GST is the most common source of billing confusion in relocation. Two movers quote what sounds like the same price; the final bills differ substantially. Almost always, the reason is how GST was presented — or whether it was mentioned at all.
Why quotes differ
The service can be structured in more than one way, and the treatment differs:
- Transportation of goods only — a goods transport service, where the applicable treatment differs from a bundled service.
- Full packing and moving service — packing material, labour, loading, transport, unloading and unpacking bundled together, treated as a composite supply.
Most household relocations fall into the second category. Rates and treatment change over time and depend on the specifics of the contract, so the practical advice is not to memorise a percentage — it is to ask the right question.
The one question that prevents most disputes: "Is the amount you have quoted inclusive or exclusive of GST?" Ask it before booking, and get the answer in writing.
What a valid GST tax invoice must contain
A handwritten receipt on a letterhead is not a tax invoice. A valid one includes:
- Supplier's name, address and GSTIN
- A unique, sequential invoice number and date
- Recipient's name and address (and GSTIN if registered)
- Description of the service provided
- HSN/SAC code for the service
- Taxable value
- GST amount shown separately — CGST and SGST, or IGST for interstate
- Total amount payable
- Supplier's signature or digital signature
If any of these are missing, the document may not be accepted for a reimbursement or input credit claim.
Why this matters most for government employees
Government, PSU and bank employees claiming transfer TA/DA generally must submit a proper tax invoice from a GST-registered service provider. A cash receipt from an unregistered operator is frequently rejected by the accounts department — and by then, the move is over and you have no leverage.
If you are on a transfer posting, verify before booking:
- The company is GST-registered and will issue a tax invoice in your name
- Your name on the invoice matches your service records
- The invoice shows origin and destination matching your transfer order
- You receive the invoice before or at delivery, not weeks later
Businesses and input tax credit
A GST-registered business relocating an office may be able to claim input tax credit on the moving service, subject to the usual conditions. To be in a position to do so, your GSTIN must appear on the invoice, and the supplier must actually file their return. Verify the supplier's GSTIN on the government portal before booking.
Watch out: an unusually cheap quote from an operator who cannot provide a GSTIN means no valid tax invoice. If you need the paperwork for reimbursement or input credit, that "saving" costs you the entire claim.
Practical checklist before you book
- Ask for the GSTIN and verify it on the government GST portal
- Confirm in writing whether the quote is inclusive or exclusive of GST
- Confirm they will issue a proper tax invoice, not a receipt
- Give the exact name and address that must appear on the invoice
- If claiming reimbursement, check your employer's specific requirements in advance
- Keep the invoice, the delivery receipt and proof of payment together
This guide explains general principles and is not tax advice. GST rates and rules change; for a specific case, confirm the current position with a qualified tax professional or your accounts department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a move in Lucknow?
Get a free, no-obligation quote. We call back within 15 minutes.
Get My Free Quote