Today we’ll be covering GST for Indian Shopify Dropshipping Stores.

GST refers to the Goods and Services Tax Indians are subject to.

If you’re not from India, this post really doesn’t pertain to you.

Because we have a global audience, with a good portion located within the borders of India, we’ve been asked about GST quite often.

Enjoy the video below as Rito covers GST for Indian Dropshipping Businesses:

India does not make it easy for its people to conduct legitimate business.

In fact India ranks 100 out of 195 countries in the world when it comes to ease of conducting business.

That is not good, and the people in power should be ashamed.

There are so many things the Indian government could do to enhance commerce.

Unfortunately for entrepreneur minded Indians trying to get ahead…

You not only have to deal with much red tape, you’ve got to navigate corruption on top of other nonsense.

On top of all this, you also have to worry about a Goods & Service Tax.

How Do I Get A GST Number?

In order to obtain a GST number, you need a business.

Your business can be in the form of a sole proprietorship or OPC (One Person Company) or both. 

We recommend utilizing Sole Proprietorship, since it’s the easiest way to get you going.

After you’re established and know what it takes to run a successful business, you can then think about incorporating.

Once you’ve established your sole proprietorship, you’ll need to open a bank account prior to applying for your GST number.

Check out this GST guide from Amazon that walks you through the process.

Get Help Forming My Sole Proprietorship

There are several companies that will help you form a sole proprietorship.

Likewise, there are several companies that will help you acquire your GST number.

To get help with company formation, trademark filing, or registering a GST…

Use any of the following websites:

• IndiaFilings
• E-Startup India
• Legal Raasta

We are not affiliated in any way with the companies I just mentioned.

We’ve just seen many positive reviews for each, and feel they have the potential to be a viable resource for you.

You Can’t Run FB Ads Without A GST Number

Without a GST number, you cannot run Facebook ads.

Actually, you won’t be able to receive payment via PayPal either. 

Just about every other service needed to run a successful business from India, requires you to have a GST number. 

Do I Really Need To File For GST Number?

If you don’t advertise your website and products in India, and you don’t have any customers within the borders of India, you technically don’t need to pay GST.

You only need a GST number when you are selling to people within the actual country of India.

However, that being said, it’s likely the most e-Commerce platforms and associated services will all soon require GST numbers from Indian residents, regardless of your customer base.

For instance, we don’t advertise any of our products or services to India.

That means Rito is not liable to pay any GST for his businesses.

Paying GST Is Different Than Filing A GST

It’s important to understand that paying your GST and filing your GST are different.

You don’t have to pay GST if you’re not selling your products to Indians.

However, it is still required to file GST is you’re an India resident doing business.

In order to file a GST we recommend speaking with a local chartered accountant.

It will only take a few minute phone call.

The accountant will automatically file your GST when the time comes for a nominal fee.

That’ll do it for Episode 20 – Great work!

Questions, comments or just want to say hi?

We love hearing from you in the comments below!

Success by choice, not by chance,

-David Aston

P.S.

If you’re not kept in the loop via our #Bizathon definitely sign up today.

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