Key points
- Maharashtra’s GST state code is 27: GSTINs of businesses registered here start with it.
- Sales within the state carry CGST + SGST; sales to other states carry IGST.
- Plan stock around the state’s festival and wedding seasons.
- Check your state’s own limit for e-way bills on movements within the state.
- Choose software that suits your trade first, and your location second.
Business in Maharashtra: who this guide is for
Maharashtra has a wide mix of businesses, from neighbourhood shops to large wholesale markets and manufacturing clusters. This guide is for owners there who are thinking about billing, stock and GST software, and want to know what matters locally.
Major business hubs and trades
| Area | Typical trades |
|---|---|
| Mumbai and Thane | Wholesale trade, pharma distribution, retail chains, electronics |
| Bhiwandi | Warehousing, textiles and powerloom products |
| Pune | Engineering and auto components, retail, IT services |
| Nashik | Agri produce, food processing, engineering |
| Nagpur | Wholesale distribution for central India, oranges and agri trade |
| Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) | Auto components, manufacturing |
| Kolhapur and Solapur | Textiles, foundries, sugar and jaggery trade |
Whatever your trade, the basics are the same: fast GST billing, stock that matches the shelf, and clean data for your CA. Trade-specific needs are covered on our retail, distribution and manufacturing pages.
GST points for Maharashtra businesses
- Your GSTIN starts with 27, Maharashtra’s state code.
- Sales to customers within Maharashtra carry CGST + SGST; sales to Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Goa and other states carry IGST.
- Software should read the customer’s state from their GSTIN and choose the tax type automatically. See CGST, SGST and IGST.
- E-way bills are needed for inter-state movement of goods above ₹50,000. States set their own limits for movement within the state, so check the current rule for yours.
- Since September 2025, most goods are at 5% or 18% GST. See GST 2.0 rates.
Seasons that shape stock
Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali and the wedding season are the biggest buying periods for retail in Maharashtra. Distributors and retailers should plan stock a few weeks ahead using last year’s sales for the same weeks, and watch ageing stock after each season.
What to look for in software
| Need | Why it matters here |
|---|---|
| Correct GST for local and inter-state sales | Trade with neighbouring states is common |
| Works on patchy internet | Connections vary outside big cities |
| WhatsApp bills and reminders | How most customers prefer to communicate |
| Trade-specific features | Batches, sizes, serials or units, depending on your business |
| Phone support | Quick help on busy days |
Warehousing and distribution
With large warehousing around Bhiwandi and Nagpur, many Maharashtra distributors run several godowns. Multi-godown stock, transfer notes and e-way bills for every movement above the limit are essential. See warehouse management.