Is the earning from Freelancer.com eligible for GST or Service Tax?

[Guest]

I am a freelancer in a Australia based website called freelancer.com. Freelancer.com is about getting IT work done or developing websites/softwares. Finally, whatever we earn will be received in local bank in India.

Question: Am I eligible for GST or Service Tax or not?

[KASTURI SETHI]

What is your expected turnover in 2017-18 ?

[Guest]

Around 5 Lakhs

[Ganeshan Kalyani]

The basic threshold for registration under GST is ₹ 20 lacs turnover and ₹ 10 lacs in special states. So you are not required to register under GST. However, the type of transaction in your case seems to be export of service, for which exmeption to register may not be applicable. Thanks.

AI Summary

GST registration threshold affects freelancers on foreign platforms; export of service status can still affect compliance obligations. A freelancer earning via an Australia based platform with expected turnover around five lakhs asked about GST or Service Tax. Respondents said the freelancer's turnover is below the general GST registration threshold (with a lower threshold in special states) so registration is not required on that basis, but characterized the transactions as an export of service and warned that export status may affect exemption from registration.