GST Registration Fees Based on Business Type

If you run a business in India, you may have heard of GST. GST stands for Goods and Services Tax. It is a tax that businesses must pay to the government when they sell goods or services. If your business earns more than a certain amount of money, you must register for GST. But what about the GST registration fees? Does GST registration cost anything? The answer depends on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. There are also different types of GST registration costs based on the business type and the services required. Let’s explore the details.

Is GST Registration Free?

Yes, GST registration is completely free if you do it yourself on the government’s GST portal. The government does not charge any fee for registration. However, if you hire a professional, like a tax consultant or a chartered accountant (CA), they may charge you for their services.

GST Registration Fee Structure Based on Business Type

1. Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one person.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee (if hiring a CA or consultant): ₹500 – ₹3,000

2. Partnership Firm

A partnership firm is owned by two or more people who share profits and losses.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (varies based on services)

3. Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)

A private limited company is a business registered under the Companies Act.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (includes document preparation and filing)

4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP is a business where partners have limited liability.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000

5. E-commerce Sellers

Businesses selling through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or their own websites.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000

6. Casual Taxable Person

For businesses operating temporarily in India.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000

7. Non-Resident Taxable Person

For foreign businesses selling in India.

• Government Fee: ₹0
• Professional Fee: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

Documents Required for GST Registration 

To register for GST, you need:

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Business address proof
• Bank account details
• Digital signature (for companies and LLPs)

How to Register for GST?

1. Go to the GST portal (www.gst.gov.in).
2. Click on “New Registration.”
3. Fill in your business details.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Receive an OTP for verification.
6. Submit the application.
7. Receive your GST number within a few days.

Why Hire a Professional for GST Registration? 

While GST registration is free, it can be confusing. A professional can:

• Ensure all documents are correct.
• Help avoid mistakes.
• Speed up the process.
• Provide advice on tax benefits.

Who Needs to Register for GST?

Not all businesses need to register for GST. Here are some cases where GST registration is mandatory:

• If your business earns more than ₹40 lakh per year (₹20 lakh for some states).
• If you sell goods or services across different states.
• If you are an online seller.
• If you are a business that supplies taxable goods and services.
• If you are required to deduct TDS under GST.

Types of GST Registration

There are different types of GST registration, depending on your business type:

1. Normal Taxpayer: For regular businesses.
2. Casual Taxable Person: For businesses that operate temporarily, like in fairs or exhibitions.
3. Composition Scheme Taxpayer: For small businesses with low turnover.
4. Non-Resident Taxable Person: For businesses based outside India but selling in India.