GST registration becomes mandatory when your annual freelance receipts cross ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in some special category states). Here is what changes when you cross that threshold — and what does not.
What changes after GST registration:
You must charge 18% GST on domestic services and include it in your invoices. Clients who are GST-registered businesses can claim this as input tax credit — so it is not a net cost to them.
International clients — exports of services: Services provided to overseas clients are typically zero-rated exports. You do not charge GST to foreign clients but still need to register and file quarterly returns once your income crosses ₹20L.
How to register: Visit gst.gov.in. You will need PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, and proof of address. Process takes 3–7 working days.
After registration: File GSTR-1 (monthly/quarterly) and GSTR-3B (monthly). Use Zoho Books or ClearTax GST to automate this.
Includes take-home after 44ADA tax and a shareable rate card.
Open Rate CalculatorRate data sourced from Glassdoor, PayScale, Upwork (2026). Estimates only.