GST filing is priced by complexity, not just one return
A nil return may be simple, while active businesses need sales, purchase, ITC, tax payment, e-way bill and accounting reconciliation. Marketplace sellers and multi-branch businesses usually need deeper work.
Situations this page is built for
- You want monthly GST filing support.
- You have pending GST returns.
- You sell through Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato or other platforms.
- You need invoice-wise reconciliation.
- You want to compare monthly retainer vs per-return fees.
Documents and details usually required
- GST login access.
- Sales invoices and credit/debit notes.
- Purchase invoices and expense bills.
- GSTR-2B/2A and supplier reconciliation.
- E-way bill and e-invoice data where applicable.
- Bank statements and accounting data.
Practical process before hiring
Estimate transaction volume
Count monthly sales and purchase invoices, GSTINs and platforms.
Define filing scope
Confirm whether GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, reconciliation and payment support are included.
Check pending periods
Older returns may need cleanup, interest and late-fee calculations.
Compare retainers
Monthly retainer can be better than one-off filing for active businesses.
What to expect in India
| Work type | Typical price range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Nil or very small filing | Rs. 500 - Rs. 1,500 per month | Same day to 2 days |
| Small business monthly GST | Rs. 1,500 - Rs. 5,000 per month | 1-4 days |
| Ecommerce / high-volume GST | Rs. 5,000 - Rs. 25,000+ per month | 3-7 days |
Prices vary by documents, urgency, city, professional experience and whether previous periods need cleanup.
Common red flags and mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest quote without reconciliation.
- Not asking if amendments and notices are included.
- Ignoring GSTR-2B before claiming ITC.
- Filing sales but not matching books and bank receipts.
- Waiting until due date with unprepared invoices.
What to mention when you post
- GSTIN status, business type and the period/months involved.
- Whether the need is registration, return filing, notice reply, cancellation or reconciliation.
- Approximate invoice count and whether ecommerce/e-way bill/e-invoice data is involved.
- Any due date, notice reference number or cancellation order date.
- Whether books, invoices and GST login access are ready.
How to choose the right professional
- Choose someone who asks for return data before quoting complex work.
- Check experience with GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, 2B reconciliation and portal replies.
- Ask whether late fee, interest and tax payment calculations are included.
- For notices, confirm that the expert will prepare a point-wise reply with attachments.
- For monthly retainers, clarify filing calendar and document collection process.
Questions people ask before hiring
Why do GST filing charges vary so much?
Invoice volume, reconciliation, pending returns, ecommerce data and number of GSTINs change the work involved.
Is nil GST return filing chargeable?
Professionals may charge a small fee even for nil filing because login, review and submission responsibility remain.
Does monthly GST fee include accounting?
Not always. Ask separately whether bookkeeping, bank reconciliation and MIS are included.
Can I compare GST monthly retainers?
Yes. Post your invoice count and business type to compare quotes.