If you run a GST-registered business in India, how you buy your SSL certificate affects whether you can recover the tax. Buy it the right way and the 18% GST becomes claimable input tax credit - buy it abroad and that money is usually gone. Here's what to know.
GST on SSL certificates
An SSL/TLS certificate is a taxable service in India, attracting 18% GST. When you buy from a registered Indian seller, that GST is charged on a proper tax invoice carrying the seller's GSTIN, the SAC code, and - importantly - your GSTIN.
Claiming input tax credit (ITC)
Because a business website is used in the course of business, the GST you pay on the certificate is generally eligible as input tax credit. To claim it you need:
- A valid GST tax invoice with your GSTIN captured correctly.
- The supplier to have reported the invoice, so it appears in your GSTR-2B.
- The purchase to be for business use.
Get those right and the effective cost of your certificate drops by the GST amount, because you set it off against your output tax.
Why buying abroad usually costs more
When you buy from a foreign SSL provider, you typically pay in USD and there's no Indian GST invoice - so there's nothing to claim as input credit. Worse, cross-border digital purchases can attract reverse-charge obligations, and if you ever need a refund, foreign tax is rarely recoverable. Buying in INR from a registered Indian reseller keeps the whole transaction inside the GST system.
Refunds include the GST
With SSLStore.in, an eligible refund returns the full amount including GST - we reverse the invoice with a GST credit note, so you don't have to chase the tax department. Partial refunds reverse the GST proportionally. (Subject to our refund policy and the CA cancellation window.)
Every order through us is billed in INR with a compliant GST invoice you can hand straight to your accountant. Enter your GSTIN at checkout and it's captured on the invoice automatically.