Billing, Point of Sale (POS) and Cash Handling
What this domain tests
The billing cycle, POS hardware and software, payment modes, GST on a retail invoice, and the discipline of cash handling at shift open and close.
POS and billing steps
A POS setup includes the terminal with billing software, barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printer, PIN pad or EDC machine, weighing scale and, where needed, a card and UPI acceptance device. Billing sequence: greet → scan or key in → check MRP and offer eligibility → confirm quantity → tender → print and hand over the bill → bag. Handle voids, returns and exchanges through the system, never by editing a completed bill.
GST on the invoice
For intra-state sales, charge CGST plus SGST; for inter-state sales, IGST. The invoice carries GSTIN, HSN code, taxable value, tax rate and amount, and bill number. A B2C invoice may omit the buyer's GSTIN.
Cash handling rules
Open with a counted float and record it; keep the drawer closed between transactions; never keep personal money in the drawer; count and tally at shift close against the POS day-close report; drop excess cash with dual control; check notes for security features such as the watermark, security thread and colour-shift numeral; report counterfeit notes rather than returning them to the customer.
Worked example
Two items at ₹1,200 and ₹800, a 10% discount, and 18% GST charged on the discounted value. Gross = ₹2,000; after discount = ₹1,800; GST = 18% of 1,800 = ₹324; total payable = ₹2,124. Reasoning: discount is applied to the taxable value first, then tax is computed on that reduced value.
Traps that cost marks
Adding GST on top of an MRP that is already inclusive of all taxes for pre-packaged goods; editing a completed bill instead of processing a return; forgetting the opening float when reconciling the drawer.