GST on Share Market Transactions: Services and Charges

If you trade in stocks, you’ve probably noticed a small GST charge on every buy and sell order. While the profit or loss on shares isn’t taxed under GST, the services you use during trading are. This blog breaks down the gst on share market transactions, which charges are affected, and how it impacts retail investors and traders.

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    GST on Share Trading: Which Charges Attract GST?

    Charge Type GST Rate Remarks
    Brokerage fee (buy/sell order) 18% Applied on brokerage amount, not full trade value
    DP charges (NSDL/CDSL) 18% For Demat debit/credit services
    Annual maintenance charges 18% Yearly charge for holding a Demat account
    SEBI/Exchange fees No GST These are statutory fees, exempt from GST

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    How GST Is Calculated in a Trade

    Let’s say you buy shares worth ₹1,00,000 and your broker charges ₹20 as brokerage:

    • GST = 18% of ₹20 = ₹3.60
    • Total charges = ₹20 (brokerage) + ₹3.60 (GST) = ₹23.60
    • Other charges like STT, stamp duty, etc., are applied separately

    GST is only applied to the service component, not the actual trade value.

    GST on Stock Market Services: Impact on Investors

    • Retail investors pay small amounts per trade as GST
    • High-frequency traders may see a significant cumulative impact
    • No ITC available unless trading is a registered business activity

    GST on Stock Market in India: Who Pays What?

    Service Paid By GST Applicability
    Brokerage charges Trader/Investor 18% on brokerage
    Demat account AMC Account Holder 18%
    DP transaction charges Account Holder 18%
    Government levies (STT, stamp duty) Exempt No GST

    Understanding the gst on share market transactions helps you plan your trading expenses better and ensures transparency in all stock-related services.

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