Selling online has never been easier, but it comes with GST rules that trip up many first-time sellers. Here's what you need to know before you list your first product.
Do online sellers need GST?
If you sell goods through an e-commerce marketplace like Amazon, Flipkart or Meesho, GST registration is generally required to list and sell — most marketplaces ask for a GSTIN at onboarding, regardless of turnover. Rules for small suppliers of certain services can differ, so confirm your exact case.
TCS by marketplaces
E-commerce operators collect Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on your sales and deposit it against your GSTIN. You then reconcile this in your GST returns, so accurate return filing matters more for online sellers than most.
What you'll need to stay compliant
- A valid GSTIN before you start selling.
- Correct HSN codes and GST rates on every product (remember GST 2.0 changed many rates).
- Monthly/quarterly return filing, reconciling marketplace TCS.
- Proper invoices for every sale.
Selling from your own website?
The same GST logic applies — you need a GSTIN, correct rates, proper invoices and timely returns. The advantage is you keep more margin without marketplace fees; the responsibility for compliance sits fully with you.
Get your registration and first few returns right, and online selling becomes routine. Get them wrong, and notices follow, so it pays to set it up properly from day one.
Get started with Govyapar →
This article is for general information based on rules current at the time of writing and is not professional advice. Rules change — confirm specifics with a Govyapar expert before acting.
← Back to all articles