# GST Registration Eligibility Checker

> You must register for GST once aggregate turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services (₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh in some special-category states). Some businesses must register from the first rupee — inter-state suppliers of goods, most e-commerce sellers, casual and non-resident taxable persons, and those liable under reverse charge. Apply within 30 days of becoming liable.

Interactive calculator: https://www.industax.com/calculators/gst-registration-eligibility

- **Goods threshold:** ₹40 lakh
- **Services threshold:** ₹20 lakh
- **Apply within:** 30 days of liability

## Compulsory registration regardless of turnover

- Inter-state supplies of goods
- Sellers of goods through e-commerce operators (with limited relief for small intra-state sellers)
- Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons
- Persons liable to pay tax under reverse charge
- E-commerce operators and those required to deduct TDS or collect TCS under GST
- Input service distributors
- Online information and database access services supplied from abroad to Indian consumers

## Who doesn't need to register

- Businesses below the threshold making only intra-state supplies
- Those supplying only exempt or nil-rated goods or services
- Agriculturists supplying their own produce
- Service providers making inter-state supplies below ₹20 lakh

## Voluntary registration

Businesses below the threshold can register voluntarily — useful when B2B customers want to claim input tax credit, for selling on marketplaces, or to export services under an LUT. Once registered, all GST obligations apply.

## Worked example: online seller below the threshold

1. A home-made products seller in Telangana sells ₹12 lakh a year on a marketplace, only within the state.
2. Turnover is below ₹40 lakh, and intra-state e-commerce sellers of goods below the threshold can sell without registration under the relief available since October 2023, subject to conditions.
3. Selling to buyers in other states through the marketplace would require registration.

**Result:** Registration not mandatory while sales stay intra-state and below the threshold.

## FAQs

### Do freelancers with foreign clients need GST registration?

Only once aggregate turnover — including export receipts — crosses ₹20 lakh. Below that, registration is optional. Above it, register and file an LUT to export without paying IGST.

### How long does GST registration take?

Usually 3–7 working days after a complete application, if Aadhaar authentication is done and no clarification is sought. Physical verification can add time.

### What is the penalty for not registering?

Tax due with interest, plus a penalty of 10% of the tax due (minimum ₹10,000), or 100% where the evasion is deliberate.

## Official sources

- GST portal: https://www.gst.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/calculators/gst-registration-eligibility
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.