GST registration in Kerala: the short answer
To get GST registration in Kerala, apply online on the GST portal in Form GST REG-01 with your PAN, Aadhaar, a photograph, proof of your business address and bank details. There is no government fee. Businesses in Kerala must register once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh (goods only) or ₹20 lakh (services), or earlier if they sell goods to other States or online across States. iBACT Digital files it for you from ₹499 + GST, most GSTINs are issued in 3–7 working days, and your GSTIN will start with 32, the Kerala state code.
കേരളം: ജിഎസ്ടി രജിസ്ട്രേഷൻ പൂർണ്ണമായും ഓൺലൈനായി — iBACT Digital-ന്റെ ഫീസ് ₹499 മുതൽ (+ GST), സർക്കാർ ഫീസ് ₹0. സാധാരണയായി 3–7 പ്രവൃത്തി ദിവസങ്ങൾക്കുള്ളിൽ GSTIN ലഭിക്കും.
Kerala at a glance for GST
- Districts
- 14
- Taluks
- 78
- Revenue villages
- 1,600+
- Municipalities
- 87
- Corporations
- 6
- Capital
- Thiruvananthapuram
- GST state code
- 32 (Kerala)
- Registration limit
- ₹40 lakh goods / ₹20 lakh services
Kerala has one of India's most enterprising small-business economies. It is India's largest producer of natural rubber and a major source of pepper, cardamom, coconut and seafood exports; Kollam is the traditional centre of cashew processing and Alappuzha of coir. Kochi is the State's commercial capital, with the Cochin port and the Infopark IT campus, and Thiruvananthapuram has Technopark. Tourism, from houseboats and homestays to Ayurveda resorts, and remittances from Keralites working abroad support thousands of shops, contractors and service businesses.
The State has 14 districts and 78 taluks. Each taluk is divided into revenue villages, and every village has a village office that keeps land records and issues certificates such as the land tax receipt and possession certificate. Local self-government is through grama panchayats, block and district panchayats in rural areas, and municipalities and city corporations in towns; the local body collects building tax and profession tax and issues trade licences.
A single GST registration covers your business across Kerala; add branches or godowns in other districts as additional places of business. Your application is assigned either to the State GST Department, Kerala or to the Central GST administration based on your address, and the jurisdiction is printed on your certificate. Either way, the process is the same and fully online.
GST registration in every district of Kerala
Choose your district for local details, taluks, towns and villages.
South Kerala
Businesses in Kerala and what GST means for them
Most GST questions we get from Kerala come from a handful of sectors. Here is how registration works for each.
Wholesale & retail trade
Supermarkets, wholesalers, hardware, textile and electronics shops in Kerala register once turnover crosses ₹40 lakh, or earlier to buy from bigger distributors with input tax credit. Traders below ₹1.5 crore can choose the composition scheme and pay a small fixed percentage of turnover instead.
Homestays, resorts & houseboats
Homestays, resorts, houseboats, tour operators and taxi services in Kerala need GST registration once turnover from services crosses ₹20 lakh. Tour operators and travel agents booking for business clients often register earlier so clients can claim credit.
Cashew processing & trade
Processors in Kerala that buy raw (unshelled) cashew nuts directly from farmers pay that GST themselves under reverse charge, so they must register whatever their turnover. Kernel traders and exporters also need a GSTIN, and exporters file a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to export without paying tax.
Cardamom, pepper & spices
Farmers selling their own cardamom or pepper don't need GST. Dealers, auctioneers' buyers, curing and processing units and exporters in Kerala need registration, especially when spices are sent to buyers outside Kerala.
Rubber trade & processing
Growers selling sheet rubber or latex from their own holdings are agriculturists and generally don't need GST for that sale. Rubber dealers, sheet processing and smoke-house units, and latex-based manufacturers in Kerala register once over the limit, and buyers in other States insist on a GSTIN.
IT, consultants & professionals
Software firms, digital agencies, consultants, architects and other professionals in Kerala need GST registration once fees cross ₹20 lakh, or earlier when clients in other States or abroad need GST invoices. Export of services can be made without tax under an LUT.
Who needs GST registration in Kerala?
