If you are launching or operating a business in India, then you must have heard of GST, which stands for Goods and Services Tax. It is one of the most significant tax reforms in India, aiming to simplify the indirect tax system by combining various broad-based taxes into a single tax. For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the challenge is not learning what GST is but how to register.

This guide aims to equip you with useful information about GST Registration, how to register, what documents to submit, and what it means once registered. Bluntly, let's put it simply.

What is GST Registration?

GST registration is the method of getting a business recognized under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. You will get a GST registration number (GSTIN- Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) through your business after it has registered its business. The GSTIN is very much like the tax identity of the business; in fact, the GSTIN number is required if you want your customers to pay GST, if you want to claim the input tax credit, or simply if you want to ensure you follow the laws.

Who Has to Register for GST?

Here is the rule of thumb: not all businesses have to register, but many businesses do. You have to register for GST if:  

• Your turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs for goods (₹20 lakhs for services) in most states.  

• You are in the interstate business (selling in two different states).  

• You operate an e-commerce business.  

• You supply through a marketplace such as Amazon or Flipkart.  

• You are a casual taxable person (e.g. temporary stall in an exhibition).  

• You are a non-resident Indian making a taxable supply in India.  

• You are involved in a reverse charge transaction.  

There are also situations where you voluntarily register - a business may register under GST even if they are not required to by law due to their annual revenue, just to give them a more professional business front, or so that they can obtain input tax credit, for example.  

Advantages of GST Registration 

I know what you are thinking - if it is not a requirement for me, why would I ever register?  

Well, now you know why you might have to register. Let's look at the upsides:  

1. Input Tax Credit (ITC). You can apply for a refund for the GST that you paid on business purchases.  

2. Greater Credibility for your business. Many times, a customer or vendor will prefer to trade with GST-registered businesses.   

3. Easier to scale. If you are planning to upscale/run any business dealing with any interstate or out-of-state customers, obtaining GST registration makes compliance easier.   

4. E-Commerce Business. You can sell your products to consumers without any added compliance or hurdles.  

Documents Required for GST Registration

To begin the process of GST registration, you would need to have a few important documents. Here is an outline of documents you will likely need:

For Proprietor:

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  PAN card and Aadhar card of the proprietor

  
  


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  Proof of address and bank statements, etc.

  
  


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  Picture of the Business Owner

  
  


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  Proof of business address (rent agreement or electricity bill)

  
  

For Partnership and LLP:

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  PAN card of the firm and all partners

  
  


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  Partnership deed

  
  


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  Address proof and ID for all partners

  
  


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  Address proof for the business

  
  


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  Bank statement for payables

  
  

For Company:

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  PAN card of the company

  
  


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  Certificate of Incorporation

  
  


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  Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

  
  


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  PAN and address proof for all directors

  
  


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  Details of the authorized signatory

  
  


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  Board resolution making the GST registration official

  
  

You will also be required to have an authentic email ID and mobile number for OTPs.

The GST Registration Process: An Overview

Alright, now let's get into how to register. The process itself is online, free, and quite simple, though it can become complicated if you are not used to the portal.

Step 1: Go to the GST Portal

Open https://www.gst.gov.in and click 'Register Now' under 'Taxpayers'.

Step 2: Complete Part A of the Form

You will be asked for:

1. 
   

   Your PAN number

   
   


2. 
   

   Email ID

   
   


3. 
   

   Mobile number

   
   

After providing this information you will receive an OTP (one-time password) that will be sent to both your email and your phone for verification. Once you complete the verification, you will receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).

Step 3: Complete Part B

You will then sign in using your TRN and complete the remaining portion of the form, which includes:

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  Business details

  
  


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  Promoter/Partner Information

  
  


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  Address of the business

  
  


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  Details of the Bank account

  
  


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  Upload the required documents

  
  

Step 4: Verification

Once you have submitted your application, you may receive a call or a GST officer may visit your premises for physical verification (rare unless your documents are not clear).

Step 5: Receive GSTIN

Once verified, you will receive your GSTIN within 7 working days,, and you will also receive a certificate of registration.

Errors that are common to avoid

Wrong business details: Even minor errors can trigger rejection.

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  Incorrect HSN/SAC codes: The codes used to classify the goods or services—make certain you get them right.

  
  


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  Late registration: If you surpass the turnover threshold and do not register, you will owe backdated tax and may even face penalties.

  
  


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  Wrong proof of address: Many applications are rejected based on this. Always upload proof of address that is clear and valid.

  
  

How can Kanakkupillai help?

It can be a headache to register for GST when you are balancing the needs of a business. We will help take that hassle away from you. Loading the necessary documents to register with GST for your business can be an arduous task because it means we will help gather all the document specifications, file the forms, and even maintain ongoing compliance post-registration! 

There are many going into registering for GST, and you are likely to have questions along the way. The rules of the GST portal and practicable filing standards may be confusing. Our team of experts understands everything that goes along with your GST registration, so you can focus on your day-to-day business activities knowing that your GST registration will go through fast and easy, saving you time and hassle.

Final Thoughts

Registering your business under GST is not only a requirement but also a logical move to strengthen the structure of your business and your credibility as a businessperson. Whether you are a freelancer, a start-up business, or an older small or medium enterprise, GST Registration will help build the foundation needed for continued growth and trust as a seller in the marketplace. Getting to know the registration process and what it means for you from a tax compliance perspective will only help you as India transitions into a more organized tax environment. 

If you're unsure or looking for assistance, please reach out to professionals in the space. It's far less stressful to get it sorted the first time than to try to get updates and corrections done. And if you feel confident moving forward, Kanakkupillai is ready to support you through the GST registration, return filing, and beyond.