Starting a business in India? GST registration is mandatory if your annual turnover crosses ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states) for services, or ₹40 lakhs for goods.

But even if you're below these thresholds, you might still need GST registration if you're selling online, doing inter-state supplies, or providing certain notified services.

The good news? The entire GST registration process is 100% online and can be completed in 3-5 working days if you have all your documents ready.

This complete guide walks you through the entire GST registration process step-by-step, lists all required documents, explains common errors to avoid, and answers frequently asked questions.

Who Needs GST Registration?

Mandatory GST Registration Required If:

  • Turnover exceeds threshold: ₹40 lakhs (goods) or ₹20 lakhs (services) in a financial year
  • Inter-state supply: Even ₹1 of business across state borders requires GST registration
  • E-commerce sellers: Selling on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc.
  • Casual taxable person: Occasionally supplying in a state where you don't have a fixed place of business
  • Input Service Distributor: Head office distributing ITC to branches
  • Reverse charge mechanism: Receiving services where supplier is unregistered
  • Non-resident taxable person: Foreign businesses supplying in India
  • Agent or aggregator: E-commerce aggregators, logistics aggregators

⚠️ Penalty for Not Registering

Penalty = 10% of tax due OR ₹10,000 (whichever is higher). Plus interest at 18% per annum on unpaid tax.

Documents Required for GST Registration

Before starting the online application, gather these documents (all in PDF format, max 1MB each):

For Proprietorship / Individual

  • PAN Card of proprietor
  • Aadhaar Card of proprietor
  • Photograph (passport size, recent)
  • Bank account details (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
  • Business address proof (any one):
    • Electricity bill
    • Property tax receipt
    • Municipal khata copy
    • Rent agreement + NOC from owner (if rented)
  • Email ID and mobile number (OTP verification required)

For Private Limited / LLP / Partnership

  • PAN Card of business entity
  • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Partnership Deed
  • Board Resolution for authorized signatory
  • PAN + Aadhaar + Photo of all directors/partners
  • Address proof of principal place of business (same as above)
  • Bank account details

⚠️ Common Documentation Errors

  • Mismatched names: PAN name must match Aadhaar name exactly (including spelling)
  • Old address proofs: Electricity bill should be within last 2 months
  • Wrong file formats: Only PDF accepted, images must be converted
  • Missing owner NOC: If rented premises, owner's NOC is mandatory

Step-by-Step GST Registration Process

1

Visit GST Portal

Go to www.gst.gov.in → Click on "Services" → "Registration" → "New Registration"

Tip: Use Chrome or Firefox browser. Clear cache if facing issues.

2

Part A: Preliminary Information

Fill in basic details to receive TRN (Temporary Reference Number):

  • Select your State and District
  • Enter your business Legal Name (as per PAN)
  • Enter PAN Number (auto-validates from IT database)
  • Enter Email ID and Mobile Number (OTP will be sent)
  • Verify OTP on both email and mobile
  • Click "Proceed"

✓ TRN Generated

You'll receive a 15-digit Temporary Reference Number (TRN) on your email and mobile. Save this number—you'll need it to complete Part B.

3

Part B: Complete Application (Form GST REG-01)

Return to GST portal → Services → Registration → "New Registration" → "Temporary Reference Number (TRN)"

Enter your TRN → Verify OTP → You'll land on Form GST REG-01

Sections to Fill:

  1. Business Details: Constitution (proprietorship/partnership/company), reason for registration, commencement date
  2. Promoter/Partner Details: Upload PAN, Aadhaar, photo of all promoters/directors
  3. Principal Place of Business: Complete address with pincode, upload address proof
  4. Additional Places of Business: If you have branches/godowns, add them
  5. Goods & Services: Select HSN codes (at least 5) for goods/services you'll supply
  6. Bank Account Details: Account number, IFSC, bank name, upload cancelled cheque
  7. Authorized Signatory: Person who will file GST returns—upload photo, Aadhaar, authorization letter
4

Upload Documents

Upload all documents in PDF format (max 1MB each):

  • Constitution/Incorporation certificate (if company/LLP)
  • Address proof (electricity bill/rent agreement + NOC)
  • Photographs of promoters/directors
  • Cancelled cheque or bank statement (first page)
  • Authorization letter for signatory
  • Board resolution (for companies)

Pro Tip: Name your files clearly (e.g., "PAN_Card.pdf", "Electricity_Bill.pdf") for easy upload.

