Know GST registration fees by business type, CA charges, late penalties & online payment methods. Start at ₹499. Avoid fines & stay compliant.
GST registration is a crucial step for businesses in India, ensuring compliance with tax laws. The GST registration fees vary depending on factors like the business structure and the type of registration required. For instance, Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), individual proprietors, LLPs, and private limited companies all face different charges for GST registration.
In general, the fees are affordable, with many services offering GST registration starting as low as ₹499. The cost may vary depending on the complexity of your business, additional professional services required, and any state-specific regulations. Understanding these fees and how they differ based on your business structure will help you plan your expenses better. Whether you’re a startup, an established business, or a non-resident taxable person, it’s essential to know the costs involved and the benefits of being GST-registered.
In this blog, we will break down GST registration fees, including professional charges, compliance costs, and penalties. We will also explore how businesses can optimize GST-related expenses while ensuring tax compliance and avoiding financial liabilities.
The cost of GST registration starts @₹499/- only with Vakilsearch. The following are the charges of GST registration for different categories,
| Particulars | GST Registration Fees |
| Hindu Undivided Family ( HUF) | ₹499/- |
| Sole Proprietors and Individuals | |
| Partnerships and LLPs | |
| Private Limited & Registered Companies |
Failure to register for GST can result in penalties:
- A fine of 10% of the tax due, with a minimum of ₹10,000/-
- For cases involving tax evasion, the penalty is 100% of the unpaid tax.
Its essential for any business dealing with goods crossing Rs 40 lakhs or services crossing Rs 20 lakhs annually. In special category states, turnover for services is ₹20 lakhs.
What are the GST Registration Fees by CA?
CAs offer a range of GST-related services, and their fees typically include:
- GST Return Filing: Fees range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the complexity and volume of transactions.
- Consultancy Services: Charges apply for compliance assistance, registration, and audit services. These fees vary based on the scope of work.
GST Renewal Fees
Renewal of GST registration itself does not attract any additional fee. GST registration is valid for life long meaning that once a business has registered, it only needs to file returns regularly and remain GST compliant, there are no renewal fees needed.
What are the GST Late Fees and Penalties?
Failure to file GST returns on time results in daily penalties that accumulate until the return is filed.
Late Fee Structure for GST Returns:
| Condition | GST Late Fee (₹) | Breakdown |
| Delay in filing with tax liability | ₹50 per day | ₹25 per day for CGST + ₹25 per day for SGST |
| Delay in filing with no tax liability (NIL Return) | ₹20 per day | ₹10 per day for CGST + ₹10 per day for SGST |
Even for filing what is known as “Zero returns,” you may be charged penalties for being late. For instance, when sales or transactions need to be reported under the GSTR-3B, there is no sales or transaction and hence no GST liability; but the late fee is applicable.
Also Read: GST Penalties
GST Appeal Fees & Process
If a taxpayer disagrees with a GST ruling, they can file an appeal with the Appellate Authority.
Facts About GST Appeal Fees:
- Appeals must be filed within 3 months from the date of the disputed order.
- An additional 1-month extension may be granted if a valid reason is provided.
The appeal fee includes:
- The total amount of tax, interest, fine, and penalty as per the disputed order.
- 10% of the disputed tax amount (for cases under appeal).
- No fee is required if the appeal is filed by a GST officer or Commissioner.
GST Course Fees
Professionals and businesses can enroll in GST certification courses to gain expertise in GST compliance and filing.
Course Fee Breakdown:
- Basic GST Courses: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
- Advanced GST Compliance Courses: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
- GST Practitioner Certification: ₹12,000 – ₹15,000
Benefits of GST Courses:
- Understand GST laws and compliance requirements.
- Learn GST return filing and reconciliation techniques.
- Improve professional credibility and career prospects.
Factors Influencing GST Registration Fees
Third and most importantly, GST in India is still rather young in terms of technology, handling and legal environment. The first four years have posed difficulties like instability emanating from basic implementation, falsification of the input tax credit (ITC), and problems with the Goods and Services Tax Information Technology (GST IT) network. The factors have therefore influenced revenue collection.
Professional Assistance Costs
The CA or tax consultant may have a positive or negative impact on the cost of GST compliance.
- Hiring Chartered Accountants (CAs) or tax consultants increases GST-related expenses for services like registration, return filing, and compliance management.
- GST registration fees vary based on the complexity of services and the scale of the business.
While professional assistance can add to overall expenses, it often ensures accuracy and compliance, minimizing potential penalties.
Business Type and Scale
GST-related costs differ based on the type of business entity:
- Proprietorships: Typically incur lower costs, ranging from ₹2,000/- to ₹10,000/-
- Partnerships: Moderate costs, between ₹3,000/- and ₹12,000/-
- Companies: Higher costs, ranging from ₹3,000/- to ₹15,000/-
State-Specific GST Registration Fees
GST registration fees and compliance costs can vary across states due to specific local regulations and charges.
