The shortest answer to this question is yes you can. But to know the entire process and how it works, its suggested to read the complete article on how I registered for GST from my home address, started working on the eCommerce website, and made a profit of Rs 60K monthly in just 9 months. Also, I have shared the challenges we have faced in the process.
Step By Step Process
GST application process and working on e-commerce from residence.
As explained earlier you can apply for GST for your home address as a principal place of business, The GST department never asks if your address is a home address or a shop address. You need to produce the complete address and documents justifying the same. I have mentioned the documents required for the GST application in the next paragraph. Once you register your GST you can start working on e-commerce places like Amazon, Flipkart, and Mesho which is popular in India. One thing you need to take care of while working from home is your product should be portable.
Documents required for GST application from home
Below is the list of documents required for the GST application for the home. Here home means you operate a business from the place you are living.
- The PAN Card of the individual
- Adhar Card
- Address proof (Electricity bill or Registered deed) You can’t use a residential agreement for GST. It is suggested to register for GST only if it’s your property, else go for commercial agreement and commercial property.
- Any agreement should be backed by valid documents that prove the address, if you share an agreement and the address mentioned on the agreement is not valid until you show valid proof like an electricity bill, property tax receipt, or property registered deeds.
- Passport size photo
- NOC if the property is in the name of another person like father mother wife etc.
Regulations and formalities, display of registration
Please note you register for GST from your residential address only if the environment allows that because after registration the actual story starts, the GSt officials will visit for physical verification, and they will ask a few questions like, what are the products you deal in, what you have registered for GST. Ensure that the display containing GSt no. full address and the proprietor name is mentioned properly, if you fail to display that they will impose a fine of max Rs 25000. so ensure it is there. Also, ensure you pay the professional tax and obtain a trade license from the local authorities.
How to register for e-commerce websites
This is the easiest step in this process, you just follow any YouTube tutorial they will guide you. However, I am explaining here as well, register with your mobile no on any platform enter your GSt no and everything including the pickup address will be auto fetched. Post that you can add your bank account details. Later you can list your products. I have also written how to list your product please read that.
How to choose a product for e-commerce, especially when you are working from residence
Be careful while choosing a product for e-commerce, as I am assuming that you are reading this article as you are looking to operate e-commerce from your residence. So choose a small sizes product like clothing, small items which can be packed in poly bags, because if you plan for corrugated boxes it takes space if you have a very big place and own a standalone house then this would not be a problem, but if your residence is in a society then it would be difficult. Clothing has a large segment like kids, women, men, ethenic, western, cotton, undergarments, and many more.
Conclusion
Hope this article helps you with your queries that you can register for GST from your residential address and operate any business from there as along your neighbors don’t have an issue. I am sharing this detail from my personal experience. It been 2 years I am operating on all major e-commerce platforms earning my living and paying my home Loan EMIS.
