About GST

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a single, unified indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services across India, replacing multiple earlier taxes like VAT, service tax, and excise duty.

It is administered jointly by the Central and State Governments and applies at every stage of the supply chain, with credit for taxes paid at earlier stages available as input tax credit.

Who is Eligible for GST Registration?

GST registration is mandatory or advisable for a wide range of businesses and individuals involved in the supply of goods or services in India. You are eligible (and in some cases, required) to register under GST if:

• Your aggregate turnover exceeds the threshold limit of ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers and ₹20 lakh for service providers (₹10 lakh for NE and hill states).
• You are involved in interstate supply of goods or services, regardless of turnover.
• You are an e-commerce seller or aggregator using platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Swiggy.
• You are a casual taxable person (e.g., someone supplying goods/services occasionally in a different state).
• You are a non-resident taxable person conducting business in India.
• You are liable under the reverse charge mechanism to pay GST on certain inward supplies.

Eligibility Criteria

Any business, individual, or entity crossing the prescribed turnover threshold, or falling under a mandatory registration category, must register for GST regardless of their location or nature of business.

• Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, companies, and trusts are all eligible to register.
• Voluntary registration is also allowed for businesses below the threshold who wish to claim input tax credit.

The Composition Scheme

Businesses can opt for the Composition Scheme if their annual aggregate turnover is up to ₹1.5 crore in most states. The turnover limit for GST registration in North-Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh is ₹75 lakh.

Businesses under this scheme pay GST at a reduced, fixed rate on their taxable turnover, rather than the standard GST rates.

• 1% for traders and manufacturers.
• 5% for restaurants not serving alcohol.
• 6% for other service providers.

The Composition Scheme is best for small businesses that mainly sell within their state to regular consumers (B2C) and want simpler tax rules and lower rates.

The following table distinguishes both the GST Schemes clearly:

Step-by-Step GST Registration on the Portal

Go to the GST portal, choose "New Registration" > "TRN", and log in using the OTP sent to your registered email and mobile.

Click on "My Saved Application" and use the edit option to continue filling out Form GST REG-01.

Enter your trade name, business type, district, codes, and dates for business start and GST liability. Choose the Composition Scheme if eligible.

Add details of promoters/partners like name, PAN, Aadhaar, contact, and DIN (if applicable).

Provide details and documents for the person handling GST compliance on behalf of your business.

Registration Process

The GST registration process is completed entirely online through the GST portal, starting with a PAN and mobile/email verification (Part A) and continuing with detailed business information and document uploads (Part B).

Fees for GST Registration

GST registration on the government portal is free of cost for all categories of taxpayers. Professional fees may apply if you take the help of a tax consultant or CA.

Renewal and Cancellation

These categories may require an extension or fresh registration if they continue their taxable activities beyond the initial validity period.

GST registration can be cancelled either voluntarily by the taxpayer or initiated by a GST officer due to non-compliance or other valid reasons.

The reasons for cancellation are likewise:

Voluntary Cancellation (by Taxpayer):

• Discontinuance or closure of the business.
• Transfer of business due to amalgamation, merger, de-merger, sale, lease, or other disposal (the transferee must get registered).
• Change in the constitution of the business leading to a change in PAN (e.g., proprietorship converting to a company).
• The annual aggregate turnover falls below the prescribed threshold limit for mandatory registration.
• Death of the sole proprietor.

GST Registration Certificate

A GST Registration Certificate is an official document issued by the GST Department upon successful registration of a business under the GST system in India. It serves as legal proof that your business is recognized and registered to collect and remit GST.

Key Details Included Under the GST Registration Certificate:

• GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)
• Legal Name and Trade Name of the Business
• Constitution of Business (Proprietorship, Partnership, etc.)
• Business Address

GST Registration Certificate

A GST Registration Certificate is an official document issued by the GST Department upon successful registration of a business under the GST system in India. It serves as legal proof that your business is recognized and registered to collect and remit GST.

Key Details Included Under the GST Registration Certificate:

• GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)
• Legal Name and Trade Name of the Business
• Constitution of Business (Proprietorship, Partnership, etc.)
• Business Address
• Date of Registration
• Type of Registration (Regular, Composition, Casual, etc.)

How to Download Your GST Registration Certificate (Form GST REG-06)

Upon successful approval of your GST registration application, the GST authorities issue a certificate of registration in Form GST REG-06.

The physical copy is not provided by the authorities; it can only be downloaded from the GST portal after logging in.