The Hidden Value: Unravelling GST Registration Fees through a CA

01 February 2026

Are you willing to learn how much the fees of a chartered accountant for the GST registration are? This can be confusing over the internet. In India, the most crucial thing to pay tax on is the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Although it’s an absolutely free service, meaning you can register for it without paying a single penny, most entrepreneurs look for expert assistance. So, it’s a necessity to deploy the one.

If you are wondering why to pay the fee to a chartered accountant, think of the technical hassles involved in it. So, you are not just paying for a login but also for the peace of mind, accuracy, and health of your business finances.

Is GST Registration Really Free?

The answer to this question is yes. Technically, the government of India has announced a free service to file a GST registration application on the government portal. However, “free” service can attract hidden risks. That can be the risk of time and risks.

Assume you have made a mistake in the application, which can  be an error in the HSN code, address proof, or the selection of the type of registration. This can cost a hefty penalty. You may be asked to present clarification over a “Show Cause Notice (SCN)”. The resolution of this type of notice certainly needs technical expertise, which is far beyond the capabilities of most laymen. This is where the need for a chartered accountant arises.

The Breakdown: What Do CAs Charge?

It’s noteworthy that the cost of GST registration varies, which widely depends on the type and complexity of your business structure. So, the role of a CA is like a gap-filler who checks your documents, recommends the most suitable scheme, and ensures that your business remains tax-efficient from the very beginning of the commerce.

If you go through the professional fee structure for GST registration of diverse CA companies, it will be categorised under these industry benchmarks.

Pro Tip: Some CA firms or companies introduce packages where you see some saving alternatives if you subscribe to annual compliance or monthly return filing services.

Why the Price Difference?

Are you wondering why there is a huge difference in the prices of the professional companies and other freelancers engaged in GST registration services? The reason is the complexity of paperwork. A company owns the services to examine the authenticity of the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI), Board Resolutions, and Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) of all directors.

Moreover, the location of the CA is also vital. A premier law firm in a metropolitan city like Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata may charge a hefty amount as fees. It’s way more than a local attorney in a Tier-3 town. Indeed, the firm covers its respective overheads or cost of expertise involved in dealing with complex litigation matters. 

The Statistic That Matters

Have you tried filling GST applications yourself? It’s easy, as shared in this link. But unfortunately, there are 15% to 20% cases of self-filled GST that were rejected or notified. Some might happen because of minor clerical mistakes or incorrect uploading of requisite documents. However, the success rate of forms filled by CAs is over 90%. They do it in their very first attempt. It proves the service charges you pay to a firm or CA are an insurance against business delays.

Beyond the Application: What are you paying for?

As aforesaid, the money you pay to a CA is not only for getting a 15-digit GSTIN, but it is also an investment in the following:

1. HSN/SAC Code Accuracy: These codes must be input flawlessly. Inaccurate code selection may increase the overall payment for tax, which may exceed the penalty for underpayment of tax.

2. Document Scrutiny: CAs often examine the authenticity of the rent agreement and NOCs, or No Objection Certificates. It helps in eliminating the chances of a disapproved request by the GST officer. Simply put, your principal place of  Business would be verified immediately.

3. Scheme Selection: As multiple schemes are available, your CA would be the right person to help you choose the right composition scheme. Generally, with a turnover less than ₹1.5 crore, this alternative could be beneficial. But without his support, the road to claiming Input Tax Credit is full of glitches. 

4. Authorized Signatory Support: Your appointed CA will be an authorized representative who bridges the communication gap between your business and the GST department. He could answer any question on your behalf that comes up.

The Risk of "Cheap" Services

The foremost concern in this digital age is the variety of websites that claim to provide GST registration services for as low as INR 499. Isn’t it an attractive deal? That’s why you must be careful. These automated service providers won’t offer the personalised advisory that a certified CA provides. Apart from this, that online service provider won’t help you in original returns at a low cost after two or more years. 

Conclusion

Overall, the GST registration is fundamentally needed to ethically integrate your business with the Indian tax authorities. Although you can try yourself with a nil amount in your account, the professional CA charges can be between INR 1000 and INR 10,000. This meagre amount can help you to prevent your business from penalties. So, you must remember that a CA adds value by aligning ethical practices to prevent penalties.