Let’s be honest. The moment someone mentions “Starting a Business” in India, the first thought isn’t about profit. It’s about paperwork.
We are terrified of the taxman. We worry about audits, monthly returns, and complex Excel sheets.
Specifically, we worry about GST (Goods and Services Tax).
It sounds like a monster under the bed. You think: “I can’t start selling handmade candles because I don’t have a GST number.” Or “I can’t freelance because I don’t want to hire a CA.”
Stop worrying.
Here is the truth that most beginners don’t know: You do not need a GST number to start.
The government actually wants you to start small. They have created a “Safety Net” called the Exemption Limit.
- If you sell services (like teaching or designing), you are exempt up to ₹20 Lakhs a year.
- If you sell goods (like clothes or electronics), you are exempt up to ₹40 Lakhs a year (in most states).
That is a huge runway! You can make ₹1.5 Lakhs a month without ever logging into the GST portal.
In this guide, I’m going to show you 10 specific business models that fit perfectly into this “No-GST Zone.”
1. The “Freelance Hustle” (Service Provider)
This is the easiest way to start. You trade your skill for money.
Since you are providing a service, you don’t need GST until you hit ₹20 Lakhs.
What can you do?
- Content Writing: Write blogs for companies.
- Video Editing: Every YouTuber needs an editor.
- Graphic Design: Make logos on Canva.
How to stay compliant:
Just use your PAN card. When you send an invoice, write “GST Not Applicable” at the bottom. At the end of the year, file your Income Tax Return (ITR-4), which lets you declare 50% of your income as profit and pay tax on that. It’s incredibly simple.
2. The “Home Chef” (Cloud Kitchen)
Everyone loves food. But opening a restaurant means licenses, fire safety, and GST.
However, if you cook from home and sell locally, you are in the clear (up to the limit).
The Strategy:
Don’t list on Zomato or Swiggy immediately (they force GST compliance).
Instead, start a WhatsApp Group for your society or office complex.
- “Lunch Tiffins for ₹150.”
- “Weekend Biryani Special.”
- “Healthy Salads delivered to your desk.”
You take orders personally, accept UPI payments, and deliver using Dunzo or Porter. You just need an FSSAI license (which costs ₹100 and takes 1 week). No GST needed.
3. The “Knowledge Seller” (Tuitions)
Education is sacred in India. And luckily, most of it is tax-free.
If you are an individual tutor teaching school subjects, languages, or skills, you are generally exempt.
What to teach:
- School Subjects: Math and Science are evergreen.
- Skill Classes: Guitar, Coding, or Chess.
- Language: Spoken English for housewives or professionals.
You don’t need a fancy centre. Use Zoom or your living room. Parents prefer paying cash or GPay to a local teacher rather than paying 18% GST to a big coaching brand.
4. The “Green Business” (Plants and Produce)
Did you know that selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers is 0% GST?
Agriculture is the backbone of India, so the government keeps it tax-free.
The Business Model:
Start a Boutique Nursery.
People in cities love indoor plants (Succulents, Snake plants, Money plants) but don’t know where to buy them.
Buy small plants from a wholesale nursery on the highway. Pot them in nice ceramic pots. Sell them online via Instagram or at weekend flea markets.
Since you are selling “live plants,” it is largely an exempt category.
5. The “Digital Creator” (Blogging/YouTubing)
This is the ultimate dream. You sit at home, create content, and get paid by Google (AdSense) or brands.
The Compliance Part:
If you receive money from Google (which pays from Singapore/US), it is technically an Export of services.
Exports are “Zero-Rated” in GST.
However, you don’t even need to worry about that until you cross ₹20 Lakhs.
Just get the money in your bank, pay income tax, and enjoy.
6. The “Handmade” Artist
The world is tired of factory-made plastic. They want unique, handmade items.
- Resin Art coasters.
- Scented Soy Candles.
- Hand-painted tote bags.
The Loophole:
Do not sell on Amazon or Flipkart yet (they require GST).
Sell Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) via Instagram.
Post a Reel of you making the product. People DM you to order. You ship it via Shiprocket. Since you are a small local business, you don’t need GST until you hit the ₹40 Lakh limit for goods.
7. The “Party Planner” (Small Events)
Big weddings are a headache. Small parties are a goldmine.
- 1st Birthdays.
- Baby Showers.
- Retirement Parties.
- Housewarming Pujas.
The Business:
You are theorganiserr. You hire the balloon guy, the caterer, and the photographer. You charge a “Management Fee” or mark up the costs.
As long as your service fee income is under ₹20 Lakhs, you are safe.
8. The “Aggregator” (Local Services)
Finding a plumber or electrician in India is a nightmare.
You can be the bridge.
Create a network of 5 reliable workers. Market yourself as “Reliable Home Repairs.”
When a customer calls, you send the worker. The customer pays the worker, and the worker pays you a commission.
You are a service provider earning commission. Totally safe under the limit.
9. Real Estate Brokerage (The High Ticket Game)
You don’t need to buy property to make money from it. You just need to connect the buyer and seller.
Brokers charge 1% or 2% commission.
If you sell a ₹50 Lakh flat, you make ₹1 Lakh.
You can close 19 such deals in a year before you even have to think about GST registration. It is a high-cash business with zero inventory.
10. Daycare Services
In metro cities, both parents work. They need someone trustworthy to watch their kids.
Starting a small daycare or “Creche” in your apartment (ground floor) is a fantastic business.
It falls under caregiving services and is often exempt or under the threshold.
Trust is the currency here, not a tax number.
When Should You Get GST? (The Good Problem)
Don’t hate GST. It is actually a sign of success.
You should voluntarily register when:
- You want to sell on Amazon: You can’t be an Amazon seller without it.
- You want B2B clients: Big companies can’t pay you unless you give them a GST bill (so they can claim credit).
- You cross the limit: Once you hit ₹20L/₹40L, you must register within 30 days.
Conclusion: Just Start
The fear of “What if I get a notice?” keeps millions of Indians poor.
The system is designed to let small fish swim. The government doesn’t want to tax your first few lakhs; they want you to grow.
So, pick an idea. Start today. Use your PAN card. Take payments into your bank account.
Once you grow big enough to need a CA and a GST number, you will have enough money to pay for it.
Go build your business.
FAQ: The Stuff You Are Googling
“Can I open a Current Account without GST?”
Yes. You can use your MSME (Udyam) Registration certificate. It is free and instant to get online. Most banks accept this for Sole Proprietorship current accounts.
“What if I sell from Mumbai to Delhi (Inter-state)?”
Technically, inter-state sale of goods requires GST from Day 1. However, if you are a small service provider (freelancer), you are exempt up to ₹20 Lakhs even for inter-state clients. For goods, it’s safer to sell locally first.
“Is cash business illegal?”
No. Cash is legal tender. However, taking large cash payments (over ₹2 Lakhs) is restricted. It is always better to take UPI/Bank Transfer, so you have proof of income for loans later.
Links:-