GST Registration Fees & Charges in India: Complete Guide

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a unified indirect tax system introduced in 2017 in India. It applies to the supply of goods and services across the country. GST registration is mandatory for businesses that cross the prescribed turnover limit in India. It is also required for specific categories like inter-state sellers and e-commerce operators. 

GST registration allows businesses to collect tax, claim Input Tax Credit, and stay compliant with the law.

This blog will help you understand GST registration fees and the complete cost breakdown in India. It covers government charges, professional service fees, and optional costs involved in the process.

What is GST Registration?

GST registration is the process by which a business registers under the Goods and Services Tax law.  After registration, a business receives a GSTIN, which allows it to collect GST from customers and remit it to the government. 

For example, a GSTIN might look like 22AAAAA0000A1Z5. This unique 15-digit number identifies the business under the GST law and is required for all tax-related transactions and invoices.

Who Must Register for GST?

Businesses must register for GST if their turnover crosses the prescribed turnover limit. For goods, the limit is Rs. 40 lakh in most states. For service-based businesses, the limit is Rs. 20 lakh. 

Special category states have lower GST registration limits for both goods and services. The threshold for them is Rs. 20 lakh for goods and Rs. 10 lakh for services. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.

GST registration is mandatory for certain businesses regardless of their annual turnover. These groups include:

• Interstate suppliers
• E-commerce sellers and operators 
• Non-resident taxable person
• Casual taxable person 
• Certain agents and input service distributors 

Interestingly, GST registration fees for individuals vary from those for an organization. GST rates are different for both scenarios, and different factors apply. Read ahead to get a complete breakdown of GST fees for new registration. You can also calculate the GST to be applied with RegisterKaro’s GST Calculator tool instantly.

What are the Fees for GST Registration in India? (Government & Professional)

The total GST registration charges include both government fees and any professional charges if you hire a consultant service. Understanding the detailed breakdown of these costs helps businesses plan their budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. 

1. Government Fees: Security Deposit for Certain Taxpayers

The Government of India does not charge any fee for GST registration. Applicants can register on the official GST portal (services.gst.gov.in) without paying a single rupee. This applies to regular businesses, proprietors, partnerships, and companies.

Casual Taxable and Non-Resident Taxable Persons, however, must pay a security deposit of approximately Rs. 500-10,000. This is not a registration fee but acts as an advance tax payment.

• A Casual Taxable Person is someone who supplies goods or services temporarily in another state. For example, a trader setting up a stall at a trade fair in Delhi for 10 days must deposit estimated GST in advance.
• A Non-Resident Taxable Person is a foreign business supplying goods or services in India. For example, a foreign company hosting an event in India must pay the estimated GST as a deposit before registration.

The deposit equals the expected GST liability for the registration period. The government adjusts it against actual tax dues later.

GST registration rules may be tricky for an NRI company or individual. Refer to how professional tax consulting services support non-resident businesses for a clear understanding.

2. Professional Service Fees for GST Registration in India

This section explains the real costs businesses may incur when they take professional help for GST registration.

Many businesses hire Chartered Accountants, tax consultants, or GST experts to handle registration. Professionals manage documentation, application filing, and portal follow-ups. This reduces errors and saves time.

Typical professional fee ranges (approximate) for different business types

Business Type	Typical Professional Fee Range (₹)	Reason for Cost Variation
Sole Proprietorship	₹1,000 – ₹3,000	A simple business structure with minimal documentation keeps professional fees low.
Partnership / LLP	₹2,000 – ₹5,000	Additional documents, such as the partnership deed and partner details, increase compliance efforts.
Private Limited / Limited Company	₹3,000 – ₹8,000	Requires extensive verification, director KYC, and higher statutory compliance checks.
E-commerce Seller	₹2,500 – ₹6,000	Mandatory GST registration and platform-specific documentation add complexity.
Casual / Non-Resident Taxable Person	₹5,000 – ₹12,000	Advance tax payment, limited registration validity, and additional approvals increase workload.

Professional charges are optional. Businesses can optionally hire consultants for assistance, with fees varying based on service scope and complexity.

3. Optional Costs

Some costs are not mandatory but are common during GST registration:

• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required for companies and LLPs.The cost usually ranges from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000.
• PAN fees: Applicable only if the applicant or entity does not already have a PAN.
• GST software or compliance services: Some providers bundle registration with billing or return-filing software. These tools help manage invoices and GST return filing later.

These costs are optional. However, many businesses choose them for smoother compliance and long-term ease. 

GST Registration Cost Examples & Case Scenarios

Below are practical examples to show what businesses usually spend on GST registration. These examples separate government costs from professional fees.

