20 July 2025
Got it! You’ve paid application fees for GST and CST registration (around Rs. 45,000) and want to know how to get refund or set-off since your business is exporting.
Here’s how to approach it: GST Registration/Application Fees: Application fees paid for registration are not allowed as input tax credit (ITC) under GST laws. These fees are considered a non-creditable expense, so you cannot claim refund or set-off of these fees through GST returns. However, this amount can be considered a business expense in your profit & loss account for income tax purposes. CST Registration/Application Fees: CST is an old tax, subsumed by GST for most states, but if CST is still applicable and fees were paid, similarly, these fees are not eligible for input tax credit or refund. Export Scenario: For exports, you can claim refund of integrated tax (IGST) paid on exports or get zero-rated supply benefits but not on registration or application fees. What can you do? Treat these application fees as business expenses in your accounts. Claim refund only if there was any specific government provision or incorrect payment (which is unlikely for standard registration fees). Ensure you claim export benefits/refunds on IGST or other taxes paid on goods/services exported, but NOT on registration fees.