How to invoice brands as an influencer in India

Getting a brand deal is half the job. Getting paid on time is the other half. Here is what to put on your invoice, where GST and TDS come in, and how to follow up without awkward chats.

Updated 3 October 2026 · Written by the Brandzy team. This is general information, not tax advice; check your own situation with a chartered accountant.

Before you invoice: agree the terms in writing

Most payment trouble starts before the invoice. In the email or contract that confirms the deal, write down the fee, the deliverables, the posting dates, usage rights, and when you will be paid. "Payment within 30 days of the invoice" is far easier to chase than "after the campaign".

For bigger deals, ask for part of the fee up front, such as 50% on signing and 50% after the content goes live.

GST basics for creators

• When you need it: GST registration is generally required once your turnover from services crosses ₹20 lakh in a financial year (₹10 lakh in special category states). Some brands and agencies ask for a GSTIN even below that.
• On the invoice: if you are registered, show your GSTIN, the brand's GSTIN, and the GST amount as a separate line from your fee.
• Brands abroad: work for foreign brands paid in foreign currency can be treated as an export of services, which has its own GST rules.

Ask a chartered accountant which rate and code apply to your work.

TDS: why the brand paid you less

Brands in India often deduct TDS (tax deducted at source) before paying you, so the amount in your bank is lower than your invoice. That money is not lost: it is deposited against your PAN, shows up in your Form 26AS or Annual Information Statement, and counts toward your tax when you file your return. Ask the brand for the TDS certificate.

Free products you receive for promotion can also count as income, and brands may deduct TDS on them above a yearly threshold.

Following up on late payments

1. On the due date: a short, friendly reminder with the invoice attached again.
2. One week late: a second reminder, copying the person who approved the campaign.
3. Two to three weeks late: ask for a firm payment date, and pause new work for that brand until it is paid.

Keep every reminder in writing, and keep a record of when you sent each one.

How Brandzy handles invoicing

Brandzy keeps your deals and invoices together, so you always know who owes you what:

• Create the invoice from the deal. The brand and agreed rate are filled in, with an invoice number and a due date.
• Send it by email or WhatsApp in one tap. Add your PAN, GSTIN and bank or UPI details in the invoice notes.
• See what is due, overdue and paid at a glance, and log each payment reminder you send.
• Mark it paid and the deal moves to Paid automatically.
• Brands find you through your media kit: each inquiry becomes a deal, so the invoice is only a tap away. How to make a media kit.

Brandzy's invoices are simple invoices you send yourself. If you are GST-registered, check the format with your CA.

Frequently asked questions