- 1Turnover above the limitBusinesses in Kerala with aggregate turnover above ₹40 lakh (only goods) or ₹20 lakh (services or both) in a financial year. Kerala uses the normal limits (₹10 lakh applies only in a few special category States).
- 2Selling goods to other StatesAnyone supplying goods from Kerala to buyers outside Kerala, for example spices, cashew, coir or rubber products sent to Chennai, Bengaluru or Mumbai, whatever the turnover.
- 3Online sellersSellers of goods on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and similar platforms selling across States. Small sellers supplying only within Kerala can use an enrolment number instead.
- 4Contractors and suppliersSuppliers to government departments, local bodies, PSUs and larger businesses, who need a GSTIN for tenders, vendor registration and input tax credit.
- 5Exporters and border tradersBusinesses exporting seafood, spices, cashew, coir or services, including through Kochi port and Kerala's airports, need GST registration along with an Import Export Code.
- 6Casual and special casesCasual taxable persons at fairs and exhibitions, agents, input service distributors and businesses paying tax under reverse charge.
| Situation in Kerala | Registration needed? |
|---|---|
| Only goods, sold within Kerala | Above ₹40 lakh a year |
| Services, or goods and services together | Above ₹20 lakh a year |
| Goods sold to buyers in other States | Yes, at any turnover |
| Goods sold online to other States | Yes, at any turnover |
| Goods sold online only within Kerala | Optional below ₹40 lakh (enrolment number instead) |
| Farmer selling own produce | No |
| Only exempt goods or services | No |
Turnover counts all your businesses under the same PAN across India, including exempt sales. Farmers selling only their own produce don't need GST registration.
Documents required for GST registration in Kerala
Owner / partners / directors
- PAN card
- Aadhaar linked to your mobile (for the OTP)
- Passport-size photograph
- Email and mobile number
Business address
- KSEB electricity bill (recent)
- Building tax (property tax) receipt or ownership certificate from the grama panchayat or municipality
- If rented: rent agreement + owner's consent letter
Bank & business
- Cancelled cheque, passbook page or statement
- Partnership deed / LLP agreement / incorporation certificate
- Authorisation letter or board resolution
- Goods or services you sell (we pick HSN/SAC codes)
GST registration fees in Kerala
There's no government fee for GST registration. Our fixed professional fees:
GST Registration
For new businesses that just need a GSTIN.
₹499₹1,499+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Eligibility and scheme advice
- HSN/SAC code selection
- Document check
- REG-01 filing with Aadhaar authentication
- Replies to officer queries
- GSTIN and registration certificate
Registration + 3 months returns
Get registered and compliant from day one.
₹2,999₹3,999+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Everything in GST Registration
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for 3 months
- GST invoice format setup
- Bank account update on the portal
- Dedicated expert on WhatsApp
Registration + 1 year returns
A full year of GST compliance handled.
₹9,999₹11,999+ GST · ₹0 govt. fee
- Everything above
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B for 12 months
- Monthly input tax credit reconciliation
- Due-date reminders and challans
- Priority handling
Prices exclude 18% GST on our fee. Read our refund policy and terms.
Get your GST number in Kerala
A GST number (GSTIN) is the 15-digit ID you get once your GST registration is approved. For a business in Kerala it starts with 32, Kerala's state code, followed by your PAN. We apply for your GST number online and send you the GST certificate (Form REG-06) as soon as the officer approves it, usually within 3 to 7 working days.
Looking for a GST consultant in Kerala? You don't need to visit an office: online GST registration takes one WhatsApp chat. Our GST experts work online for businesses in every district of Kerala: they check your documents, choose the right HSN/SAC codes, file the application and reply to any query from the officer, for a fixed fee of ₹499 + GST.
| Digits | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | State code | 32 (Kerala) |
| 3–12 | PAN of the business or proprietor | ABCDE1234F |
| 13 | Registration number under the same PAN in the State | 1 |
| 14 | Default letter | Z |
| 15 | Check digit | Letter or number |
After registration, your GST number stays active only if returns are filed on time. We can file your monthly or quarterly returns too, so you never pay late fees or face suspension. GST return filing
How to get GST registration in Kerala
Share your detailsDay 1
Send photos of your documents on WhatsApp. We check them the same day, including whether your building tax receipt or KSEB bill will be accepted, and confirm the right scheme and HSN/SAC codes.
