
Frequently Asked Questions
61 answers on GST, income tax, NRI taxation, startups, international accounting, software and AI. Reviewed October 2026.
GST FAQs
Who needs GST registration?
Businesses whose aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services) in normal states (₹20 lakh / ₹10 lakh in special category states), and certain businesses regardless of turnover such as inter-state sellers of goods in many cases, e-commerce sellers and casual taxable persons.
How long does GST registration take?
It depends on verification by the department and the quality of your documents. A correct application with proper documents and prompt replies to queries is the best way to avoid delays.
What documents are required for GST registration?
PAN, Aadhaar, business registration proof, address proof of the principal place of business, bank account proof, photographs and authorised signatory details.
What are the due dates for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
GSTR-1 is generally due on the 11th and GSTR-3B on the 20th of the next month for monthly filers. QRMP filers have quarterly due dates (13th for GSTR-1 and 22nd/24th for GSTR-3B). See the tax calendar.
What is the late fee for GST return filing?
₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for returns with tax, ₹20 per day for nil returns, subject to caps. Interest of 18% per annum applies on late tax.
What is the GST rate structure after GST 2.0?
Most goods and services moved to 5% and 18% from 22 September 2025, with a higher rate for specified goods. Always verify the rate for your HSN/SAC.
What is input tax credit (ITC)?
ITC lets you deduct GST paid on business purchases from GST collected on sales, subject to conditions such as a valid invoice, receipt of goods/services and supplier filing.
What is GSTR-2B?
GSTR-2B is an auto-drafted ITC statement generated from suppliers' returns. It is the basis for claiming ITC in GSTR-3B.
What is the composition scheme?
A simplified scheme where eligible small taxpayers pay tax at a fixed percentage of turnover, file less frequently and cannot claim ITC.
What is an LUT and who needs it?
A Letter of Undertaking allows exporters to supply without paying IGST. It must be furnished every financial year.
What should I do if I receive a GST notice?
Read the notice, note the deadline, reconcile your data, collect documents and reply on the portal in time. Do not ignore it.
Can I cancel my GST registration?
Yes. You can apply for voluntary cancellation if you close the business or fall below the threshold, after filing pending returns and paying dues.
Is GST registration needed for freelancers?
Once aggregate turnover crosses the services threshold, or earlier if notified conditions apply. Export of services can be zero-rated under LUT.
What is the HSN code and is it mandatory?
HSN/SAC codes classify goods/services and must be reported on invoices and returns; digits required depend on turnover.
When is e-invoicing mandatory?
For taxpayers above the notified aggregate turnover limit for B2B invoices. The limit has been lowered over time; check the latest notification.
Income Tax FAQs
Which is better, old or new tax regime?
The new regime is typically better when deductions are small. Use our calculator to compare for your numbers.
Is income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free?
For resident individuals in the new regime, section 87A rebate effectively makes taxable income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free (excluding special-rate incomes); salaried taxpayers also get a ₹75,000 standard deduction.
What is the last date to file ITR?
31 July for most non-audit individuals; later for audit cases. For AY 2026-27 audit cases were extended to 21 November 2026. Belated returns are generally allowed until 31 December.
What happens if I miss the ITR deadline?
You can file a belated return with a late fee under section 234F and interest under section 234A; some losses may not be carried forward.
Which ITR form should I use?
ITR-1 for simple salaried residents, ITR-2 for capital gains/NRIs, ITR-3 for business income, ITR-4 for presumptive income. Use our ITR form finder.
What is presumptive taxation?
A simplified scheme (44AD for businesses, 44ADA for professionals) where income is deemed at a fixed percentage of turnover or receipts.
Is advance tax mandatory?
If your tax liability after TDS exceeds ₹10,000, you must pay advance tax in instalments to avoid interest.
How is capital gains tax calculated on property?
Gains on property held over 24 months are long-term (12.5% without indexation for transfers after 23 July 2024); shorter holding periods are taxed at slab rates.
What is the Income-tax Act 2025?
A new law that replaced the Income-tax Act, 1961 from 1 April 2026 and applies from tax year 2026-27.
Can I claim HRA in the new regime?
No. HRA exemption is available only in the old regime.
How do I e-verify my ITR?
Within 30 days using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, bank/demat EVC or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC.
NRI FAQs
Who is an NRI for income tax purposes?
A person who is not resident in India for the year, determined by days spent in India (182-day, 60/120-day and 365-day tests) and special rules for citizens and PIOs.
Do NRIs have to file income tax returns in India?
If Indian income exceeds the basic exemption limit, or in cases such as capital gains or TDS refund claims. Filing is also required to claim losses.
