SSL certificates bought in India attract 18% GST. If you're GST-registered and buy for business use, a correct tax invoice lets you claim that GST back as input tax credit, with no extra paperwork on your side.
GST on SSL certificates
An SSL/TLS certificate is a taxable service in India, attracting 18% GST: CGST + SGST when you're in the same state as the seller, IGST otherwise. When you buy from a registered Indian seller, that GST is charged on a tax invoice carrying the seller's GSTIN, the SAC code and, if you enter it at checkout, 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. This is general information, not tax advice: check with your tax adviser for your own position.
Buying in INR vs buying abroad
When you buy from a foreign SSL provider, there's no Indian GST invoice. A GST-registered business usually has to self-assess IGST under reverse charge and report it before claiming credit, and you pay in foreign currency. Buying in INR from a registered Indian seller keeps it to one tax invoice that appears in your GSTR-2B.
Refunds include the GST
With SSL Store, an eligible refund returns the eligible amount including its 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. This is subject to our refund policy and the CA's cancellation window.
Enter your GSTIN at checkout and it's printed on your invoice automatically.
Common questions
I'm not GST-registered. Do I still pay GST?
Yes, 18% is charged; you just can't claim it back.
IGST or CGST + SGST?
It depends on the place of supply: IGST if you're in another state, CGST + SGST if you're in ours. The invoice shows which.
Can my accountant use the invoice directly?
Yes. Every order gets a GST tax invoice you can download from your account and hand to your accountant.