Do You Actually Need a GST Number? A Small Business Guide

Goods sellers register above ₹40 lakh turnover; service providers above ₹20 lakh (half that in special-category states)

Sell inter-state or on Amazon/Flipkart? You must register from rupee one, regardless of turnover

Registration on the official portal is completely free; agents charge ₹2,000–5,000 only for help

The Rule 14A scheme (live since 1 Nov 2025) grants registration in 3 working days for low-risk small applicants

Composition scheme lets tiny firms pay 1–6% flat tax with almost no paperwork, but no input credit and no inter-state sales