GST has been in effect since July 2017, but Indian freelancers — especially those working in IT, design, writing, and consulting — still have questions about registration thresholds, applicable rates, and how to structure invoices. This guide answers all of them and shows you how to calculate GST amounts instantly with ToollyX.
You must register for GST if your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh(₹10 lakh for special category states: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura). For service providers, this threshold applies to total service income from all clients.
However, if you provide services to clients outside India (export of services), you may need to register regardless of turnover to claim Input Tax Credit, and all such exports are zero-rated (0% GST).
Common freelance service categories and their GST rates:
| Service Type | GST Rate | HSN/SAC Code |
|---|---|---|
| IT software services, web development | 18% | SAC 998314 |
| Graphic design, illustration | 18% | SAC 998392 |
| Content writing, copywriting | 18% | SAC 998392 |
| Digital marketing, SEO | 18% | SAC 998361 |
| Photography, videography | 18% | SAC 999619 |
| Educational tutoring | Exempt | SAC 999290 |
| Export of services (to foreign clients) | 0% | — |
If you quoted ₹50,000 as your service fee and need to add 18% GST:
Base amount: ₹50,000
GST @ 18%: ₹9,000
Total invoice amount: ₹59,000In the GST Calculator, select "Add GST" mode, enter ₹50,000, choose 18%, and you get the breakdown instantly.
This depends on whether the transaction is intra-state or inter-state:
- Same state (intra-state): GST is split equally as CGST (Central GST) and SGST (State GST). For 18% GST: CGST = 9%, SGST = 9%. Each goes to different governments.
- Different states (inter-state): IGST (Integrated GST) applies at the full rate (18%). The central government collects it and distributes to the destination state.
If you're in Hyderabad (Telangana) and your client is in Mumbai (Maharashtra), you charge 18% IGST. If your client is also in Hyderabad, you charge 9% CGST + 9% SGST. The ToollyX GST calculator shows both breakdowns automatically.
Use "Remove GST" mode in the calculator. For 18% GST:
Base = Total ÷ (1 + GST rate)
Base = ₹1,00,000 ÷ 1.18 = ₹84,745.76
GST portion = ₹1,00,000 − ₹84,745.76 = ₹15,254.24Enter ₹1,00,000 in the GST Calculator with "Remove GST" mode and 18% rate to get this breakdown instantly.
Filing GST Returns as a Freelancer
GSTR-3B (Monthly/Quarterly)
Most freelancers under the QRMP scheme file GSTR-3B quarterly. You declare total outward supplies (your invoices), inward supplies, and pay the net liability after Input Tax Credit.
GSTR-1 (Monthly/Quarterly)
Details of all outward supplies. If you have fewer than 5 crore annual turnover, quarterly filing is available.
Composition Scheme
Freelancers providing services cannot use the composition scheme (it's for goods suppliers and restaurant businesses). You must file regular GST returns.
Input Tax Credit for Freelancers
As a registered freelancer, you can claim ITC on business expenses that include GST: laptop and equipment purchases (18%), software subscriptions (18%), internet services (18%), office supplies (18%), and professional services you hire (18%). Keep GST invoices for all these — they reduce your tax liability.
Using the GST Calculator for Invoicing
The ToollyX GST Calculator supports all standard rates (3%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) and custom rates. The "Add GST" mode is for calculating the GST to add to your quoted price. The "Remove GST" mode is for when you receive an inclusive amount and need to know the base. Both CGST/SGST and IGST breakdowns appear automatically.
Use the Percentage Calculator for quick percentage checks, and the EMI Calculator if you're planning business loans for equipment.
All standard rates. CGST/SGST + IGST breakdowns. Free.