GST Consultants in Delhi
GST Consultants in Delhi: Your Complete Guide to GST and Food License in India
Introduction
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has significantly reshaped the way businesses operate. Whether you run a restaurant, retail outlet, manufacturing unit, or an e-commerce business in Delhi, compliance with GST laws is not optional—it's essential. This is where GST consultants in Delhi come into play, providing professional assistance in GST registration, filing returns, and staying compliant with evolving tax norms.
But that’s not all—if your business deals with food, there's another legal necessity to take care of: the food license or FSSAI license. This blog will walk you through the role of GST consultants in Delhi, the importance of a food license, and how both these compliance tools are essential for running a successful and legally sound business.
What is GST and Why It Matters?
Understanding GST
GST or Goods and Services Tax is a comprehensive, destination-based indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. Introduced on 1st July 2017, it subsumed a multitude of indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, excise duty, and more.
Benefits of GST
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Eliminates cascading taxes
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Streamlines tax collection and administration
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Improves ease of doing business
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Promotes transparency and digitization
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Expands the tax base
Who Needs to Register for GST?
If your business has:
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Turnover exceeding ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for service providers)
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Interstate sales
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E-commerce operations
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Operates under reverse charge mechanism
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You are a casual taxable person
Then GST registration is mandatory.
Who are GST Consultants?
GST consultants are professionals who assist businesses with:
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GST Registration
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Filing GST Returns
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GST Advisory and Planning
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Audit and Assessments
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Representation during litigation
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Input Tax Credit (ITC) management
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Compliance and Reconciliation
They help ensure your business stays compliant, avoids penalties, and operates smoothly under GST law.
Why You Need a GST Consultant in Delhi
Delhi, being the commercial hub of North India, is home to thousands of small, medium, and large enterprises. With constant changes in tax rules, it becomes challenging for business owners to stay updated.
Advantages of Hiring GST Consultants in Delhi
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Expertise: Consultants are up to date with changes in law
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Time-saving: Delegating tax compliance saves business hours
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Error-Free Filing: Reduces chances of notices and penalties
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Strategic Planning: Helps in cash flow and tax optimization
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Legal Support: Assistance during audits or show-cause notices
Top Services Offered by GST Consultants in Delhi
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GST Registration
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Monthly/Quarterly GST Return Filing (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B)
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Annual Return Filing (GSTR-9)
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Input Tax Credit (ITC) Reconciliation
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GST Refund Application
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Tax Advisory & Litigation Support
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E-invoicing and E-way Bill Assistance
How to Choose the Best GST Consultant in Delhi
When selecting a GST consultant, consider the following:
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Experience & Qualifications (CA, CS, tax practitioners)
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Client Reviews and Testimonials
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Range of Services Offered
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Location & Accessibility
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Pricing and Transparency
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Tech-savvy and responsive support
Look for consultants who offer customized packages for small businesses, startups, and food businesses in Delhi.
Now Let’s Talk About the Food License (FSSAI License)
What is a Food License?
A food license is officially known as the FSSAI License, issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Why is a Food License Mandatory?
The food license is essential for:
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Ensuring safety and hygiene in food handling
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Building trust among consumers
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Legalizing food business operations
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Avoiding penalties or closure
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Accessing e-commerce platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon
Who Needs a Food License?
Any business involved in the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, catering, or transportation of food must have a food license. This includes:
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Restaurants & Cafes
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Cloud Kitchens
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Bakeries & Food Trucks
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Food Processing Units
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Dairy & Meat Shops
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Grocery Stores & Wholesalers
Types of FSSAI Licenses
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Basic Registration:
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For small businesses with turnover < ₹12 lakhs/year
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Valid for home kitchens, petty retailers
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State License:
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For businesses with turnover ₹12 lakhs – ₹20 crores
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Required by medium-sized food manufacturers and traders
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Central License:
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For businesses with turnover > ₹20 crores
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Needed for import/export and large-scale food processing units
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How GST and Food License are Interlinked
If you are operating a food-related business in Delhi, you likely need both GST registration and an FSSAI license. Here’s why:
Compliance Type | Purpose | Required For |
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GST Registration | Tax collection & compliance | Turnover-based requirement |
FSSAI License | Food safety and consumer protection | All food businesses, irrespective of turnover |
Operating without either of these can result in heavy penalties, legal action, or even business closure.
Why Food Businesses in Delhi Should Hire GST Consultants
Running a food business in Delhi involves juggling daily operations, customer service, hygiene protocols, and regulatory requirements. Hiring a GST consultant in Delhi can take the burden of:
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GST compliance
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FSSAI documentation
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Filing returns
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Audit support
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Tax savings
Most experienced consultants also offer combo packages covering GST + FSSAI license registration, making it a cost-effective solution for new entrepreneurs and established brands alike.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
GST Non-Compliance
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₹10,000 or 10% of tax due (whichever is higher)
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Interest at 18% p.a. on delayed payments
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Business audit or legal scrutiny
FSSAI Non-Compliance
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Fine up to ₹5 lakhs
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License suspension
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Legal proceedings for unsafe food practices
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