Answer four questions. Know whether you must register for GST, and how close you are.
Include foreign clients, AdSense and barter value
Creators and freelancers almost always supply services.
Do you need GST registration?
Quick answer
You must register for GST once your aggregate turnover in a financial year crosses ₹20 lakh for services (₹10 lakh in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura). Income from foreign clients and AdSense counts towards this limit even though exports are zero-rated. Below the limit, registration is optional.
Add up everything you billed this financial year (April to March), including foreign clients, AdSense and the value of barter deals. That is your aggregate turnover.
We compare it with the threshold for your state and for what you supply: services, or goods only.
If you are close to the limit we warn you early, because you must apply within 30 days of crossing it.
If you have foreign clients, we explain export of services: you usually file an LUT and charge no GST on exports, but the amounts still count towards the threshold.
A video editor in Maharashtra with ₹17 lakh turnover, some from US clients
Not compulsory yet, but close: plan registration now.
GST and non-GST invoices with UPI QR and PDF download.
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