GST Registration Online in India: A Quick and Easy Guide for Business Owners

For Indian businesses, tax compliance comes in the form of GST. Though mandatory above a certain slab, all business owners can apply for a preemptive GST registration online.

If you are one such business owner, use this simple guide to file your application for GST registration.

Understanding GST Registration

With simple steps and documentation, taking up the GST registration process is imperative for all businesses. Business owners need to submit a form and upload all necessary documents and then await approval from the authorities in the form of a GSTIN and registration certificate.

Once this is done, they need to take up GST returns filing periodically to maintain compliance.

Who needs a GST registration?

If you are one of the below, it is essential to have a GST Registration and maintain regular GST return filing:

• An annual turnover of:

o 40 lakhs INR or more when dealing with goods (20 lakhs INR for the northeastern and hilly states)

o 20 lakhs INR or more for services (10 lakhs INR for the northeastern and hilly states)

• A business that operates across state borders

• An e-commerce business and aggregator

• A casual taxable person (no fixed place of business)

• Non Resident taxable person (foreign businesses)

• Falling under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (a service provider liable to pay GST instead of your supplier)

• An Input Service Distributor or an agent for such

However, you may also voluntarily opt for a GST registration to reap the benefits.

Benefits you get from a GST Registration

GS eliminates the cascading effect of taxes by bringing all businesses under a single tax regime. Further, it lowers tax liability, helps maintain legal compliance, and acts as a legal safeguard for businesses.

By opting for GST Registration, as a business/ business owner, you get the following benefits:

• Build credibility and gain investor support.

• Be eligible to claim Input Tax Credit and get reimbursed against the GST collected against selling a product.

• Carry out business across state and international borders with ease.

• Obtain loans and get access to lines of credit from financial institutions.

• Only GST registered businesses are eligible for Government contracts.

• MSMEs and other small businesses can also access GST-linked Government schemes.

Further, the GST registration online allows you to enjoy a seamless and simplified process.

Steps to follow for getting a GST Registration Online

Whether you are voluntarily filing for GST registration online or doing so for the sake of legal and tax compliance, the process is fairly simple. Gather the documents listed below and file an application with the official portal with the necessary data.

Documents Needed

To apply for a GST registration online, businesses need to provide the below:

• A PAN Card to act as the basic tax ID

• Aadhaar Card as the proof of identity of the business owner

• Proof of Registration to verify proprietorship

• Bank Details for the business

• Proof of address such as lease agreements and tax records

Checklist to look through during GST Registration Online Process

When applying for GST Registration online, you need to do the below:

• Verify that you are eligible for the GST registration process

• Gather all documents that are needed to apply for GST registration

• Fill out the online form with all the necessary details

• Upload all the required documents

• Maintain accuracy and provide complete data for an on-time approval

• Track your application to stay appraised of any queries or changes

• Get a GST number once the process is complete

Applying for GST Registration Online

As simple as the checklist sounds, let’s go through the steps in detail:

• Visit the new GST registration portal on the official site.

• Enter the details requested on Form GST REG 01.

• Validate these and receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).

• Access Part B of Form GST REG-01 using the TRN and upload details such as proof of address, bank details, and others.

• Verify each detail and submit the form.

• Once you submit, you will need to provide an acknowledgment (Form GST REG-02).

• The completed form will be verified and approved by the authorities within 7 – 10 business days if there are no issues.

• In case there are any queries that need to be addressed, you will receive a notification (Form GST REG-03).

• A timeframe of 7 working days is allocated for responding with the necessary explanation and documents (Form GST REG-04).

• Once approved, you will receive a GST Registration certificate and a 16-digit unique GSTIN.

Should you opt for a facilitator when applying?

While not mandatory, you can avail of the services of the multiple service providers that provide GST Registration Services. These companies guide you through the process so that you can enjoy a quicker, more simplified process. Further, in case there are any issues with the GST Registration online, they help answer the queries raised.

Compliance and Renewals

Once you have the GST Registration, you need to maintain the following to stay compliant with legal and tax norms:

• Take up GST Return filing regularly for all business activities.

• Pay all dues to avoid any penalties.

• Maintain accurate records for each transaction.

• Conduct regular audits as per the CGST Act 2017.

Since there are no limitations or specified period of validity, for regular taxpayers, a GST Registration and the GSTIN associated with it stays valid until canceled. However, for non-residents and temporary taxable persons, a window of 90 days is provided for GST Renewals.

To Conclude

Whether you are an existing business or a new one, maintain tax compliance by getting a GST Registration. Though not mandatory for businesses with a small turnover of less than 40 lakhs INR for goods and 20 lakhs INR for services, having a GST registration boosts customer faith.

Use the given guide to apply for the GST Registration online process and do your GST Returns filing regularly to stay tax compliant.