GST and its impact on content writers in India

GST October 2017

“I don’t have a GST number. What do I do? Can I continue working for you?” This is a common lament amongst freelance content writers in India with the advent of GST. With large scale confusion spread across the nation, it is a common doubt for content writers in India. Even clients of content writing service providers are confused. Should they award work to an unregistered freelance writer? Should they compulsorily need to request GSTIN from freelance writers before providing them projects to work on? What happens to on-going writing projects in the interim?

In order to eliminate all doubts around content writers and GST, here is a quick post.

What is GST?

GST is an umbrella tax that is to be collected and paid to government on selling of goods and services. For content writing services in India, the GST rate is fixed at 18% of the taxable value of service. Currently there are three types of GSTs applicable and the 18% GST needs to be treated as below –

1 – cGST and sGST = to be levied if seller and client are from same state (basically the tax is split between state and central govt.)

Rate = 9% cGST and 9% sGST

2 – iGST = to be levied if seller and client are from different states

Rate = 18% iGST

3 – Exemptions for content writers in India

  • If you have all clients in your own state and your earnings are less than Rs. 20 lakh then you are exempt from paying GST on content writing services in India
  • If you have all clients in your own state and your earnings are more than Rs. 20 lakh then you need to pay GST on content writing services in India
  • If you have even a single client in any other state outside your home state, then you need to pay GST irrespective of your earnings

What changes for content writers in India?

  • For registered content writers

1 – Information sought from buyer/client – PAN, GSTIN, Company name and full address for tax invoice

2 – Service Tax is abolished and GST needs to be charged from client

  • For unregistered content writers

1 – Information sought from buyer/client – Company name and full address for tax invoice

2 – Service Tax is abolished and GST too is not to be charged

If you are a full time content developer we suggest you go for a GST number and comply by its provisions. You may not see any difference now, but it will be of significant impact when your business grows

Some clients may flat out refuse to work with you if you do not get a GST number, thus leading to loss of business

Documents for GST Registration

  • Authorized signatory photograph
  • Photo of proprietor (in case of sole proprietorship),
  • Photo of designated partner (in LLP), or
  • Photo of full time director (for pvt. ltd. company)
  • Registration proof
  • Partnership deed (for LLP),
  • Registration Certificate (for companies and LLP)
  • No registration proof needed from individual proprietors
  • Proof of place of business
  • Owned property proof (light bill, property tax bill, registry receipt)
  • Rented property proof (lease agreement, light bill in name of landlord)
  • If neither then submit light bill and NOC from property owner
  • Bank statement
  • Cancelled cheque copy
  • Authorization form

GST Compliances

  • Raise proper tax invoice for every single payment received
  • Upload invoice issued to govt.
  • File 3 returns every month
  • GSTR-1 for all services supplied outwards to clients – by 10th of every month
  • GSTR-2 for all services received inwards from vendors (in case you outsource work to other freelancers) – by 15th of every month
  • GSTR-3 for recording all entries of GSTR-1 and GSTR-2. This is auto-prepared by the system – by 20th of every month
  • Maintain sales and purchases ledger

Do feel free to ask in case of queries.

Happy Writing!

Share This Post

Recent Posts

AI engine citations
Blog Writing

AI Engine Citations – Which Answer Engine Refers Which Content?

AI engine citations are quickly becoming the key measure of online presence in 2025. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews are offer zero-click responses with AI-generated responses.
Learn more on which answer engine LLM cites which type of content. Blogs, product content, community posts, Wikipedia, and news dominate citation patterns, though preferences vary across engines. You need to do Answer Engine Optimization or AEO so that your brand gets referenced in these AI responses. They will build visibility, authority, and alternative traffic pathways even if you don’t rank high organically on Google.
To meet this success goal, you need a content marketing agency like Textuar. We help businesses create citation-ready content that drives credibility and positions them for growth in an AI-first search landscape.

All you need to know about pillar content
Content Strategy

What is Pillar Content and Why Your Business Needs It?

Do you feel like your voice is lost in the crowded online space? Let my professional experience help the savvy and creative use of pillar content to transform your digital growth efforts. Such content assets position your company as a domain expert. This blog describes in detail the process. Creating large and comprehensive guides helps with AI Overviews and ChatGPT citations. It also improves visibility and brings in leads even with zero-click searches. Learn the step-by-step process for creating pillar content and eliminate common mistakes. Rise above the din of third-rate digital marketing with quality content. Read on!

Top blog writing companies in Mumbai
Content Writing

Which are the Top Blog Writing Companies in Mumbai?

Are you looking for the top blog writing companies in Mumbai like Textuar? Then check this post. You will find some preferred options to get a massive competitive edge with high-quality, SEO-optimized content. Also see how you can pick the best company for your content creation needs.

Related Posts