Is foreign salary taxable in India for an NRI?
Generally no, if earned and received outside India while the person is a non-resident.
What is TDS on property sale by an NRI?
TDS under section 195 applies on capital gains (12.5% for long-term plus surcharge/cess), but buyers commonly deduct on the full sale value unless a lower deduction certificate is obtained.
How can an NRI repatriate property sale proceeds?
Through the NRO account, subject to FEMA limits (generally USD 1 million per financial year), tax payment and Form 15CA/15CB.
What is RNOR?
Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident: a transitional status with relief on foreign income, often relevant to returning NRIs.
Is NRE account interest taxable?
No. NRE interest is exempt in India for non-residents. NRO interest is taxable with TDS.
What is DTAA?
A treaty between India and another country to avoid double taxation. Benefits need TRC and Form 10F documentation.
Can GstMan file my Indian ITR if I live abroad?
Yes. We work online with NRIs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and other countries.
What taxes apply when I move abroad from India?
Your residential status changes, bank accounts must be re-designated, Indian income remains taxable in India and you may have reporting obligations in the new country.
Startups FAQs
What compliance does a new startup need in the first year?
PAN/TAN, GST (if applicable), bookkeeping, TDS, auditor appointment, ROC filings, payroll registrations and ITR. See our startup checklist.
Which business structure is best for a startup?
Proprietorship for small low-risk businesses, LLP for professionals, private limited for investment and ESOPs.
What is DPIIT recognition?
Recognition under Startup India that can unlock tax benefits (such as section 80-IAC after approval) and other schemes.
What is the corporate tax rate for a private limited company?
Companies can choose the concessional 22% regime (plus surcharge and cess) or the regular regime depending on exemptions.
Do startups need GST registration?
If turnover crosses the threshold or if mandatory triggers apply (for example inter-state supply of goods or e-commerce). Voluntary registration is also common to claim ITC.
Do I need a tax audit?
If turnover or receipts exceed the limits under section 44AB or in specified presumptive cases.
International FAQs
Can GstMan handle accounting for UK and US businesses?
Yes. We provide bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, VAT/GST return preparation and reporting together with our accounting partner Apskaita Solutions, and coordinate with local licensed advisers where statutory sign-off is required.
Do you have an operation location in the UK?
Yes. We have an operations presence at Lexington Avenue, Maidenhead, UK. Contact us to arrange meetings.
Which countries do you support for accounting?
UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE and other GCC countries, Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and more.
Can you help with UK VAT registration and returns?
We prepare VAT returns and bookkeeping for MTD-compatible filing. Registration and filing are performed through appropriate authorised channels.
What accounting software do you work with?
Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Sage, Tally and others, depending on country and client preference.
Do you offer payroll for overseas employees?
Yes. Payroll support for UK, USA and other markets is provided through our partner's global payroll service, subject to local statutory requirements.
Is my financial data safe when outsourcing?
We use role-based access, NDAs and secure tools. Our partner states GDPR-aligned processes and NDA coverage. Ask us for details on controls.
Which businesses do you support abroad?
Restaurants, e-commerce, healthcare, construction, technology, manufacturing, professional services and startups, among others.
Software FAQs
What software products does GstMan offer?
Invoicing, inventory management, customer management, payroll, tax filing and automation, accounting, POS, expense management, e-invoice/e-way bill, compliance calendar and AI document processing.
Can I get a demo?
Yes. Use the demo request form on any product page or message us on WhatsApp.
Does GstMan software file returns directly on the GST portal?
Direct filing requires authorised connectivity through approved routes. Our tools prepare return-ready data and support filing through authorised channels.
Can you customise software for my business?
Yes. Custom development is available with our technology partner Awi Digital.
AI FAQs
How can AI help in accounting?
AI can read invoices, categorise transactions, reconcile bank and GST data and flag anomalies, with human review for decisions.
Is AI accurate enough for tax work?
AI assists with extraction and matching. Final tax decisions need professional review and audit trails.
Do you build custom fintech applications?
Yes. We design and build financial automation and accounting applications together with Awi Digital.
General FAQs
How do I get started with GstMan?
Message us on WhatsApp, call +91 62385 77759, email gstmanindia@gmail.com or submit the enquiry form.
Can I get an expert opinion on my tax or accounting case?
Yes. Use the Ask an Expert page and describe your case. Our team will review and respond.
Where is GstMan located?
Headquarters in Trivandrum, Kerala, India, with operations in the UK. Services are delivered online across India and internationally.
Do you provide services in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?
Yes. We serve clients in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry online.
Did not find your answer?
Ask our experts about your tax or accounting case.