GST Interpretation that could screw Indian Affiliate Marketers

NirvanaWolf said:

If it's India specific then you can register for GST once you cross 20 lacs in turnover.
No company deducts GST while paying you. They can deduct TDS though. I'm not aware of Amazon India's payment policies.
I'm not sure what do you mean by your last question.

Click to expand...

I haven't started making any money yet, and I doubt I will ever reach 20L from affiliate earnings. So in that no GST registration right?

About the last question, if I do register for GST, does that mean I have to buy subscription of certain services (Ahrefs, SEMRush, KWFinder, etc), or can I still buy group buy services for cheap? Per my cursory reading, it seems if I do need to buy full version for these services, then there is something called Reverse Charge Mechanism under GST that has added compliance?

Sorry if I'm not making any sense.

1greatcpa said:

I haven't started making any money yet, and I doubt I will ever reach 20L from affiliate earnings. So in that no GST registration right?

About the last question, if I do register for GST, does that mean I have to buy subscription of certain services (Ahrefs, SEMRush, KWFinder, etc), or can I still buy group buy services for cheap? Per my cursory reading, it seems if I do need to buy full version for these services, then there is something called Reverse Charge Mechanism under GST that has added compliance?

Sorry if I'm not making any sense.

Click to expand...

Dont worry when youre not making any money. Thinking about this is just extra headache for you. Forget about it

1greatcpa said:

I haven't started making any money yet, and I doubt I will ever reach 20L from affiliate earnings. So in that no GST registration right?

About the last question, if I do register for GST, does that mean I have to buy subscription of certain services (Ahrefs, SEMRush, KWFinder, etc), or can I still buy group buy services for cheap? Per my cursory reading, it seems if I do need to buy full version for these services, then there is something called Reverse Charge Mechanism under GST that has added compliance?

Sorry if I'm not making any sense.

Click to expand...

If you're not earning from anywhere else and don't cross 20 lacs then no need to register for GST.
In case of purchases that you've mentioned, the company needs to pay the GST that you can claim back while filing your GST returns.
This is how the whole process works: While purchasing raw material or services for your business you need to provide the company your GST number (if they collect and file GST as per Indian laws that is. If they're a foreign company that doesn't charge and file GST in India then no need to give your GST number to them). They'll file their GST returns. And when you file your GST returns you can claim the amount you paid as GST to that company. This whole thing is called 'input tax credit'. Google up and read more.

Thank you @splendiddog and @NirvanaWolf for your answers.

I will start making money first and then worry about the compliances

NirvanaWolf said:

Income from affiliate marketing is income from a profession. You need to register for GST.
You'll pay GST if Amazon India is paying you. And if Amazon US is paying you in US dollars then you don't have to pay GST but still register for it and file nil GST returns.

Click to expand...

Hey, I am also from India Mumbai. I am not able to dodge the amazon tax interview as with everything I tried it gives me a 30% slab cut. My business is registered in a local municipal corporation [BMC] but I don't have a GST no should I get a GST no and put it in Non-US TIN?

I am a bit confused with this TIN interview process but I want to avoid the 30% cut from amazon so if you know any way please let me know!

Thanks a lot