The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made doing business easier and more streamlined. This is because it subsumes many indirect taxes into a unified system. It is mandatory for all e-commerce businesses and those engaged in inter-state supply.
In India, businesses selling goods need to register for GST if their annual turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs, except in special category states where the threshold is Rs. 20 lakhs. For services, the registration threshold is Rs. 20 lakhs nationwide, but it drops to Rs. 10 lakhs in special category states. This turnover limit varies based on the business location and the type of business.
If you are a business falling under any of these categories, you must know the various aspects of GST how to register online to the process of filing taxes. Today, our focus is on the foundational step of GST registration.
Prerequisites
Before applying for GST, gather important personal and business-related documents beforehand:
- PAN Card Copy
- ID Proof like an Aadhaar
- Bank Account Details
- Digital Signature Certificate, if applicable
- Address Proof of your Business Location
You can further be on the lookout for the appropriate Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for your categories of products. This will help in determining the proper classification of goods and services for application to the right rate of GST. Read on to learn more about registration under GST.
GST Return Filings
After registering under GST, all e-commerce sellers are mandated to file two principal GST returns: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B. GSTR-1, which details outward supplies, needs to be filed monthly for sellers with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 1.5 crore, and quarterly for those with a turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore. GSTR-3B, a summary return that includes both inward and outward supplies, tax liabilities, and Input Tax Credit (ITC), must be filed monthly by all sellers, irrespective of their turnover. This ensures consistent monthly submissions to maintain tax compliance.
GST How To Register
Enter your Identity Details
When registering for GST, users must select the “New Registration” option and provide their PAN (Permanent Account Number) and Aadhaar number. Additionally, they will be required to enter a mobile number. These details are essential for creating a user profile and are subject to validation checks.
Verify the Provided Credentials & Set a Password
You will then receive an OTP on your mobile and email to confirm the same. For your ongoing GST lifecycle needs, you shall set a very strong password not less than 8 characters long.
Provide Key Business and Location Information
Please, as appropriate for services or the sale of merchandise, give details of your business name as per legal documents. Additionally, include the addresses of all locations from which the business operates. This information is crucial for the creation of the profile, ensuring compliance with tax regulations as each location requires separate GST registration if they are in different states or union territories.
Authorised Signatory selection
If required, add signatories who can legally represent the business in the GST system through Aadhaar e-verification.
Complete the Section List Questionnaire
Answer the key questions to find out your liability for registration under GST law. The answers given would classify your operation suitably.
Supporting document submission
Be ready, when called upon, to add the policy agreements for uploading, business incorporation certificates, and financial documents in support of details furnished earlier.
Application Submission
Preview all the details of the application; the registration fees are based on the turnover. Preview all details and submit a request for assessment, and you will be able to track your status online.
Final Registration Certification
The final registration certificate of GSTIN will be provided within a few days of its approval by the tax authorities so that you can start transacting with the certificate. The registration under GST is considered one of the very first and essential milestones, without which a business cannot work legally by producing invoices and being able to avail input tax credits in order to grow further.
Conclusion
Starting a business requires navigating legal and tax requirements, which might seem overwhelming at first. However, many platforms offer tools and support, such as HSN code lookup and assistance with GST registration and compliance. This support helps ensure you meet legal standards, take advantage of tax benefits, and focus on growing your business. This overview should help you understand the basics of GST and the registration process.