5

E-Verification

Choose one of three verification methods:

  1. E-Signature (Recommended): Using Aadhaar-based e-Sign or DSC (fastest method)
  2. E-Verification Code (EVC): OTP sent to registered mobile/email
  3. Physical Verification: Print, sign, and send to jurisdictional GST office (slowest—avoid if possible)

Best Option: Use Aadhaar e-Sign for instant submission.

6

ARN Generation

✓ Application Reference Number (ARN) Issued

Immediately after submission, you'll receive a 15-digit ARN on your email and mobile. This confirms your application is under process.

Track Status: Go to GST portal → Services → Registration → Application Status → Enter ARN

7

Processing & GSTIN Issuance

The GST officer will verify your application. Three possible outcomes:

✓ Approved (3-5 days)

You'll receive your 15-digit GSTIN (GST Identification Number) via email. This is your permanent GST number.

❓ Clarification Sought (FORM GST REG-03)

Officer needs additional documents/information. Respond within 7 working days via portal, else application will be rejected.

❌ Rejected (FORM GST REG-05)

Application rejected with reasons. You can re-apply after correcting errors.

🎉 Congratulations! You're GST Registered

Once approved, download your GST Registration Certificate from the portal. This certificate contains:

  • Your GSTIN (15 digits)
  • Legal name and trade name
  • Principal place of business
  • Date of registration
  • Type of registration (Regular/Composition/Casual)

What Happens After GST Registration?

Immediate Actions Required

  1. Update invoices: Add GSTIN on all invoices, bills, and business stationery
  2. Display GSTIN: At principal place of business (visible signboard)
  3. Link bank account: If not done during registration, link via portal
  4. Understand your return frequency:
    • Regular taxpayer: Monthly GSTR-1 + GSTR-3B
    • QRMP scheme: Quarterly GSTR-1 + Monthly GSTR-3B (if eligible)
    • Composition taxpayer: Quarterly CMP-08

Your First GST Return

First return must be filed in the month following registration. For example:

  • Registered on Jan 15? First return for January, due Feb 20 (GSTR-3B) and Feb 11 (GSTR-1)

⚠️ Don't Miss Your First Return

Late filing of first return creates a bad track record. Set up compliance calendar immediately after registration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Consequence Solution
Wrong HSN code selection Can't issue proper invoices, ITC issues Select correct HSN codes for your actual products/services
Incorrect address proof Application rejection Ensure electricity bill is <2 months old; get owner NOC if rented
Incomplete bank details Delay in refunds, verification issues Upload clear cancelled cheque with pre-printed name
Not responding to REG-03 Auto-rejection after 7 days Check email/portal daily for clarification requests
Using personal email ID Lose access if employee leaves Use dedicated business email for GST registration

GST Registration Fees

💰 Cost of GST Registration

Government Fees: ₹0 (FREE)

Yes, GST registration is completely free. The government does not charge any fees.

Professional Fees (if using CA services): ₹2,000 - ₹5,000

Includes document preparation, application filing, and follow-up until GSTIN issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does GST registration take?

A: Typically 3-5 working days if all documents are correct. Can take up to 15 days if clarifications are sought.

Q2: Can I get GST registration if my business is at home?

A: Yes, residential address is allowed. Upload electricity bill in your name or rent agreement if rented. Home-based businesses are fully eligible.

Q3: What if I don't have any business premises yet?

A: You need a business address for GST registration. Options: Use home address, rent a small office, or use co-working space address.

Q4: Can I register for GST before starting business?

A: Yes, you can register voluntarily even below threshold. Select "Voluntary" as reason for registration. Useful if you're selling online or want to claim ITC.

Q5: What's the difference between GSTIN and TRN/ARN?

A:

  • TRN: Temporary Reference Number (to save and resume application)
  • ARN: Application Reference Number (proof that application is submitted)
  • GSTIN: Your final permanent GST number (15 digits)

Q6: Can I operate multiple businesses with one GSTIN?

A: Yes, if they're under same PAN and legal entity. But you must add all business addresses during registration.

Q7: Do I need separate GSTIN for each state?

A: Yes. If you have business presence in multiple states (office/warehouse), you need separate registration in each state. Format: First 2 digits of GSTIN indicate state code.

Q8: What happens if I cross ₹20L/40L threshold but don't register?

A: Penalty + interest + you'll still have to register. Plus, you can't claim ITC on your purchases during unregistered period. Register immediately once threshold is crossed.

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