Am I Eligible? (Common Scenarios)
YouTuber / Freelancer
Providing services (ads, coding, consulting).
*Exports/foreign clients may need registration depending on structure—verify for your case.
Amazon / Flipkart Seller
Selling goods via e-commerce.
Note: Service providers may have threshold-based relief subject to conditions.
Inter-state Trader
Selling goods to other states.
Note: Inter-state services can have threshold-based relief in some cases—verify conditions.
State-wise Turnover Limits (Section 22)
₹10 Lakhs Limit
For Services (Special threshold States)
- • Manipur
- • Mizoram
- • Nagaland
- • Tripura
₹20 Lakhs Limit
For Goods (Lower threshold States)
- • Arunachal Pradesh
- • Manipur
- • Meghalaya
- • Mizoram
- • Nagaland
- • Puducherry
- • Sikkim
- • Telangana
- • Tripura
- • Uttarakhand
₹40L Goods / ₹20L Services
Most States/UTs
- • Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, etc.
- • Most other States and UTs
- • Always check compulsory cases (Section 24)
These are default threshold-based limits (Section 22). Compulsory registration cases (Section 24) can override thresholds.
What Counts in “Aggregate Turnover”?
GST threshold is based on aggregate turnover (PAN-India), not just your taxable sales. In simple terms, it usually includes:
- ✅ Taxable supplies (local + inter-state)
- ✅ Exempt / Nil-rated supplies
- ✅ Exports (goods/services)
- ✅ Supplies made across all States/UTs under same PAN
- ➖ GST itself charged on invoices
- ➖ Certain inward supplies under RCM (depends on scenario)
- ➖ Non-business income (generally outside GST scope)
Quick Examples
| Scenario | Turnover | Likely result | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer (Services) | ₹12 Lakh | Not required | Below services threshold in most States/UTs |
| Shop (Goods) in most States | ₹42 Lakh | Required | Crosses common ₹40L goods threshold |
| Goods via E-commerce | ₹2 Lakh | Often required | Many goods e-commerce cases fall under compulsory registration |
| Mixed business (Goods + Services) | ₹18 Lakh | Usually not required | Within safer services threshold used for mixed cases |
| RCM liability | ₹1 Lakh | Required | RCM can trigger compulsory registration regardless of turnover |
These are simplified examples for quick understanding. Actual outcome depends on notifications, exemptions, and your exact facts.
Section 24: Compulsory Registration (No Threshold)
Even if your turnover is very low, you may still need registration if you fall under compulsory categories such as:
Penalty for Non-Registration
Penalty can be ₹10,000 or an amount linked to tax due (depending on facts and proceedings). Enforcement action may include detention/seizure in certain cases.
Should I Register Voluntarily?
Pros (Why do it?)
- ✅ Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on purchases (laptops, rent, software, etc.).
- ✅ Sell to large B2B clients (many prefer GST invoices).
- ✅ Some e-commerce onboarding requires GSTIN.
- ✅ Trust factor for vendors/partners.
Cons (The Burden)
- ❌ Monthly/Quarterly return filing (GSTR-1 / GSTR-3B etc.).
- ❌ Late fee/interest exposure even during low sales months.
- ❌ Compliance cost (book-keeping/CA fees).
- ❌ Scheme restrictions depending on your business model.
Which Scheme to Choose?
| Feature | Regular Scheme | Composition Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | All Businesses | Turnover < ₹1.5 Cr (Goods) / ₹50L (Services) |
| Input Tax Credit | Available | Not Available |
| Inter-state Sale | Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Tax Rate | 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% (as per goods/services) | Flat rates (varies by category) |
Documents Required for Registration
- PAN Card of Business/Owner
- Aadhaar Card of Promoters
- Photograph of Owner/Partners
- Bank Account Details (Cancelled Cheque)
- Proof of Business Address (Bill/Rent Agreement)
- Digital Signature (DSC) for Companies/LLP