Whether or not to opt for GST Registration, and which GST returns are to be filed are determined based on the Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO).

In recent years, India has emerged as a major hub for Startups and SMBs. In the past few financial years, India has retained its position as the 3rd largest base for Startups. With initiatives like ‘Startup India’ and ‘Make in India’, the government of India has put their best foot forward to boost the growth of businesses in India.

However, as these businesses enjoy the benefits and support, as provided by the government, they are also responsible to provide the government with the revenues in the form of taxation applicable to the organisation. Hence, any dealer in India, with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 40 lakh (Rs 20 lakh for special category states) is required to register under GST. Also, for service based businesses, the threshold is Rs. 20 Lakhs (10 Lakhs in Special Category States).

Know more about the slabs here:  GST Compliance

GST Registration is a two-step process. A Temporary Registration Number can be generated without submitting documents. Same remains valid for 15 days, before which you have to upload your business existence documents to complete the process and get a permanent GSTIN. Here, is a step-by-step guide for GST registration online:

Part 1 – Getting Temporary GST Registration Number

Step 1 – Go to the GST portal at https://reg.gst.gov.in/registration/

Step 2 – There are 2 options: New GST Registration and Temporary Reference Number (TRN). Click on New Registration.

Step 3 – Select drop down from ‘I am a*.  You can select out of following options.

1. Taxpayer
2. Tax Deductor
3. Tax Collector (e-commerce)
4. GST Practitioner
5. Non-Resident Taxable Person
6. United Nation Body
7. Consulate or Embassy of Foreign Country
8. Other Notified Person
9. Non-Resident Online Service Provider

Select ‘Taxpayer’ for normal GST Registration.

Step 4 – Fill other relevant details on:

• State and District
• Legal Name of Business and PAN (under which business is registered)
• Email Address: All the communication from GSTN gets sent to this address. So and Mobile Address. Hence, ensure to add a valid/in use email id.
• Mobile Number: All the communication from GSTN gets sent to this number. Hence, ensure to add a valid/in use email id.
• Click on Proceed

Step 5 – You will receive an OTP on the Email Id and Mobile number you have provided in step 2. Enter the OTP in the respective column and click on continue. In case you have not received the OTP, click on Resend OTP.

Step 6 – You will receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). Note the TRN (You shall receive the TRN on your registered Email address and Mobile No.) for further use.

Once you click on Proceed, Part A of GST Registration is complete and it directly takes you to Part B. However, here you can choose to stop and come back to complete to registration in next 15 days.

Part 2: Getting Permanent GSTIN – GST Registration Number

Step 7 – Go to https://reg.gst.gov.in/registration/
Step 8 – Select Radial Button for Temporary Reference Number (TRN)

Enter your TRN. Enter the captcha code (characters shown in the image below the field).  Click on Proceed.

Step 9 – Another OTP shall be sent to you on the registered mobile and email. Enter the OTP and click on Procee

Step 10 – This will take you to your GSTN dashboard (Temp) wherein you will find your ‘Saved Application’ and their status.

For your current application, the status column will indicate as ‘draft’. Click on the edit icon under the action column.

Step 11 – Application Verification process consists of 9 sections which involve filling business details and submitting relevant documents. The sections are:

1. Business Details
2. Promoter/ Partners
3. Authorised Signatory
4. Authorised Representative
5. Principal Place of Business
6. Additional Place of Business
7. Goods and Services
8. State Specific Information
9. Verification

List of documents you need to keep handy while applying for GST registration-

• Photographs of promoters/director/proprietor
• Constitution of the taxpayer (Sole Proprietor/Partnership/CompanyHUF/AOP/Trust/Society etc)
• Proof for the place of business and business identity
• Bank account details
• Authorization form

Step 12 – Once you have filled all the details, go to the last step-Verification page. Tick on the declaration and submit the application using any of the following ways –

• Companies must submit the application using DSC
• Using e-Sign – OTP will be sent to Aadhaar registered number
• Using EVC – OTP will be sent to the registered mobile

A success message is displayed and Application Reference Number (ARN) is sent to registered email and mobile.
You can check the ARN status for your registration by entering the ARN in GST Portal.

CBIC had issued notifications on 23rd March 2020 about Aadhaar authentication for GST registration from 1st April 2020 however, it was changed later via notification 62/2020 dated 20th August 2020 and made it optional.

IRIS GST wishes you luck and prosperity for all your future endeavours. For any queries in regards to GST, feel free to write to us at support@irisgst.com.

IRIS GST is an official GSP (GST Suvidha Provider), has been built with a vision to help businesses file their GST compliances without any hassle. To know more about our products, IRIS Sapphire (GST Returns), IRIS Topaz (Eway Bill) and IRIS Peridot (Search GSTIN).