Navigating GST, SST, and VAT for Shopify billing in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand

If you operate a Shopify store in various Asian countries including India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, then it's important to understand specific goods and services tax obligations. Each country has distinct regulations. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable in India and Singapore. In Malaysia, you're subjected to the Sales and Service Tax (SST). Meanwhile, stores in Thailand are charged a 7% Value-Added Tax (VAT). This page provides an overview of how these taxes affect your Shopify fees, steps for registering or exempting your business, and how to ensure your store complies with local tax laws.

Understanding GST charges on your Shopify fees in India

If your store is located in India, then you're charged GST on your Shopify fees. This charge is reflected on your monthly or yearly Shopify bills. To be exempted from GST, you need to provide your GST Identification Number (GSTIN).

Exemptions to GST charges apply only to invoices issued after you submit your GSTIN. GST charges incurred on invoices issued before you submit your GSTIN are valid and can't be reversed or refunded.

Add GSTIN

From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.
Click Billing profile.
In the Tax ID section, click ….
Click Replace to open the Replace GSTIN dialog.
In the GSTIN field, enter your GSTIN.
Click Replace GSTIN.

Replace GSTIN

From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.
Click Billing profile.
In the Tax ID section, click Add GSTIN.
Click Replace to open the Replace GSTIN dialog.
In the GSTIN field, enter your GSTIN.
Click Replace GSTIN.

How GST is applied to Singapore-based Shopify stores

If your store is located in Singapore, then you're charged GST on your Shopify fees. This charge is reflected on your monthly or yearly Shopify bills. Currently, you can't provide your GST number to be tax exempt.

Handling SST on Shopify fees in Malaysia

If your store is located in Malaysia, then you're charged the SST on your Shopify fees. This charge is reflected on your monthly or yearly Shopify bills. Currently, you can't provide your SST number to be tax exempt.

Managing VAT for Shopify stores in Thailand

If your store is located in Thailand, then you're charged 7% VAT. If you have a VAT number, then your Shopify bill might be exempt from VAT charges. You need to enter a valid 13-digit Tax ID number into your Shopify admin and certify that you're a VAT taxpayer.

Steps:

From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.
Click Billing profile.
In the Tax registration section, click Enter Tax ID number.
Enter your Tax ID number.
Select I certify that I am a VAT taxpayer in Thailand and I can provide the VAT certificate on request.
Click Add Tax ID number.