GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is mandatory for businesses in India whose turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold limit or who meet other specific criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to GST registration
GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is mandatory for businesses in India whose turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold limit or who meet other specific criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to GST registration:
Who Needs to Register for GST?
₹40 lakhs (for goods) in most states (₹20 lakhs for special category states)
₹20 lakhs (for services) in most states (₹10 lakhs for special category states)
Documents Required for GST Registration in India
Documents required for GST Registration in India, categorized based on different types of businesses:
Category | Documents Required |
---|---|
Identity Proof | PAN Card of the proprietor |
Address Proof | Aadhaar Card of the proprietor |
Business Proof | Shop Establishment Certificate or MSME Certificate (if applicable) |
Address of Business | Rent Agreement & Electricity Bill (if rented) or Property Tax Receipt (if owned) |
Bank Details | Canceled cheque, Bank statement, or Passbook copy |
Photographs | Passport-size photo of the proprietor |
Correspondence | Email Address (ID) & Mobile Number |
Category | Documents Required |
---|---|
Identity Proof | PAN Cards of all partners & the firm |
Address Proof | Aadhaar Cards of all partners |
Business Proof | Partnership Deed & Firm Registration Certificate (if registered) |
Address of Business | Rent Agreement & Electricity Bill (if rented) or Property Tax Receipt (if owned) |
Bank Details | Canceled cheque, Bank statement, or Passbook copy |
Photographs | Passport-size photos of all partners |
Authorization Letter | Letter of Authorization for GST compliance |
Correspondence | Email Address (ID) & Mobile Number |
Category | Documents Required |
---|---|
Identity Proof | PAN Card of the company & all directors/partners |
Address Proof | Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID of all directors/partners |
Business Proof | Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA (for Pvt. Ltd.) / LLP Agreement (for LLP) |
Address of Business | Rent Agreement & Electricity Bill (if rented) or Property Tax Receipt (if owned) |
Bank Details | Canceled cheque, Bank statement, or Passbook copy |
Photographs | Passport-size photos of all directors/partners |
Digital Signature (DSC) | Required for companies and LLPs |
Board Resolution | Resolution authorizing a director to apply for GST |
Correspondence | Email Address (ID) & Mobile Number |
Category | Documents Required |
---|---|
Identity Proof | PAN Card of the trust/society & its members |
Address Proof | Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID of key members |
Business Proof | Trust Deed or Society Registration Certificate |
Address of Business | Rent Agreement & Electricity Bill (if rented) or Property Tax Receipt (if owned) |
Bank Details | Canceled cheque, Bank statement, or Passbook copy |
Authorization Letter | Letter authorizing a person to apply for GST |
Correspondence | Email Address (ID) & Mobile Number |
Government Fees for GST Registration in India
GST Registration is completely free of cost on the government portal (www.gst.gov.in). The Government of India does not charge any fee for GST registration.
GST Registration Process in India
GST registration is mandatory for businesses meeting the eligibility criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for GST in India:
Step 1: Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official GST portal: https://www.gst.gov.in/
Step 2: Click on "New Registration"
On the homepage, click "Services" → "Registration" → "New Registration." Select "Taxpayer" as the type of registration. Enter your PAN, mobile number, and email ID (An OTP will be sent for verification). Click Proceed after OTP verification.
Step 3: Fill Part-A of the Registration Form (GST REG-01)
Enter details such as Business Name, PAN, State, and Business Type. After submission, an Application Reference Number (ARN) will be sent to your registered mobile and email.
Step 4: Fill Part-B of the Registration Form
Business Details: Type of business (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt. Ltd., etc.).
Promoter/Partner Details: PAN, Aadhaar, and photograph of the proprietor/partners.
Business Address: Proof of business address (Rent Agreement, Electricity Bill, etc.).
Bank Account Details: Cancelled cheque or bank statement.
Goods & Services Details: Specify the HSN code for goods and SAC code for services.
Digital Signature (DSC): Required for companies and LLPs.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Once all details are filled, submit the application using DSC/EVC (Electronic Verification Code). After submission, you will receive an ARN number to track your application status.
Step 6: Verification by GST Officer
A GST officer will verify the application within 7 working days. If any clarification is needed, you will receive a GST REG-03 notice, and you must respond within 7 days.
Step 7: Receive GSTIN & Certificate
Once approved, you will receive a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) and a GST Registration Certificate (Form GST REG-06). You can download it from the GST portal.
Time Period for GST Registration in India
Detailed Timeline for GST Registration
Step | Time Required |
---|---|
Application Submission | Day 1 |
GST Officer Verification | 3-7 working days |
Approval & GSTIN Issuance | Within 7 working days |
Additional Clarifications (if required) | GST Officer may issue a notice (GST REG-03) for missing details, and you must respond within 7 days. |
Final Approval (if clarification required) | Additional 7 days after response |
Maximum Time for GST Registration
Mandatory GST Registration for Businesses in India
1. Mandatory GST Registration for Businesses
The following businesses must register for GST, irrespective of turnover:
Category | Who Needs to Register? |
---|---|
Turnover-Based Registration | Businesses exceeding ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for special category states) for goods, and ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states) for services. |
Interstate Suppliers | Businesses supplying goods/services across states. |
E-commerce Operators & Sellers | Online marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart) and sellers using such platforms. |
Casual Taxable Persons | Businesses operating temporarily in another state (e.g., exhibitions, trade fairs). |
Non-Resident Taxable Persons | Foreign businesses supplying taxable goods/services in India. |
Businesses under Reverse Charge | Businesses required to pay tax under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM). |
Input Service Distributors (ISD) | Businesses distributing tax credits among branches. |
TDS/TCS Deductors | Businesses or government entities deducting TDS under GST. |
2. Voluntary GST Registration
Businesses below the turnover threshold can also apply for GST registration voluntarily. Benefits include:
Ability to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Eligibility to supply interstate without restrictions.
Improved business credibility.
3. Individuals Who Can Apply for GST
Even individuals can apply for GST registration, including:
Freelancers and service providers earning above ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states).
Consultants, bloggers, and online professionals offering services across India.
Dropshipping and e-commerce sellers.