Section outline

  • Legal Setup – PAN, GST (in Simple Words) 🧾📑

    Legal paperwork sounds scary, but it doesn't have to be. Many small home businesses don’t need a company registration or complex tax filing — at least not right away. But it helps to know what’s needed when you grow.

    • 🔹 PAN Card – Must for All

      • 🪪 A PAN (Permanent Account Number) is essential if you're taking online payments, opening a business account, or filing income tax
      • 💡 Already have a personal PAN? That’s enough to start
      • 👩‍💼 If you earn more than ₹2.5L/year from business, you’ll need to file income tax returns using your PAN

    • 🔹 GST – Do You Need It?

      • 🧾 GST (Goods & Services Tax) is needed only if your sales exceed ₹20L annually or you sell through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho
      • 📌 If you sell only via WhatsApp or Instagram and your sales are low, you may not need GST right now
      • ⚠️ Selling interstate or through marketplaces = GST registration required
      • 💻 Apply at: https://www.gst.gov.in

      ✍️ Note: You can start your business without GST, then upgrade when needed. It’s better to focus on growth first than worry about forms.

    • 🔹 Optional But Useful

      • 🏦 Business Bank Account: Not mandatory, but keeps records clean
      • 📜 Udyam Registration: Free government MSME registration for small businesses — helpful for future loans and schemes
      • 📝 Basic Invoice Template: Create a simple bill with your name, product, amount, payment method

      🌸 Final Thought

      Don’t let legal words stop your dream. Many successful businesses started with just a PAN and a notebook. As you grow, you can always upgrade. Your business, your pace. One step at a time. ✅