We file REG-01Day 1–2
Our team prepares and files Form GST REG-01 on the GST portal with your Kerala business address, photos of the premises and the right jurisdiction.
Aadhaar authenticationDay 2
You receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Share it to complete authentication, which avoids a physical verification in most cases. If the portal asks for biometric verification, we help you book a GST Suvidha Kendra slot and tell you what to carry.
Officer reviewDay 3–7
The State or Central GST officer reviews the application. If they ask for clarification, we reply on your behalf within the deadline.
GSTIN issuedDone
You get your 15-digit GSTIN starting with 32 and your registration certificate. We share your return due dates, invoice format and a checklist for your first month.
Regular, composition or QRMP: which suits a business in Kerala?
Most small businesses in Kerala choose between three options. We help you pick before filing.
| Regular | Composition | QRMP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Businesses selling to other businesses or other States | Small traders, manufacturers and restaurants selling to consumers in Kerala | Regular taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore who want fewer returns |
| Turnover limit | No limit | Up to ₹1.5 crore (goods), ₹50 lakh (services) | Up to ₹5 crore |
| Tax | Collected from customers at the applicable rate | Fixed % of turnover: 1% traders and manufacturers, 5% restaurants, 6% services | Same as regular, paid monthly |
| Input tax credit | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sell to other States | Yes | No (goods) | Yes |
| Main returns | GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B monthly | CMP-08 quarterly, GSTR-4 yearly | GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B quarterly |
GST compliance after registration in Kerala
Getting a GSTIN is the start. These are the returns and due dates that apply to businesses in Kerala:
| Return | Who files | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Regular taxpayers (sales details) | 11th of next month (13th after the quarter under QRMP) |
| GSTR-3B | Regular taxpayers (summary and tax payment) | 20th of next month; 22nd after the quarter for QRMP filers in Kerala |
| PMT-06 | QRMP filers (monthly tax payment) | 25th of the next month for the first two months of a quarter |
| CMP-08 | Composition dealers | 18th after each quarter |
| GSTR-4 | Composition dealers (annual) | 30 April after the financial year |
| GSTR-9 | Annual return (compulsory above ₹2 crore turnover) | 31 December after the financial year |
- Display your GSTINOn your name board and every invoice
- Issue GST invoicesWith HSN/SAC codes and place of supply
- E-way billsFor moving goods above the value limit
- File nil returns tooEven in months with no sales
Why GST applications from Kerala get stuck, and how we prevent it
- AddressAddress proof doesn't matchThe building number, ward number or PIN on the building tax receipt or KSEB bill differs from the application. We match them before filing.
- OwnershipBuilding in another family member's nameVery common in Kerala, where homes often double as offices. A consent letter from the owner with their ID solves it.
- AadhaarAadhaar authentication skippedWithout it, the officer can order a site visit and approval can take up to 30 days. We complete it on day one.
- PhotosUnclear photos of the premisesOfficers often ask for a photo showing the name board and the building. We tell you exactly what to click.
- CodesWrong HSN/SAC or business typeChoosing the wrong codes or constitution leads to queries later. We select them based on what you actually sell.
- QueriesMissing the 7-day reply windowAn unanswered query (REG-03) leads to rejection. We reply within the deadline, with no extra fee.
Other registrations for businesses in Kerala
- Shops & officesShops and Establishments registrationShops, offices and commercial establishments in Kerala register with the Labour department under the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960; the fee depends on the number of employees. Shop Act registration
- Everyone workingProfession tax (Kerala)In Kerala, profession tax is collected every half-year by the local body (grama panchayat, municipality or corporation) where you work or run the business, up to ₹2,500 a year. Employers deduct it from salaries and pay it to the local body.