Example 1: GST Registration Cost for a Freelance Service Provider

A freelance designer crosses the Rs. 20 lakh turnover limit and applies for GST.

• Government registration fee: Rs. 0
• Professional fee (CA/consultant): Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000
• Optional costs (if any): Nil

Total expected cost: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000

Example 2: GST Registration Cost for a Small Retailer or Partnership Firms

A local retail shop selling goods opts for GST registration to enable inter-state sales.

• Government registration fee: Rs. 0
• Professional fee: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000
• Optional costs (DSC usually not required): Nil

Total expected cost: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000

Example 3: GST Registration Fee for a Startup Tech Company

A private limited startup providing software services registers under GST.

• Government registration fee: Rs. 0
• Professional fee: Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000
• DSC cost: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000

Total expected cost: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000

Cost Breakdown Table for Reference

Business Type	Government Fee	Professional Fee	Optional Costs	Total Cost
Freelance service providers	Nil	Rs. 1,500-3,000	Nil	Rs. 1,500-3,000
Small retailer/ Partnership Firms	Nil	Rs. 2,000-4,000	Nil	Rs. 2,000-4,000
Startup tech company	Nil	Rs. 4,000-8,000	Rs. 1,000-2,000	Rs. 5,000-10,000
Casual Taxable Person (CTP)	Nil	Rs. 3,000-5,000	Security deposit: Varies	Rs. 3,000- 6,000
Non-Resident Taxable Person (NRTP)	Nil	Rs. 5,000-12,000	Security deposit: Varies, DSC if company/LLP	Rs. 5,000 – 15,000

These examples show that GST registration itself is free. Most costs come from professional assistance and optional compliance tools.

GST Registration Online Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Help

Starting an e-commerce business involves several steps, from legal registration to setting up secure payment systems. While handling everything yourself (DIY) may seem cheaper initially, it can lead to errors, delays, or compliance issues that become costly later. Professional help ensures the process is smooth, saves time, and reduces the risk of mistakes. This makes the investment worthwhile for long-term success.

Understand both the approach for making informed decisions: 

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Approach

• Government fees: Rs. 0 for GST registration. 
• Time and effort: You handle GST documentation, form filling, and portal submission yourself. This may take several hours or days.
• Learning curve and risks: Errors in filing or incorrect details can lead to delays, rejections, or future compliance issues.

Professional Help

• Cost ranges: Typically Rs. 2,000-3,000 for freelancers or small businesses; higher for companies, e-commerce sellers, or non-resident applicants.
• Pros: Professionals ensure accurate filing, reduce errors, save time, and guide you through documentation and compliance requirements.
• Cons: Higher upfront expenses compared with DIY, though often worth it for smoother registration and fewer complications.

This comparison helps businesses decide whether to save on costs by doing it themselves or invest in expert support for efficiency. 

Factors Impacting GST Registration Charges 

GST registration costs can vary based on several factors:

• Business Complexity: Multiple branches, turnover levels, or interstate operations can increase registration effort and fees.
• Professional Assistance: Hiring a CA or consultant adds service charges, which differ by expertise and scope.
• Documentation Preparedness: Complete and accurate documents reduce time and cost, while missing paperwork can raise fees.
• Type of Business Entity: Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies may have different registration requirements affecting costs.
• Turnaround Time: Urgent or expedited registration services often involve higher professional fees.

Knowing the factors affecting GST registration helps plan costs effectively. Professional help ensures accurate, fast, and smooth registration.

Other Related Charges to Consider After Registration

Even after completing GST registration, businesses may incur additional costs related to ongoing compliance:

• GST return filing fees: Many businesses hire professionals or use software to file monthly, quarterly, or annual returns. Fees vary depending on the number of returns and complexity. It typically ranges:
  • Rs. 500-2,000 per month for small businesses.
  • Rs. 2,000-5,000 per month for medium-sized businesses.
  • Rs. 5,000–15,000 per month for large corporations.

• Penalty estimates for late registration and compliance: Late GST registration or delayed return filing can attract penalties. For example, late registration may require paying interest on tax dues, while late filing can incur fines up to Rs. 500 per return.
• Cost of amendments & duplicate certificates: Any changes to business details (like address, partner information, or trade name) require an amendment. Similarly, requesting a duplicate GST certificate may involve small administrative fees if processed via professionals.

These costs are not mandatory for registration but are commonly considered by businesses to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

GST registration is a crucial step for any business operating in India. While the government does not charge any fee for registration, professional fees and optional costs can affect the total expenditure. Understanding the breakdown of these costs helps businesses plan their budget, avoid errors, and maintain smooth compliance.

For a smooth GST registration, RegisterKaro provides expert guidance and end-to-end support for businesses. Contact us today! For saving time and ensuring accuracy for your company’s GST registration. 

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