UPI UPDATE — 16 SEPTEMBER 2026UPI remains free for P2P transactions. Merchant transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free. Applicable P2M transactions above ₹2,000 can attract MDR from 15 October 2026 under the current framework.Read full update →

GST on UPI Payments

Short answer

UPI is a payment method. GST applies to a taxable supply of goods or services made by a person liable to charge it. A customer paying ₹10,000 via UPI does not, by that fact alone, create a GST liability.

Last updated: 16 September 2026Last verified: 16 September 2026
The test is the supply, not the rail
Ask: was there a supply of goods or services? Is the supplier registered or required to be? What is the taxable value and place of supply? Is an exemption available? The answers decide GST — the payment rail does not.

What decides GST applicability

  • Nature of the supply (goods, services, or neither)
  • Whether the supplier is registered or liable to register
  • Taxable value of the supply
  • Place of supply
  • Applicable exemptions
  • Turnover and registration requirements
  • The GST rate notified for that supply

Examples

SituationMoney received via UPIDoes UPI create GST?What decides it
Restaurant bill₹1,800NoRestaurant supply, registration status and notified rate
Freelancer invoice₹80,000NoService supply, registration threshold, place of supply
Consultant retainer₹1,50,000NoTaxable service; registration likely relevant
Retail shop sale₹4,000NoGoods supply and rate notified for those goods
Ecommerce sale₹2,500NoMarketplace supply rules and registration
Medical service₹3,000NoExemption may apply to certain healthcare services
Education fees₹25,000NoExemption may apply to certain educational services
Residential rent from an individual₹20,000NoDepends on the nature of the letting and the parties
Software service export₹5,00,000NoExport of services rules and place of supply

We do not publish GST rates on this page. Rates and exemptions must be read from the notified rate schedules on the GST portal, because they change by notification.

✓ Official sourceGST Portal, Government of India · View · Verified 16 September 2026

For merchants: MDR and GST are different things

MDR is a charge on accepting the payment. GST on your sale is a tax on the supply. Do not net one against the other in your books — record the sale at its taxable value and the payment charge as a separate expense.

Related pages

This page is educational information, not professional tax, legal or financial advice. Rules can change — verify against the latest official notification or consult a qualified professional before acting.