FY 2026-27

GST Registration Checker for freelancers and service providers

Answer four questions to see whether GST registration is likely to be required for your services business, and why.

Not yet checked by a Chartered Accountant. This calculator follows the official rules listed on this page and passes our worked examples, but an expert has not signed it off yet. Use the result as a guide, and check with a qualified professional before you file or pay.

Answer four questions

1. Where is your business based?

2. Expected total turnover this financial year

Add up all your fees across India and from abroad, including exports and any exempt services.

3. Who are your clients? Tick all that apply.

Clients in my own state Clients in other Indian states Clients outside India

4. Do any of these apply to you?

I also sell goods, not only services I sell through an online marketplace that deducts tax collected at source (TCS) I supply occasionally from a state where I have no fixed place of business I have been told I must pay GST under reverse charge, or I am not sure

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What it covers

Suppliers of services only
The Rs 20 lakh threshold and the Rs 10 lakh threshold in special category states
Clients in your state, other states and outside India
When to file an LUT for exports

What it does not cover

Suppliers of goods
Composition scheme
Online marketplace sellers subject to TCS, casual taxable persons and reverse charge cases (the checker refers you to a professional)
GST rates and amounts

How this checker works

The checker compares your expected aggregate turnover with the registration threshold for your state, then looks at who your clients are and whether any special situation applies. It explains its answer with the rules behind it. It does not calculate GST amounts.

The rules it applies

Service providers must register once aggregate turnover in a financial year crosses Rs 20 lakh, or Rs 10 lakh in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
Aggregate turnover includes supplies to clients in your state, in other states and outside India, and any exempt supplies.
Exports of services are zero-rated. Registered exporters can file a Letter of Undertaking to export without paying IGST upfront.
Some situations, such as selling goods or supplying through certain marketplaces, can make registration compulsory regardless of turnover. The checker sends these to a professional rather than guessing.

Read the full guide: GST registration for freelancers.

Frequently asked questions

Does this checker register me for GST?

No. It explains the general rules. Registration is done on the GST portal.

Why does it say "likely" for exporters below the threshold?

Published guidance differs on whether freelancers who only export services must register below the threshold. We show this point clearly until our reviewer has confirmed it.

Official sources

CGST Act, 2017, CBIC, Sections 22 and 24
IGST Act, 2017, CBIC, Section 16
GST portal, Goods and Services Tax Network

FinanceOpen is independent and is not affiliated with these bodies. Links open official websites in a new tab.

Guides that explain this

Spotted an error or something out of date? Report it to our editors. Read our corrections policy.

Calculator results are estimates for planning, based only on the figures you enter and the rules described on this page.

This page is general information to help you understand the topic. It is not tax, legal or financial advice for your situation. Rules can change; check the tax year shown above. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.