GST
GST registration for freelancers: when you need it and when you do not
Not every freelancer needs GST registration. Here is how the turnover threshold works, what counts towards it, and how GST treats work for clients outside India.
Income tax, GST and money in India, explained clearly.
Plain-English guides and calculators for Indian tax and money. Every page shows its tax year, its sources and who checked it.
Popular: Income tax calculator Income-tax Act, 2025 GST for freelancers
- Official sources on every guide
- Tax year on every page
- Reviewed by Chartered Accountants
Worked example, Tax Year 2026-27
Salary ₹10 lakh, ₹1.5 lakh of deductions
New regime
₹0
Old regime
₹75,400
The rebate brings new-regime tax to zero here. See every step
Start with your situation
Pick the line that sounds like you. Each one opens the most useful tool or guide.
- I earn a salary See which tax regime leaves more in your pocket, with every step shown. Compare regimes
- I freelance or consult Compare the 50% presumptive scheme with your real expenses, and plan advance tax. Plan my tax
- I bill clients or run a business Four questions to see if GST registration applies to you, and why. Check GST
- I want to start investing Five plain steps, from an emergency fund to your first SIP. No tips, no picks. Start here
- I live outside India When an NRI needs to file in India, and what income counts. Read the answer
Free tax calculators that show their working
Every step, rate and rule is visible. Your figures stay in your browser.
- Income Tax Calculator: new vs old regime Estimate your income tax for Tax Year 2026-27 or FY 2025-26 and compare the new and… Available, CA check pending
- Freelancer Tax Planner: presumptive vs regular See what tax you might pay on freelance or professional income under the presumptive scheme and… Available, CA check pending
- GST Registration Checker for freelancers and service providers Answer four questions to see whether GST registration is likely to be required for your services… Available, CA check pending
- Salary and CTC Calculator Planned: turn a cost-to-company figure into an estimate of monthly take-home pay, with provident fund, professional… Coming later
- NRI Tax Residency Explorer Planned: work through the day-count rules to see whether you are likely to be resident, not… Coming later
Next advance tax date
15 December 2026: 75% of the year's tax should be paid
Applies if your tax for Tax Year 2026-27, after TDS, is ₹10,000 or more. Freelancers using the presumptive scheme can pay it all by 15 March. After that: 15 March 2027 (100%).
Start with these guides
All guidesCommon money myths
Things people often get wrong about tax and investing. Open one to see what the rules actually say.
MythIncome up to ₹12 lakh is always tax-free.
Only under the new regime, for resident individuals. Salaried people can earn up to ₹12.75 lakh without paying tax, thanks to the ₹75,000 standard deduction. Income taxed at special rates, such as some capital gains, is treated differently.
Read the full explanationMythThe ₹20 lakh GST limit means ₹20 lakh of income is tax-free.
They are unrelated. ₹20 lakh is the turnover at which most service providers must register for GST. Income tax depends on your taxable income and regime.
Read the full explanationMythFreelancers paid from abroad do not pay tax in India.
If you are resident in India, fees from foreign clients are taxable here, just like fees from Indian clients. Being paid in dollars does not change that.
Read the full explanationMyth"Zero brokerage" means investing costs nothing.
Taxes and charges such as STT, exchange fees, stamp duty, GST and demat charges still apply. Always read the full charge sheet.
Read the full explanationTax questions people ask us
All questionsNot sure which tax regime suits you?
Put in your salary and deductions and see both regimes side by side, with every step of the working shown. Your figures never leave your browser.