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What is GST for Foreign Companies in India?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax (generally 18%) applicable on most goods and services in India. If you’re a foreign-owned subsidiary, branch, or entity operating in India, GST compliance becomes mandatory if you:

* Supply goods or services within India

* Have an Indian office, branch, or liaison

* Raise invoices from India (even without physical presence)

* Cross the GST registration threshold

Why Strategic GST Compliance Matters

GST is not just a tax—it impacts your cash flow, compliance rating, and cross‑border operations.

With proper GST management, you can:

  • Save 18% tax by exporting under LUT (zero GST)
  • Claim full input tax credit (ITC)
  • Improve profit margins
  • Avoid penalties and notices
  • Ensure smooth billing with Indian

Without compliance, you risk:

  • Paying unnecessary 18% GST
  • Blocked refunds
  • Wrong or invalid invoices
  • Penalties, interest & audits
  • GSTIN suspension

Essential GST Compliances for Foreign Companies

1. Monthly GST Return Filing (GSTR‑1 & GSTR‑3B)

Must be filed every month, even if turnover = ZERO.

  • GSTR‑1:11th of every month
  • GSTR‑3B:20th of every month
  • Annual Return (GSTR‑9):31st December next FY

2. LUT Filing & GST Refunds for Exporters

Foreign-owned companies exporting services or goods can:

  • File LUT to export without GST
  • Claim 100% Input Tax Credit Refund
  • Refund processing time: 2–6 months

3. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Reconciliation

We match your books with GSTR‑2B to ensure:

  • No credit loss
  • No mismatch notices
  • Accurate refund claims

Why Foreign Companies Struggle with GST in India

Confusion over GST on cross-border services

Missed deadlines → penalties & suspension

Incorrect ITC claims → credit reversal

Notices from mismatch (GSTR 1 vs 3B vs books)

Lack of clarity on reverse charge

Missed LUT or refund timelines

Overpaying GST due to wrong advice

Book a 1:1 Meeting With Experts From
MAG

The #1 Choice for GST Filing Service For Foreign Companies

Your Post-Registration Compliance Roadmap

From bank accounts to government filings, learn what needs to happen after you incorporate to avoid delays and penalties.

Get Clarity on What’s Mandatory vs. Optional

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Foreign business owners overestimate the cost and complexity of doing business in India. Learn what’s true and what’s not.

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Full-Year Tax Strategy Blueprint

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Tax Health Check

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Full-Year Tax Compliance Calendar

Never miss a deadline with this easy-to-follow month-by-month checklist.

Hear From Those Foreign Company Who Trusted MAG for Their Compliance

Why MAG Is the #1 Choice for 1,000+ Foreign Companies Running in India

Others MAG
❌ Uploads your data without checking the ledger ✅ Verifies your invoices so filings are accurate and risk-free
❌ No ITC matching, leading to credit loss or notices ✅ Makes sure you get every rupee of GST credit you’re eligible for
❌ No reports, you don’t know if you're fully compliant ✅ Gives you quarterly reports so you know exactly where you stand
❌ No support with LUT or export-specific GST needs ✅ Helps you claim export refunds and stay compliant with zero tax with LUT
❌ Same advice for every business ✅ Understands your industry and gives you tailored advice
❌ Only helps with initial registration ✅ Supports every stage: registration, amendment, and cancellation
❌ Files annual return without review ✅ Checks everything before filing to avoid penalties later
❌ Leaves you to handle notices alone ✅ Handles GST notices and responses so you’re never stuck
❌ No clarity on interstate billing, registration, or PoS rules ✅ Clear guidance on multi-state GST and PoS rules
❌ No GST Refund Optimization ✅ Makes sure your business claims GST refunds to reduce unnecessary tax costs
❌ Hidden or surprise costs for extra services ✅ 100% transparent pricing with no additional charges for necessary compliance

GST Compliance & Tax Planning Guide for NRI/Foreign-Owned Companies

Make GST hassle-free with everything you need to stay compliant and reduce liability — without notices or missed credits.

Download your FREE Guide NOW

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you:

 

  • Cross ₹20–40 lakh turnover (state dependent)
  • Do interstate supply
  • Export services
  • Sell via e-commerce

 

We’ll assess and register your company under the correct category.

We manage:

 

  • GSTR‑1, 3B, 9 filing
  • ITC matching with GSTR‑2B
  • Refund filing
  • LUT filing
  • E‑invoicing advisory
  • Notice handling

If you export services or goods → you are likely eligible. We evaluate, file the LUT, and manage your refund.

  • Sales invoices
  • Purchase invoices / GSTR‑2B
  • Credit/debit notes
  • Expense sheets

Penalties include:

 

  • ₹50/day (₹20/day for NIL return)
  • ITC loss
  • GSTIN suspension

 

We ensure zero missed deadlines.

Yes.

We respond to:

  • Mismatches
  • RC notices
  • Refund queries
  • Audit objections

Yes — GST, accounting, TDS, ITR, and ROC filings are all integrated.

If you’re under the QRMP scheme (turnover < ₹5 Cr), you can file GSTR-3B quarterly with monthly IFF for sales. Our team will advise which method is best for your business and cash flow.

No. You’ll have a single point of contact who coordinates with our internal teams for GST, accounting, audit prep, and refund, keeping things smooth and efficient.

Yes, if you’re on our monthly or quarterly compliance plan. GST compliance is fully integrated with your accounting, TDS, and income tax. No need to juggle multiple vendors.

GST compliance & filing services in India for foreign-owned companies include GST registration, periodic return filings, tax payments, and advisory to ensure end-to-end compliance with Indian GST laws.

Yes. GST registration for NRI-owned or foreign businesses is required once GST thresholds or specific transaction conditions are met, followed by regular GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual return filings.

A GST compliance consultant in India manages input tax credit reconciliation, LUT filing, export-related GST advisory, refund support, and assists with GST audit and annual return compliance.

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