Under the GST system, it is required for all businesses (manufacturing, services, trading) to register for GST, if they meet the basic threshold limit of having an annual turnover of ₹40 lakhs (for goods) and ₹20 lakhs (for services).

The GST registration process can be done online on the GST portal and requires businesses to furnish specific details. Quite naturally, the question asked in such cases is – Are there any GST registration fees? Let’s try to answer the question and understand the GST registration charges (if any), and whether or not based on the type of taxpayer (i.e. normal, casual, non-resident, etc.) there is any GST registration cost.

Let’s dive in!

Important: There are no GST registration charges or fees. Any business can register on the GST portal for free at zero cost. 

What are the fees of GST registration?

GST registration is required for businesses if they meet the basic GST registration threshold limit or as the case might be. Non-compliance can result in heavy penalties and fines.

That is, if a business that is eligible does not register itself under GST, it can be fined 10% of the amount due or up to ₹10,000 for non-compliance. In cases where there has been an attempt at tax evasion, penalty will be charged at 100% of the amount due.

It’s a simple yet time-consuming process that requires businesses to furnish various business details. But the registration can be done for free without any charges on the GST portal.

Types of fees and charges

For GST registration, there are mainly 3 types of fees as shown below:

1. Application fee : Required to apply for GST registration
2. Professional fee : If one requires any professional assistance/GST Practitioner to apply for GST registration
3. Government fee : Fees payable to the government after the approval of GST registration

Consulting charges

GST registration on the GST portal is free of charge. However, it is a time-consuming process and based on the type of business (i.e., proprietor, LLP, Company etc.) the documents required for GST registration and the steps, vary.

To solve for this, there are several reliable tax professionals and service providers who can help you with GST registration.

As these professionals are offering services, they may charge fees for assisting you with GST registration. This fee will vary based on the size (turnover) of your company, type of business, and the type of taxpayer.

However, it is important to remember that the fee is not GST registration cost but fee for their service rendered. Moreover, in most cases, these are offered as bundled services, to make it more lucrative for the taxpayer.

Sample GST registration cost package:

Sample 1: Basic GST registration services

This may include:

• Online application for GST registration
• Username and password generation (Login credentials)
• Document submission and verification
• Profile creation and business details update
• GSTIN number generation
• GST registration certificate download
• Professional service fee for GST registration: ₹1,800 (+ taxes)
• Add-on service: Opt for Composition Scheme (₹500 additional one-time cost)
• Add-on service: Amendment to GST registration (₹750 additional one-time cost)

Sample 2: GST registration and e-Invoicing

All services included in the GST registration package.

• Setting up of GST e-Invoicing system
• Training and support to generate e-Invoices under GST
• Professional service charges: ₹3,200 (+taxes)
• Add-on service: e-Way bill registration (₹500 additional one-time cost)
• Add-on service: Amendment to GST registration (₹500 additional one-time cost)

(Note: In cases where e-Invoicing or similar integration and training are provided, cost of software is not included)

Sample 3: GST registration and GST return filing (Annual)

• All services included in the basic GST registration package
• Filing of GST returns on a monthly/quarterly basis (as applicable)
• Professional service fees: ₹9,999 (+taxes)

(Note: This does not include accounting. Only returns filing on GST portal)

The samples provided above will help you to understand how different service providers offer specific and bundled services to assist you with GST. In all cases, GST registration cost is NIL and the prices charged are for the services they are rendering.

What factors impact GST registration cost?

As explained previously, you will have to pay no GST registration charges on the portal. However, if you are seeking professional help from a CA or GST Practitioner, there may be additional service charges. However, this amount is not fixed and will vary based on numerous factors.

• Annual turnover: The fees may vary based on the annual turnover of the business. For instance, professional service on GST registration fees for businesses with less than ₹2 crore in annual turnover could be be ₹2,000 whereas for businesses with over ₹10 crores in annual turnover, the fee may be ₹10,000.
• Type of business: Based on the nature of your business, the tax consultant might charge GST registration fees. For instance, the fees for sole-proprietorship GST registration or e-Commerce GST registration might be ₹2,000 whereas, to register an LLP, it might be ₹3,500. This is because for an LLP, there are additional documents required including integrating a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for authorising signatures. This has to be acquired separately and is not included in the professional’s charges.

In general, if you are registering as an individual or sole proprietor, the registration service charges by a professional will be lesser, as it requires lesser paperwork and compliance requirements. How partnership firms and companies, the efforts required are higher and hence the CA or tax professional may charge a higher GST registration fee.

*This article is for information only. Please visit the official GST portal for more information. You may also consult with a tax professional, GST practitioner or CA for professional advice.

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