How to Register for GST – A Complete Guide
Goods and service tax is a value-added tax that has replaced several indirect taxes in India. It is a comprehensive and destination based tax levied when goods and services are supplied nationwide. Businesses must compulsorily register for GST if and when their turnover exceeds a specific threshold limit. Registering for GST can be confusing and overwhelming for many business owners. Here we have provided a complete guide on registering for GST in India.
Documents Required For GST Registration
You need the following documents for GST Registration:
- Owner’s PAN card
- Owner’s Aadhaar card
- Owner’s photograph
- Proof of address
- Bank account details
Steps to complete Part A of the GST process online
Step-1: Visit the GST portal. After clicking on services, choose the ‘Registration’ option and select ‘New registration.’
Step-2: Enter the following details in Part A:
- Select new registration
- In the next option of ‘I am a-’ select taxpayer
- Add state and district
- Mention the name and PAN of the business
- Enter a valid email address and mobile number where you intend to receive the OTPs.
- Click on ‘Proceed’
Step-3: Enter both the OTPs you have received; in case you did not receive both, then click on the ‘Resend OTP’ option.
Step-4: Complete part B details within 15 days after receiving the TRN.
Step-5: Revisit the GST portal
Step-6: Select TRN, enter the captcha, and click proceed
Step-7: Enter the received OTP and click on ‘Proceed’.
Step-8: Once confirming the status of the application as drafts, click on edit.
Steps to complete the Part B of the GST process online
Step-9: Complete all ten sections of Part B with the necessary documents.
Step-10: Enter trade name, business constitution, and district in business details. Opt in or out of the composition system, and select the registered person type.
Enter the liability date and business commencement date. Choose yes/no for a casual taxable person registration type. Enter advanced tax payment details for generating challan.
Select ‘Input Service Distributor’ if applicable to obtain registration. Choose the appropriate options in the existing registrations section, such as excise or service tax, registration number and date, and click add.
Fill out relevant fields based on the decision made. For SEZ units, provide the name, authority’s designation, approval order number, and supporting documents.
Select existing registration types like CST, Excise or Service Tax, enter the registration number and date, and click ‘Add’.
Once completed, the tile turns blue, indicating that the section is completed.
Step-11: Add up to ten partners/promoters with personal details like name, DOB, gender, phone, and email, for companies, including designation and director identification number. Enter Aadhar and PAN numbers, along with citizenship status.
Upload the stakeholder’s photo in PDF or JPEG format, with a maximum size of 1 MB. Choose the appropriate option if the promoter is the primary authorised signatory and click ‘Save and proceed’.
Step-12
Enter the details of the primary signatory authorities per Step 10.
If the individual is a GST practitioner, they must provide an enrollment ID; if the individual is an authorised representative, you must present basic details.
Step-13
Provide Principal place of business details
Enter details for the taxpayer’s principal place of business, including address, district, sector, circle, ward, charge, unit, commissioner, division, range codes, and an official phone number. Indicate property ownership status and submit necessary documents like NOC or SEZ approval. Add new commercial locations and click ‘SAVE AND CONTINUE’.
Step-14: List up to five products and services in the respective tab, along with their details and HSN codes or SAC.
Step-15: Enter the taxpayer’s information for up to ten bank accounts. Note that providing bank account information has been optional since December 27, 2018. If not provided during registration, a prompt to submit bank information will appear when logging into the GST portal after receiving the GSTIN.
Include supporting documents in the upload section along with providing the information.
Step-16: Under the tab labelled ‘State Specific Information’, you need to provide the following information:
- Professional tax employee code number
- PT registration certificate number
- State Excise License number
- licence holder’s name
After entering the above details, select ‘SAVE & CONTINUE.’
Step-17: Decide your willingness to submit to Aadhaar authentication next.
If the authorised signatory selects Aadhaar authentication, no physical verification of premises or site is required unless specified, and the ARN will be generated upon completion.
Step-18: Go to the Verification page after filling out all the details. Checkmark the declaration, then apply for one of the ways listed below:
- Companies and LLPs must compulsorily use their Digital Signature Certificates to submit applications.
- OTP will be delivered to the Aadhaar registered number using e-Sign.
- OTP will be received on the registered mobile device using the EVC
Step-19: A notice is displayed when an application is accepted, and the Application Reference Number (ARN) is issued to the registered email and mobile.
Below are the tax-paying entities that require GST registration and the necessary documents to be presented.
- GST Registration Documents for Partnerships and LLPs
- Partnership deed
- PAN cards of partners involved
- Address proof of the partners involved
- Aadhar card of any authorised signatory
- Appointment proof of the signatory
- Proof of LLP Registration
- Bank details
- Principal proof of address of the business
- GST Registration Documents for Hindu Undivided families (HUFs)
- PAN Card of the HUF
- PAN card of the patriarch of the family (known as Karta in an HUF)
- Photograph of the owner
- Bank details
- Principal address proof of the business
- GST Registration Documents for Companies
- Company PAN card
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs incorporation certificate
- Memorandum/ Articles of Association
- Signatory’s appointment proof
- Signatory’s PAN card
- Signatory’s Aadhaar card
- PAN card of all directors
- Bank details
- Business’ principal address proof
- GST Registration Documents for Society or Club
- A duplicate of the registration certificate for the group or society
- A duplicate of the PAN card of the club or organisation, as well as the PAN cards of any linked partners or promoters
- Photograph of partners or promoters
- A copy of the bank account statement/crossed cheque/passbook’s first page.
- Proof of registered office address, including utility bills and a copy of the society’s or club’s municipal khata for premises held by the society or club. A rent agreement and NOC from the premises’ owner are required in the event of rented premises.
- Letter of authorization signed by authorised signatory/signatories.
Steps to take after GST registration
Follow the steps below once you have completed the GST Registration Process:
- Display registration details in place of business.
- Identify the place of supply, which will determine whether you need to charge CGST and SGST or IGST.
- Start issuing the GST-compliant invoices.
- Charge and collect GST on taxable sales made.
- File Form ITC-01 to claim ITC on the goods kept in stock
- Begin to avail of an input tax credit on purchases.
- Maintain proper accounts and records under the GST laws.
- File GST returns: GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4.
- Understand that you may be subject to a reverse charge.
Conclusion
Registering for GST is crucial for businesses operating in India as it enables them to comply with the country’s tax laws. GST registration is a simple process which you can complete online via the GST portal. By following the above step-by-step guide provided in this article, you should be able to complete your GST registration without a hitch. GST Registration provides you many privileges but also comes with a lot of responsibilities as a registered taxpayer. Your GST compliance needs to be flawless at all times, for which you need to maintain accurate records and invoices of all your transactions. Otherwise there is a high chance of attracting penalties and fines. For a hassle free experience with GST compliance, consider using BUSY GST Accounting Software.
