Do we charge GST for services to overseas customers?

Asked by: Prof. Alverta Altenwerth  |  Last update: July 27, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (57 votes)

Services provided to overseas customers are generally zero-rated (charged at 0% GST) rather than exempt, provided they meet specific international service criteria, such as being supplied to a person based outside the country and not directly benefiting a local person. You must maintain proper documentation to prove the customer is overseas.

Can you charge GST to overseas customers?

The answer is no, you do not need to charge GST to foreign clients if the services are considered "international services" under the GST Act if they meet specific criteria under Section 21(3). International services are services that are supplied to a person who is not in Singapore at the time of supply.

Is GST applicable on services provided overseas?

If you buy a service from a foreign supplier (e.g., design, consulting, SaaS), GST applies in India under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM). You, as the importer, pay GST directly to the government, not the foreign supplier. You can usually claim input tax credit (ITC) on this if the service is for business use.

Do you charge GST to foreign clients?

Exports Under GST Law

Both goods and services exported are considered zero-rated supplies. This means: You don't need to charge GST to foreign clients. You can claim input tax credit (ITC) refunds on the GST you paid for business purchases.

Is there GST on sales to overseas customers?

Exports of goods and services for consumption outside Australia generally fall into the GST-free supplies category, so GST is not generally chargeable when selling to an overseas customer. If you're registered for GST, this means: You don't include GST in the price of your sales to overseas customers.

GST Tax Rules in India for freelancers | Fiverr, Upwork, etc

31 related questions found

Do I need to charge GST to foreign clients in Canada?

Under the GST/HST regulations, goods exported outside of Canada and services rendered to non-residents are considered zero-rated supplies. This means they're technically taxable, but at a rate of 0%, so you are not required to charge sales tax.

Do you pay GST on overseas products?

The Department of Home Affairs collects GST on taxable importations. The GST payable is 10% of the value of the taxable importation. The value of taxable importation is the sum of: the customs value of the goods.

Are overseas sales exempt or zero rated?

If you are selling goods overseas, you can Zero Rate your supplies as long as you keep proof of dispatch. Services that are sold to overseas* are considered 'Outside the Scope' of VAT which means that not only is no VAT charged but the sale does not form part of the VAT return.

How to avoid GST on overseas purchases?

How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally

  1. You are 18 or older.
  2. You are not arriving from Malaysia.
  3. You have been outside of Singapore for 48 hours or more.
  4. You are importing an allowable product for your personal use.

Do I charge GST to clients?

If you HAVE registered for GST, even if you aren't required to, or you aren't over the $75,000 threshold, you must collect and pay GST. The amount of GST you'll need to pay is based on the income you receive during that GST period. You need to make sure that you collect GST from your clients.

Is GST applicable on professional services?

GST Applicability of Professional Services in India

GST is applicable to virtually all professional services offered in India. GST applies to all the following services: Legal and compliance services. Accounting, auditing, and tax-related services.

Is there GST on overseas transactions?

GST of 15% applies to all imported items or gifts, including anything you bought online. Overseas suppliers may charge GST on items sent to you that are valued at NZ$1000 or less. Customs will calculate GST based on the total of: how much you paid for the item, plus.

Is GST charged on commission paid to overseas agents?

Hence, if the foreign agent, being the supplier of services, is located outside India, the place of supply will be the location of the foreign agent (non-taxable territory). Accordingly, the commission paid will not be taxable under GST.

Is GST applicable on international services?

Yes, the import of services is taxable under GST in India. The recipient of the services is liable to pay Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) under the reverse charge mechanism. This applies when the service provider is located outside India, the recipient is in India, and the place of supply is in India.

How to claim GST for foreigners?

Qualifying for the GST refund

  1. Purchase the goods and request the retailer to capture your information for tourist refund;
  2. Spend at least SGD100 (including GST). ...
  3. Present original passport in person to the retailer to capture your passport information digitally at the time of purchase.

How to calculate GST for international transactions?

1% of the gross amount of currency exchanged, subject to minimum of INR 250/- i.e. minimum GST payable is INR 45. INR 5,500 + 0.1% of the gross amount of currency exchanged, subject to a maximum of INR 60,000/-, which caps GST payable at INR 10,800/-.

Do you charge GST to overseas clients?

When services are used outside Australia. The supply of service is GST-free if the supply is used or enjoyed outside Australia or the supply is made to a non-resident who is not in Australia when the supply is made.

Which items are exempted from GST?

Cereals, edible fruits and vegetables (not frozen or processed), edible roots and tubers, fish and meat (not packaged or processed), tender coconut, jaggery, tea leaves (not processed), coffee beans (not roasted), seeds, ginger, turmeric, betel leaves, papad, flour, curd, lassi, buttermilk, milk, and aquatic feeds, and ...

Do you pay tax on foreign purchases?

The duty rates vary according to the type of goods you are importing and the country from which they came or were made in. Depending on the goods or their value, some other taxes may apply, such as excise duty or excise tax on luxury items.

Do I need to charge VAT to non-EU customers?

If the place of supply of your service is not in the EU, you do not have to charge EU VAT but you should include the sale in box 6 on your VAT Return.

Do I need to charge VAT on services?

VAT is charged on things like: goods and services (a service is anything other than supplying goods) hiring or loaning goods to someone.

Do you have to pay VAT for international orders?

For imports, VAT is based on the customs value of your goods. The United States does not currently charge a VAT tax on imports, but you will likely have to pay this tax if you import goods into the European Union.

Do I have to pay GST for overseas purchases?

GST is applicable on all items brought into Singapore regardless of whether foreign sales tax was paid for the item overseas, and regardless of whether the traveller has claimed a tax refund for the item abroad.

Do international transactions have GST?

GST applies to most retail sales of low value physical goods imported by Australian consumers. This affects goods valued at A$1000 or less including items like clothing, cosmetics, books and electric appliances. This A$1000 threshold is based on the customs value, which means transport and insurance costs are excluded.

What is the GST charge for online services?

HSN Code and applicable GST Rate

The invoice issued by the e-commerce operator, explicitly will indicate the rate and amount of GST. The commission charged by e-commerce operators from the sellers falls under the HSN code of 9985, having a GST Rate of 18%.