- MSMEsUdyam registrationFree MSME registration for priority lending, government schemes and protection against delayed payments. Udyam registration
- Food businessesFSSAI licenceRestaurants, bakeries, tea shops, seafood and spice processors, coconut oil mills and food manufacturers. FSSAI registration
- Local bodyTrade licenceMunicipalities and city corporations issue trade licences for shops and businesses in town. Trade licence
- ExportersImport Export Code (IEC)Needed to export seafood, spices, cashew, coir and other goods, or to import. IEC registration
- Brand ownersTrademarkProtect your business name and logo across India. Trademark registration
GST registration in Kerala: FAQs
How much does GST registration cost in Kerala?+
The GST department charges no fee for registration. iBACT Digital's professional fee starts at ₹499 + GST and covers eligibility advice, HSN/SAC code selection, filing Form GST REG-01 and replies to any query from the officer.
How long does GST registration take in Kerala?+
Most applications from Kerala are approved in 3 to 7 working days after Aadhaar authentication. If Aadhaar authentication is skipped, or the officer orders a physical verification of your premises, it can take up to 30 days. We track the application daily and reply to queries within the deadline.
What is the GST registration limit for businesses in Kerala?+
Kerala follows the normal limits: registration is compulsory once aggregate turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for businesses supplying only goods, or ₹20 lakh for services or mixed supplies. Inter-State sellers of goods and e-commerce sellers of goods across States must register at any turnover.
Which documents are needed for GST registration in Kerala?+
PAN and Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners or directors, a photograph, bank proof, and proof of your business address in Kerala: a KSEB electricity bill, the building tax receipt or ownership certificate from the panchayat or municipality, or a rent agreement with the owner's consent letter. Firms and companies add their deed or incorporation certificate.
What is the GST state code for Kerala?+
32. Every GSTIN issued to a business registered in Kerala, including one in Kerala, starts with 32, followed by the PAN of the business.
How can I get a GST number in Kerala?+
Share your PAN, Aadhaar, photo, address proof and bank details with us on WhatsApp. We file Form GST REG-01 online, you confirm an Aadhaar OTP, and the department issues your 15-digit GSTIN starting with 32 and the registration certificate (REG-06), usually within 3 to 7 working days.
Can I register GST from my home in Kerala?+
Yes. Your house can be the principal place of business, with a KSEB bill or building tax receipt, and a consent letter if the house is in a family member's name. Keep a small name board for any verification.
Can a small business in Kerala choose the composition scheme?+
Yes. In Kerala, traders and manufacturers with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore can opt for composition and pay 1% of turnover (5% for restaurants), and service providers up to ₹50 lakh pay 6%. You can't collect GST from customers or sell goods to other States under composition.
How is profession tax paid by businesses in Kerala?+
In Kerala, profession tax is collected every half-year by the local body where you work or run the business: the grama panchayat, municipality or corporation. Employers deduct it from salaries and pay it to the local body. It is separate from GST.
Can I sell on Amazon or Flipkart from Kerala without GST?+
Only within Kerala. Since October 2023, small sellers supplying goods only within their own State can sell through marketplaces with an enrolment number instead of GST. To sell to buyers in other States, you need GST registration from the first sale.
Do I need a separate GST registration for a branch in another district of Kerala?+
No. One GST registration covers the whole State. A shop, godown or office in another district of Kerala is added as an additional place of business. You need a separate registration only in another State.
When are GST returns due for a business in Kerala?+
Monthly filers submit GSTR-1 by the 11th and GSTR-3B by the 20th of the next month. Small taxpayers under the quarterly QRMP scheme in Kerala file GSTR-3B by the 22nd of the month after the quarter. Composition dealers file CMP-08 quarterly and GSTR-4 once a year.
Can an NRI-owned business in Kerala register for GST?+
Yes. A business located in Kerala and owned by a Keralite living abroad registers like any other business, with the owner's PAN, passport or Aadhaar, and the Indian business address. A family member in Kerala can be the authorised signatory for day-to-day filings.
Which GST office handles a business in Kerala?+
The GST portal assigns your registration either to the State GST Department, Kerala or to the Central GST administration, based on your address. The jurisdiction is printed on your certificate; the process is the same and fully online.
Do you help with GST registration in every district of Kerala?+
Yes. iBACT Digital handles GST registration online for businesses in all 14 districts of Kerala, from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode to Idukki, Wayanad and Kasaragod, including towns and villages.