We apply the Lie theory to determine the infinitesimal generators of the one-parameter point transformations which leave invariant the 3 + 1 Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov equation. We solve the classification problem of the one-dimensional optimal system, while we derive all the possible independent Lie invariants; that is, we determine all the independent similarity transformations which lead to different reductions. For an application, the results are applied to prove the existence of travel-wave solutions. Furthermore, the method of singularity analysis is applied where we show that the 3 + 1 Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov equation possess the Painlevé property and its solution can be written by using a Laurent expansion.