GST Registration Fees in India: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Apr 30, 2025 - 11:45

Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a transformative tax reform in India since its implementation in 2017. It simplifies indirect taxation and ensures transparency in the system. However, many businesses and startups still have questions about the cost of GST registration and whether any fees apply.

If you're starting a business or expanding your operations, this blog will help you understand the GST registration fees in 2025, including government charges, professional fees, and other associated costs.

Is GST Registration Free?

✅ Yes, GST registration is free of cost on the government portal.

The Government of India does not charge any fee for GST registration if you apply directly through the official portal:

However, many businesses choose to hire consultants or CA firms for assistance, especially to ensure accuracy and timely approval. In such cases, professional service charges apply.

Who Needs to Register for GST?

Here’s a quick overview of who is mandatorily required to register:

Category	Threshold Limit
Businesses (Goods)	Turnover above ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for special category states)
Businesses (Services)	Turnover above ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states)
E-commerce sellers	Mandatory, regardless of turnover
Inter-state suppliers	Mandatory
Casual taxable persons	Mandatory
Agents of suppliers	Mandatory

GST Registration Fees by Type

While the government doesn’t charge for registration, service providers and consultants charge based on the complexity and services provided. Here's a general idea of GST registration charges in 2025:

Type of Applicant	Professional Fees (Approx.)
Individual / Proprietor	₹500 – ₹1,500
Partnership Firm / LLP	₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Private Limited Company	₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Non-Resident Taxpayer	₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Casual Taxable Person	₹2,500 – ₹4,000

Note: Fees may vary based on the consultant’s experience, location, and services bundled (like DSC, PAN, or follow-up support).

What Do These Fees Typically Include?

When hiring a GST consultant or CA firm, the registration fee usually covers:

Consultation to determine eligibility
Preparation of documents
Filing application on the GST portal
Handling OTP and verification issues
Clarifications if the application is queried
Final GSTIN allotment
Optional: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), if needed

GST Registration Process in Brief

Visit the GST Portal – https://www.gst.gov.in/
Click on ‘New Registration’
Fill in basic details – PAN, mobile number, email
Verify via OTP
Upload documents – PAN, Aadhaar, proof of business address, bank details
ARN Generation – Application Reference Number
Verification by GST officer
GSTIN Allotted – If approved

Penalties for Not Registering

If you are required to register under GST but fail to do so:

Penalty: 10% of the tax due or ₹10,000 (whichever is higher)
For deliberate evasion: Penalty can go up to 100% of the tax due

It’s safer (and cheaper) to register on time and stay compliant.

Can You Register for GST Without a Consultant?

Yes, absolutely. If you're comfortable with online forms and documentation, you can register yourself through the GST portal for free.

However, here are some scenarios where hiring a professional might be helpful:

Multiple business branches or states
Complex ownership structures
E-commerce selling
International suppliers or exports
Need for fast turnaround and error-free application

Documents Required for GST Registration

Here’s a basic list of documents required (may vary slightly by applicant type):

PAN of the applicant
Aadhaar card
Proof of business address (rent agreement, utility bill, etc.)
Bank statement or cancelled cheque
Passport-sized photo of owner
Authorization letter or board resolution (for firms or companies)

GST Registration for Freelancers and Online Sellers

Many freelancers and small online sellers often ask:

“Do I need to register for GST if my income is below ₹20 lakhs?”

If your total turnover is below the threshold and you’re not engaged in inter-state or e-commerce selling, GST registration is optional.
If you’re selling via Amazon, Flipkart, or any e-commerce platform, registration is mandatory regardless of turnover.

Conclusion

GST registration is free if done on your own, but many opt for professional services for hassle-free processing. While government charges are nil, consultant fees vary based on your business structure and complexity.

Timely registration ensures you avoid penalties, stay compliant, and build trust with clients and vendors. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or expanding company — understanding GST registration costs is the first step toward tax readiness.