed return. Someone still has to take those numbers to the portal.
What do Vyapar and myBillBook do?
As of Sep 2026, both generate GST bills and GST reports, and neither files returns. That's not a criticism. They're billing apps and they do the billing job. If what you mainly need is fast, tidy invoices at the counter and a monthly sales summary, they can serve you well.
The gap only matters if you were expecting the app to file for you. Then you either file on the portal yourself using the app's reports, or your CA does it.
How do the two kinds of software compare?
| GST billing app (e.g. Vyapar, myBillBook, as of Sep 2026) | GST filing software | |
|---|---|---|
| Makes GST invoices | Yes | Yes |
| GST reports | Yes | Yes |
| Files GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B | No | Yes |
| GSTR-2B reconciliation | Not the core job | Usually included |
| Who files the return | You on the portal, or your CA | You, from the software |
| Best for | Fast billing at the counter | Owners who want billing and filing together |
So what does a month look like with each?
With a billing app, Ramesh bills all month. Around the 8th his assistant exports the GST sales report and sends it to the CA. The CA types or uploads it into GSTR-1 by the 11th. Around the 15th the CA downloads GSTR-2B and checks it against the purchase bills Ramesh has photographed and sent on WhatsApp. By the 20th the CA files GSTR-3B and messages him the challan amount. It works. But Ramesh only learns his tax bill a day or two before it's due, and purchase matching depends on a folder of photos.
With filing software, he bills in the same place his returns are built. Purchase bills go in as they arrive. Around the 14th he opens GSTR-2B reconciliation and sees that two suppliers haven't filed yet, so he calls them that afternoon. He reviews GSTR-1 and files it. A few days before the 20th he reviews GSTR-3B, sees the payable, and files. His CA can still log in and review if he wants.
(Ramesh is an illustration, not a customer.)
When is a billing app enough?
If your CA files your returns and you're happy paying for that, a billing app plus your CA is a perfectly good setup. The same goes if your business is mostly B2C cash sales with very few purchase credits to chase, or if counter speed is what matters most to you and you're comfortable doing the filing step on the portal yourself each month.
When do you need filing software?
When you want to file yourself without retyping everything into the portal. When your ITC is big enough that missed supplier invoices actually hurt. If you're claiming ₹40,000 of credit a month, one supplier who forgot to file is real money. When you'd like to know your GST payable during the month, not on the 19th. Or when you want your CA reviewing live books rather than chasing you for exports.
Can you use both?
Yes, and some businesses do. They keep a billing app at the counter and use filing software for the books and returns. The catch is that you're then entering or importing sales twice, and the two systems can drift apart if a bill is edited in one and not the other. If you go this way, reconcile monthly totals before you file. For most small businesses, one tool that bills and files is simpler, as long as it suits the counter.
A few questions to ask before you choose
- Does the app file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, or only produce reports?
- If it doesn't file, who will, and what will that cost you each month?
- Where will your purchase bills live, and who matches them to GSTR-2B?
- Can your CA log in to the same data?
- What happens if you need e-invoices or e-way bills later?
If you're unsure how ITC rules apply to your purchases, especially on things like vehicles or food, have your CA look before you claim.
How HelloBooks helps
HelloBooks does both jobs in one place. You create GST invoices, bills and quotes, and the same data builds your returns. On HelloBooks Free (₹0, no card, no expiry), GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are filed directly to the GST portal from inside HelloBooks, unlimited for one GSTIN. GSTR-2B reconciliation with ITC tracking is included, and GSTR-3B shows interest and late fee as the GST portal's own figure before you file. You get 2 users so your CA can work alongside you, plus the mobile app (iOS and Android) for books and invoicing on the go.
To be upfront: Free covers up to 200 transactions a year, and invoices on Free carry a "Powered by HelloBooks" badge. E-invoicing and e-way bills are on Pro at ₹499/month. Payments through Razorpay, Cashfree, UPI, Paytm and PhonePe can be reconciled too. See free GST billing software, and our comparisons with Vyapar and myBillBook.
FAQs
Does Vyapar file GST returns?
As of Sep 2026, Vyapar generates GST bills and reports but doesn't file returns. You'd file on the GST portal yourself or through your CA.
Does myBillBook file GSTR-1 or GSTR-3B?
As of Sep 2026, myBillBook generates GST bills and reports but doesn't file returns.
Is a GST report the same as a filed return?
No. A report summarises your numbers. A return is only filed once it's submitted on the GST portal and you get an acknowledgement.
Will my invoices look different on a free plan?
On HelloBooks Free, invoices carry a small "Powered by HelloBooks" badge. Other free apps have their own rules, so check before you print a thousand bills.
Should I drop my billing app?
Not necessarily. If it works at the counter and your CA files smoothly, keep it. Look at filing software if you want to file yourself or see your tax position during the month.
Bill however suits your counter, but know who's filing and when.
Start free — GST filing included, no card. Try HelloBooks Free
