Are you launching an online store in India? Well, if you want to lead your e-commerce store toward success, then you must get it GST registered. For businesses of any size, GST registration is a legal requirement in India. At the same time, some specific criteria make an individual eligible to apply for the registration. Once you meet those, you can easily submit your application, obtain a GSTIN, and complete the registration process.
The process is made to be user-friendly and simple, with some straightforward interfaces, regulated by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India, to ensure smooth tax filing. Now, if you are a candidate for the registration process, it’s essential to understand how the entire process works as a new seller. Keep reading this guide for a step-by-step overview of the registration process.
Step-by-Step Guide to the GST Registration Process
The GST tax application and registration process is designed to be user-friendly and hassle-free for all businesses. You can follow the procedure given below to navigate the registration process effectively at no cost.
Step 1
You have to visit the official GST portal, an online platform which will be your primary interface for all GST-related activities, form fill, and the registration process.
Step 2
Once you open the GST portal, search for the “Services” tab at the top of the page. There will be a drop-down menu where you have to select “registration” and then click on “new registration” to start the process.
Step 3
The GST registration form GST REG-01 will be visible on that page. There are two parts in the whole process, parts A and B. To make the process easier and more seamless, organize all the required information and documents.
Step 4
Part A involves selecting the ‘Taxpayer’ as the type of taxpayer from the ‘I am ‘ drop-down list.
Step 5
Next, there will be a State/UT and District drop-down list, where you will have to select the state or district for which you need the registration.
Step 6
In the PAN database of the “Legal Name of the Business,” you have to enter the legal name of your business or entity.
Step 7
Next, you will find the Permanent Account Number (PAN) field, where you have to enter your business’s PAN or, if you’re a sole proprietor, your personal PAN.
Step 8
In the email address field, you have to provide the email address of the primary authorized signatory.
Step 9
You have to enter a valid mobile number for the primary authorized signatory in the mobile number section.
Step 10
Now, you have to enter the Captcha code displayed on the screen to “proceed” to the next steps.
Step 11
Once you are verified, you will receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). This number will be sent either to your phone number or the email address that you provided.
Step 12
As soon as you get your TRN in hand, you will be ready to proceed to part B of the registration process. You must ensure you have all necessary documents and information ready, because the next section will require additional information and details about your business.
Remember that accuracy is a crucial factor while completing this process. Hence, you must double-check all the details you provided to prevent any further delays in your GST registration. You are advised to consult a tax professional or GST expert if you are unsure about any of the information you are providing.
Also, this guide is only the initial steps of the GST registration process, and part B will introduce more detailed information sections that need to be filled out to complete the process. Stay organized and prepared with your documents to make the registration process more manageable.
Part B of the Registration Process
Once you complete part A of the registration process and obtain the Temporary Reference Number (TRN), you need to proceed to part B for the GST registration process. The steps are as follows:
Step 13
During this step, you have to return to the GST portal. Then again, you have to navigate to “services” and click on “registration” and then “new registration”. Now, choose the option to log in using the Temporary Reference Number (TRN) provided to you during the earlier process.
Step 14
Next, you have to enter your TRN number in the designated field. Complete the captcha verification as displayed on your screen. Then, you can proceed by selecting the continue tab.
Step 15
You will receive an OTP verification code once you complete the above process. By entering the OTP sent to your mobile, you can select “proceed” to continue the process.
Step 16
Now, you have to locate your application on the “My Saved Applications” page. In the action column, you will find the edit icon to continue.
Step 17
Here, you have to fill out the form that comprises 10 columns with specific information as required. Be careful while completing the process, and provide accurate information for each section allotted.
- Business details
- Promoter/partner information
- Authorized signatory details
- Principal and additional business locations
- Goods and services information
- State-specific details
- Aadhaar authentication
- Verification
Step 18
Once you have completed the section, go ahead and click on ‘Save and Continue’. However, only proceed after thoroughly reviewing the information you provided to avoid any hindrance in the process.
Step 19
There appears to be an application form where you will have to put your signature using your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Once you select “proceed,” your application will be submitted.
Conclusion
Upon submission of the form, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) via email and SMS, which serves as a confirmation that your application process has been successfully submitted. By following this guide and carefully optimizing the steps, business owners in India can confidently navigate the GST registration process. Ensure timely registration and compliance to unlock benefits for your business.