An online seller can sell its products on various e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho etc. The online platform charges a commission from the seller as a certain percentage of the sale price. Let us discuss the GST registration, return filing requirements and invoicing rules for online sellers.
A person who sells goods on e-commerce platforms needs to get registered under GST and get a GST Identification Number (GSTIN). The basic exemption limit of Rs 40 lakh (for normal category states) and Rs 20 lakhs (for north eastern states) does not apply to online sellers. A person can register on online selling platforms only if registered under GST. Let us discuss the registration requirements in different scenarios:
GST is a destination-based tax system. Thus, goods and services are taxed where they are consumed and not at the place of origin. Place of supply is very important under GST as it determines the nature of the tax to be paid.
One simple question which arises here is “Who pays GST? The seller or the e-commerce operator.” The answer to this is “the seller”. The e-commerce operator acts as a commission agent between the buyer and the seller. The seller sells the goods directly to the customer; they are liable to pay GST.
Thus, the seller must issue a GST invoice to the buyer with GSTIN, address, product details, quantity, tax rate, tax payable, etc.
Big platforms like Amazon and Flipkart provide the sellers with a facility to generate invoices from their platform. The seller can just print the invoice and deliver the product to the customer along with the invoice.
The return filing provisions under GST are the same for online and offline sellers. GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B should be filed monthly or quarterly, depending on your QRMP preference selection.
Points to be noted:
No, there is no requirement for a special registration under GST to sell goods online. If one is already registered, they can use the same GSTIN.
An e-commerce platform like Amazon must deduct TCS at 1% from the total sale amount. This amount can be claimed as ITC by the online sellers. It will get reflected in the TCS statement of the seller. The seller must match the actual sales with this statement and accept the TCS.
The e-commerce operator will pay the sale amount after deducting the commission, packaging and delivery charges, TCS, godown/ storage charges, or other additional charges.
Yes, some online platforms like Amazon gave an option to the buyer to add his GSTIN. This enables the buyer to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) for such an invoice.
Online sellers on e-commerce platforms must register under GST. They need to follow GST rules and invoicing guidelines. Return filing is required monthly or quarterly. FAQs cover special registration, TCS deduction, and payment details for sellers.