GST is where a lot of new sellers get stuck — not because it’s impossibly complex, but because the rules feel scattered. This guide pulls the essentials into one place so you can sell online in India with confidence. (It’s general information, not tax advice — check specifics with a professional.)
Do you need to register for GST?
It depends on two things: your turnover and how you sell.
- Your own store, your own gateway — the standard turnover thresholds apply. Many small sellers start below the threshold and register as they grow.
- Marketplaces — platforms like Amazon and Flipkart typically require a GSTIN to list, regardless of turnover.
- Selling across states — interstate supply can change your obligations.
If you’re close to a threshold or unsure, register early. It’s easier to be compliant from day one than to backfill invoices later.
HSN codes: get them right once
Every product needs the correct HSN code, which determines its GST rate. Set this when you create the listing and it flows automatically into every invoice. Getting HSN codes wrong is the most common compliance mistake — and the easiest to avoid up front. See add products with HSN codes.
What a compliant tax invoice needs
A GST-compliant invoice generally includes:
- Your business name and GSTIN
- A unique, sequential invoice number
- Buyer details (and GSTIN for B2B)
- Product description with HSN code
- Taxable value, GST rate, and the CGST/SGST or IGST split
- The total payable
Generating these by hand is error-prone. The right platform produces them automatically as a PDF for every order — see how GST invoices are generated.
CGST, SGST and IGST in plain terms
- Intra-state sale (you and the buyer in the same state) → split into CGST + SGST.
- Inter-state sale (different states) → a single IGST.
Your platform should decide this automatically from the shipping address, so you never calculate it manually.
Input tax credit — don’t leave money on the table
Registered sellers can claim input tax credit (ITC) on GST paid for business expenses — including software subscriptions that are billed with GST. Add your GSTIN to your billing profile so your platform subscription invoice qualifies. Over a year, this meaningfully lowers your real cost.
Filing returns
Registration brings periodic returns (such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B). Keep clean records: every order should have a numbered tax invoice and a clear tax breakup. When your invoicing is automated and consistent, return filing — or handing data to your accountant — gets much simpler.
How QuicShop keeps GST off your plate
QuicShop is built for Indian compliance: set the HSN code on each product, and every order generates a GST-compliant invoice automatically, with the correct CGST/SGST/IGST split based on the delivery address. Add your GSTIN to claim input tax credit on your subscription. See Is QuicShop GST-compliant? or pick a plan and start selling — compliant from your first order.
Frequently asked
Do I need GST registration to sell online in India?
It depends on your turnover and how you sell. Selling from your own store through your own payment gateway follows the standard registration thresholds, but many marketplaces require GST regardless of turnover. Confirm the current rules for your situation with a tax professional.
What is an HSN code and why does it matter?
An HSN code classifies your product for GST and sets the applicable tax rate. Every product on your store should carry the correct HSN code so invoices calculate tax accurately and stay compliant.
Can I claim input tax credit on my store subscription?
Yes. If your platform bills you with GST and you're registered, you can claim input tax credit on the subscription. Add your GSTIN to your billing details so it appears on your invoices.