Yes. Providing services to clients outside India is considered an "export of services." Under GST law, exporters are required to register for GST regardless of their annual turnover. The good news is that exports are "zero-rated," meaning you don't charge GST to your client, but you can still claim a refund for the GST you paid on your business expenses (like software or a new laptop).

If you opt for the regular tax scheme, you can deduct any expense incurred "wholly and exclusively" for your profession. This includes a portion of your home rent if you have a dedicated workspace, internet/phone bills, software subscriptions, business travel, depreciation on your laptop, and even fees paid to a co-working space.

While an Excel sheet can track basic income, professional bookkeeping provides much more. It ensures your records are accurate through bank reconciliation, properly categorizes expenses for tax deductions, and generates a standard Profit & Loss statement. This financial discipline is crucial for making informed business decisions and is essential if you ever need to apply for a loan.