GST Returns, Thresholds & E-Invoicing Slabs
GST rules are highly dynamic, governed by the CBIC under the GST Council notifications. Reconcile returns with e-invoicing data and ledger credits before submitting.
| Compliance item | Current verified position | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GST Annual Return (GSTR-9) | Mandatory for aggregate annual turnover > Rs. 2 Crore (voluntary for turnover <= Rs. 2 Crore). | Due date: Dec 31 of subsequent financial year. |
| GST Reconciliation (GSTR-9C) | Mandatory for aggregate annual turnover > Rs. 5 Crore. Self-certified reconciliation statement. | Due date: Dec 31 of subsequent financial year. |
| GST E-Invoicing Slabs | Mandatory for taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 5 Crore in any preceding FY. | Required to generate IRN and QR code for B2B transactions. |
| GST Composition Scheme | Turnover limit of Rs. 1.5 Crore (goods) or Rs. 50 Lakh (services). Tax rate is 1% or 6%. | No ITC claim allowed, and no GST collection from customers. |
What a serious tax expert should verify
- Form GST RFD-11 (LUT): For zero-rated exports without tax payment, file RFD-11 before April 1 of each financial year.
- E-Way Bill validity: Mandatory for inter-state movement of goods > Rs. 50,000. Validity is 1 day per 200 km.
- ASMT-10 Notice replies: Scrutiny notice for ITC discrepancies (GSTR-3B vs 2B). Reply in Form ASMT-11 within 30 days.
- Section 17(5) ITC Reversals: Blocked credits (food, motor vehicles, employee perquisites) must be reversed to avoid penalty.
Documents to prepare for GST filings
- Sales registers showing taxable values and tax categories.
- Purchase registers matching GSTR-2B ITC inputs.
- Form GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B prior returns history.
- Active GSTIN portal credentials or authorized access.
GST Registration for Freelancers - 2026 Updated Guide: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 18 June 2026.
Direct and indirect tax laws, corporate filings, and compliance rules are subject to change by CBIC, MCA, EPFO, and RBI notifications. Always verify circulars before executing a transaction.
Use official government portals (such as GST portal, MCA V3, e-filing portal, and TRACES) first. Articles and competitor calculators should be treated as guidance, not legal advice.
FAQs
What is the turnover threshold for GST e-invoicing in India?
E-invoicing is mandatory for all taxpayers whose aggregate annual turnover exceeds Rs. 5 Crore in any preceding financial year (from 2017-18 onwards).
Who is required to file GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?
GSTR-9 (Annual Return) is mandatory for taxpayers with annual aggregate turnover exceeding Rs. 2 Crore. GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement) is mandatory for taxpayers with turnover exceeding Rs. 5 Crore.
Can a composition dealer claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?
No. Taxpayers registered under the GST Composition Scheme are not allowed to claim Input Tax Credit, nor can they issue a tax invoice or collect GST from their customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can small businesses or professionals declare presumptive tax on income from GST for Freelancers 2026?
Yes, eligible taxpayers can opt for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD (businesses declaring 6% or 8% profit) or Section 44ADA (professionals declaring 50% profit) for income from GST for Freelancers 2026.
2. What are the benefits of opting for presumptive tax for GST for Freelancers 2026?
Opting for presumptive tax for GST for Freelancers 2026 exempts the taxpayer from maintaining detailed books of accounts under Section 44AA and undergoing a tax audit under Section 44AB, saving compliance costs.
3. What are the revised turnover limits for presumptive taxation?
Under the current rules, the limit is ₹3 crore for businesses (increased from ₹2 crore) and ₹75 lakh for professionals (increased from ₹50 lakh), provided that cash receipts do not exceed 5% of the total turnover/gross receipts.
4. Which ITR form should presumptive tax filers use?
Taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD or 44ADA should file Form ITR-4 (Sugam), provided they do not have capital gains, foreign assets, or income from more than one house property. If they do, they must file ITR-3.
5. Are presumptive tax filers required to maintain books of accounts?
No. Taxpayers opting for Section 44AD or 44ADA are exempt from the requirement of maintaining books of accounts under Section 44AA and getting them audited under Section 44AB.
6. What is the 5-year lock-in rule under Section 44AD?
If a business taxpayer opts out of Section 44AD in any year after claiming it, they cannot opt back into the presumptive scheme for the next 5 consecutive assessment years. This lock-in rule does not apply to professionals under Section 44ADA.
7. When is the due date to pay advance tax under presumptive taxation?
Taxpayers opting for Section 44AD or 44ADA must pay 100% of their advance tax liability in a single installment on or before March 15 of the financial year. Failure attracts 1% monthly interest u/s 234C.
8. Can I claim business expenses or depreciation under presumptive tax?
No. The presumptive profit rate (6%/8% or 50%) is deemed to be final. All business expenses, including depreciation on assets and interest to partners, are deemed to have been already allowed. No further deductions can be claimed.
9. What happens if my actual profit is higher than the presumptive limit?
If your actual profits are higher than 8%/6% (for business) or 50% (for professionals), you must declare the higher actual profits in your ITR. The presumptive rates represent the statutory minimum, not a cap.
10. Can a partnership firm claim partner salary under Section 44AD?
No. Under recent amendments, partner salary and interest on capital cannot be deducted from the presumptive income calculated u/s 44AD. The profit must be declared as calculated.
11. Does Section 44AD apply to commission or brokerage business?
No. Section 44AD(6) explicitly excludes commission agents, brokers, agency businesses, and professionals from claiming presumptive tax benefits under this section.
12. What is Section 44AE presumptive taxation?
Section 44AE applies to taxpayers engaged in the business of plying, hiring, or leasing goods carriages. The presumptive profit is calculated per vehicle per month (e.g. ₹1,000 per ton for heavy goods vehicles) up to 10 vehicles.
13. What if my turnover exceeds the ₹3 crore / ₹75 lakh limits?
If your turnover/receipts exceed the limits, you must maintain regular books of accounts u/s 44AA, get them audited u/s 44AB, and file ITR-3 or ITR-5.
14. Can a Private Limited Company or LLP opt for presumptive tax?
No. Presumptive taxation under Section 44AD and 44ADA is strictly restricted to resident individuals, HUFs, and partnership firms. Companies and LLPs are excluded.
15. What should I do if my actual business profits are less than 6%/8%?
If your actual profits are lower than the presumptive rates, you cannot file under the presumptive scheme. You must maintain books of accounts u/s 44AA and get them audited by a Chartered Accountant u/s 44AB.