Everything you need to know about GST, company registration, and selling on Amazon in India. From understanding GST basics to getting your private limited company registered and starting your e-commerce journey.
GST is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. It replaced multiple indirect taxes like VAT, Service Tax, Excise Duty, etc., creating a unified tax system.
Collected by Central Government on intra-state transactions. Rate varies from 2.5% to 14%.
Collected by State Government on intra-state transactions. Rate varies from 2.5% to 14%.
Collected by Central Government on inter-state transactions. Rate varies from 5% to 28%.
Applicable in Union Territories without legislature like Chandigarh, Daman & Diu.
| GST Rate | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Essential Items | Fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, bread |
| 5% | Necessity Items | Packaged food items, coal, medicines |
| 12% | Standard Items | Computers, processed food, umbrellas |
| 18% | Most Goods & Services | Soaps, toothpaste, capital goods, IT services |
| 28% | Luxury Items | Cars, ACs, cigarettes, aerated drinks |
Ownership: Single person
Liability: Unlimited
Registration: Not mandatory
Best for: Small businesses, freelancers
Ownership: 2-20 partners
Liability: Unlimited
Registration: Optional
Best for: Professional services, small businesses
Ownership: 2+ partners
Liability: Limited
Registration: Mandatory with MCA
Best for: Professional services, consultancy
Ownership: 2-200 shareholders
Liability: Limited
Registration: Mandatory with MCA
Best for: Startups, growing businesses
Ownership: 7+ shareholders
Liability: Limited
Registration: Mandatory with MCA
Best for: Large businesses, IPO plans
Ownership: Single person
Liability: Limited
Registration: Mandatory with MCA
Best for: Solo entrepreneurs
Obtain DSC for all directors from authorized agencies. Required for online filing with MCA.
Time: 1-2 days | Cost: ₹1,000-2,000 per DSCApply for DIN for all directors through MCA portal. Unique identification for directors.
Time: 1-2 days | Cost: ₹500 per DINReserve unique company name through RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service on MCA portal.
Time: 1-2 days | Cost: ₹1,000File SPICe+ form with MOA, AOA, and required documents. Includes PAN, TAN application.
Time: 10-15 days | Cost: ₹4,000-10,000Open current account with Certificate of Incorporation and other company documents.
Time: 3-7 days | Cost: As per bank chargesTime: 15-20 working days
Government Fees: ₹6,500-12,000
Professional Fees: ₹5,000-15,000
Total Cost: ₹12,000-30,000
Go to www.gst.gov.in and click on "Services" → "Registration" → "New Registration"
Enter basic details like legal name, trade name, PAN, mobile number, email ID. Verify OTP.
Complete detailed application with business details, address, bank account, authorized signatory details.
Upload required documents like PAN card, address proof, bank statement, incorporation certificate.
Review application, make payment if applicable, and submit. Track application status online.
Get 15-digit GSTIN (GST Identification Number) via email and SMS after approval.
Register your business (Pvt Ltd recommended) and obtain GST registration first.
Visit sellercentral.amazon.in and create seller account with business details.
Upload GST certificate, bank account details, PAN card, and address proof.
Add products with proper HSN codes, GST rates, and pricing.
Begin selling and ensure proper GST invoicing and compliance.
| Service | Typical Fees | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company Registration | ₹8,000 - ₹15,000 | 15-20 days |
| GST Registration | ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 | 3-7 days |
| Monthly GST Returns | ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 | Monthly |
| Annual ROC Filing | ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 | Annually |
| Income Tax Return | ₹2,000 - ₹10,000 | Annually |
Verify CA membership number on ICAI website. Ensure they are practicing CA.
Look for experience in your business domain and company registration expertise.
Compare fees and understand what services are included in the package.
Ensure good communication and responsiveness for ongoing relationship.
MCA is the government body responsible for regulating corporate affairs in India. It oversees company registration, compliance, and corporate governance.
Main portal for company registration, filing returns, and compliance. All corporate activities are managed here.
Search and verify company details, directors, financial information, and compliance status.
Download company master data, annual returns, and other public documents.
Online filing of various forms like incorporation, annual returns, changes in company details.
Go to www.mca.gov.in and click on "MCA Services" → "View Company/LLP Master Data"
Enter Company Name or CIN (Corporate Identification Number) to search for the company.
Check company name, CIN, registration date, status, registered office address, and authorized capital.
View current directors, their DIN numbers, appointment dates, and designation.
Check annual return filing status, last AGM date, and compliance history.
Download incorporation certificate, MOA, AOA, and annual returns for detailed verification.
| Status | Meaning | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Company is operational and compliant | Safe to do business |
| Strike Off | Company name removed from register | Cannot operate legally |
| Under Process of Striking Off | Striking off process initiated | Risky to do business |
| Amalgamated | Merged with another company | Check new entity details |
| Dissolved | Company legally dissolved | Cannot operate |
Duration: 1-2 days
Action: Decide business structure, choose company name, identify
directors/shareholders
Duration: 1 day
Action: Find and hire experienced CA for company registration and
compliance
Duration: 2-3 days
Action: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate and Director
Identification Number
Duration: 15-20 days
Action: File incorporation documents with MCA, get Certificate of
Incorporation
Duration: 3-7 days
Action: Apply for GST registration with company documents, get GSTIN
Duration: 3-7 days
Action: Open current account with incorporation certificate and GST
registration
Duration: 2-5 days
Action: Create Amazon seller account with all business documents
Duration: Ongoing
Action: List products, manage inventory, handle orders, maintain GST
compliance
| Component | Government Fees | Professional Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSC (2 Directors) | ₹2,000 | - | ₹2,000 |
| DIN (2 Directors) | ₹1,000 | - | ₹1,000 |
| Company Registration | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹14,000 |
| GST Registration | Free | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Bank Account | ₹2,000 | - | ₹2,000 |
| Amazon Registration | Free | - | Free |
| Total | ₹11,000 | ₹11,000 | ₹22,000 |
Total Setup Time: 25-35 working days
Total Investment: ₹22,000-30,000
Monthly Ongoing Cost: ₹3,000-5,000
Ready to Sell: Within 6 weeks