- There are some additional charges that the states levy on GST registration or there are some different rules and regulations for the same.
- Each state has their own laws when it comes to registration and this may put a variation on the overall cost of operating the compliance management.
Changes in Government Policies
Modifications in GST policies or amendments can directly affect compliance costs and procedural fees.
- Amendments in GST laws or regulations may influence costs related to compliance or appeals.
- Staying informed about policy updates is essential for effective fee management.
Staying informed about policy updates helps businesses adapt efficiently and maintain compliance.
For GST filing the fees in proprietorship firms range between ₹2,000/- to ₹10,000/-. Partnership firms normally charge from ₹ 3000/- to ₹ 12000/- and companies are said to pay more commonly ranging from ₹ 3000/- to ₹ 15000/-.
How to Calculate GST Registration Fees?
Using the GST calculator is simple and quick. Just follow these steps:
- Step 1: Input the total cost of service or goods after reducing all the overhead costs. Choose last ID, service details and select an appropriate GST rate from 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% or 28%.
- Step 2: Click the ‘calculate’ button. The Vakilsearch GST calculator will then show the amount of tax under each head: CGST, SGST or IGST and the total amount of tax including the product or service to be charged.
Using a GST Fees Calculator
Computing GST-related fees such as late fees, appeal, and charge attracts from accountants reduce with the help of online tools.
- There are built-in GST calculators on the official website of GST or on other third-party websites.
- The tools assist the users in a way that they can easily determine the relevant fees according to their preferences.
How to Manually Calculate GST Late Fees?
To determine late fees for delayed GST return filing:
- Identify the number of days delayed.
- Apply the following late fee structure
- ₹50 per day for regular GST returns (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST).
- ₹20 per day for NIL GST returns (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST).
Multiply the applicable fee by the number of days delayed.
Example Calculation:
-
- If a GST return is delayed by 10 days with a tax liability:
₹50 × 10 days = ₹500 (Total Late Fee) - If a NIL return is delayed by 5 days:
₹20 × 5 days = ₹100 (Total Late Fee)
- If a GST return is delayed by 10 days with a tax liability:
How to Pay GST Fees Online?
GST registration fees can be paid directly on the GST Portal using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, or NEFT/RTGS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pay GST Fees Online:
- Log in to the GST Portal using your GSTIN and password.
- Navigate to “Services” > “Payments” > “Challan History.”
- Select the CPIN link for the challan to be paid.
- Choose a payment mode:
-
- Net Banking: Select your bank and proceed with online payment.
- Credit/Debit Card: Choose a payment gateway and complete the transaction. Download the receipt for record-keeping.
Alternative Payment Methods:
- Offline Payment at Banks – Pay via NEFT/RTGS at authorized GST banks.
- Challan-Based Payments – Generate a challan on the GST portal and pay in person.
Conclusion on GST Registration Charges
GST registration is free on the government portal, but businesses often incur professional fees ranging from ₹500 to ₹5,000 for CAs, consultants, and compliance services. Additional costs include DSC registration, GST return filing, and advisory fees, depending on business type and complexity.
While there are no renewal fees, businesses must ensure timely GST return filings to avoid penalties. Late fees, appeal charges, and tax fines apply for non-compliance. Understanding GST registration costs, exemptions, and compliance obligations helps businesses minimize financial risks and maintain regulatory adherence.
By optimizing GST-related expenses, businesses can ensure smooth tax compliance, better cash flow, and legal security. Engaging professional assistance for GST registration, filings, and advisory support ensures accuracy, preventing penalties while maintaining a high GST compliance rating and smooth business operations.
FAQs on GST Fees for Registration
Is GST registration free?
Yes, GST registration is completely free if you register yourself on the official GST portal. The government does not charge any fee for the registration process. However, if you hire a professional, such as a tax consultant or a chartered accountant (CA), they may charge a service fee for assisting with the registration.
What are the additional costs for hiring professional GST services?
Hiring a Chartered Accountant or tax consultant for GST-related services can incur additional costs, which vary depending on the complexity of services such as registration, return filing, and compliance. Professional fees generally range from ₹1,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the business size and nature of the services.
How do I pay GST appeal fees online?
To pay GST appeal fees, log in to the GST portal, navigate to the Payments section, and select the relevant appeal. Then, follow the prompts to pay the fee through available payment methods like Net Banking or Credit/Debit Cards.
Are there any waivers for GST late fees under special circumstances?
In certain cases, GST late fees may be waived or reduced if the delay was due to genuine reasons, such as system outages or natural calamities. Businesses must provide valid proof of these circumstances to request a waiver or reduction in fees.
Can I adjust overpaid GST fees against future payments?
Yes, if you have overpaid GST fees, you can adjust the excess amount against future GST liabilities. This can be done through the GST portal, where the system allows you to apply the overpaid amount to the next return or payment.
