21 July 2025
Got it โ you have gross rental income of โน21,00,000 and are wondering about GST registration because your tenant is not ready to provide a GST number and the tenancy may not be long-term.
Hereโs the breakdown and options:
โ When is GST applicable on Rent? GST applies on rent of commercial/ non-residential property if the aggregate turnover exceeds โน20 lakh (โน10 lakh in some special states).
Rent from residential property for residential use is exempt from GST.
Since your rental income is โน21 lakh, GST registration is triggered if itโs for commercial property.
โ Your Situation If rent is from commercial property (office/shop/warehouse etc.), GST is applicable.
You must register for GST as turnover is above โน20 lakh.
If tenant is refusing GST number, that does not exempt you.
GST liability is on the landlord/service provider, not tenant.
โ Can dividing rent into furniture and fixtures help? GST on rent is on lease of immovable property.
Rent on furniture and fixtures alone is a supply of goods, but generally bundled rent is treated as immovable property lease.
Separating rent to avoid GST is generally not acceptable legally.
โ ๏ธ Consequences of Not Registering for GST: You are liable to pay GST on rent collected (18% on commercial rent) even if tenant refuses.
You cannot issue valid tax invoices.
You may be subject to penalties and interest for non-compliance.