GST Portal Login: How to Register for GST Online

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has revolutionized how businesses file their taxes. The GST Portal, maintained by the Indian government, serves as the online platform for taxpayers to register, file returns, make payments, and perform other GST-related activities.

Key Takeaways

• Businesses must register and obtain a unique GSTIN to collect and remit GST on their sales.
• It requires a PAN Card, an Aadhaar Card, Proof of Business Registration, Identity and Address Proof, and Bank Account Details.
• You can check the status of your GST registration with or without logging in using the Application Reference Number (ARN) or Service Request Number (SRN).
• GST registration benefits include eliminating cascading tax effects, combating tax evasion, and offering composition schemes for small businesses.

This blog will provide a step-by-step guide for logging in to the GST Portal and discuss its various features.

What is GST Registration?

GST registration refers to the process by which businesses in India enroll themselves under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. GST is a unified indirect tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes such as VAT, excise duty, and service tax. Under GST, businesses must register and obtain a unique GSTIN to collect and remit GST on their sales of goods and services.

Guide to GST Site Terminologies

Understanding GST terminologies can help taxpayers effectively manage their GST compliance requirements. Here is a guide to some common terminologies:

Services

This section of the GST website provides information and access to various services offered to taxpayers, including registration, filing returns, payment of taxes, refunds, and other compliance-related activities.

GST Law

The GST Law section contains detailed information about the legal provisions, rules, regulations, notifications, and circulars related to GST. It is a comprehensive resource for understanding India’s statutory framework governing GST.

Downloads

The Downloads section of the GST website allows users to access and download various documents, forms, templates, guides, and other resources related to GST compliance. It includes GST registration forms, return filing formats, user manuals, and FAQs.

Searching Taxpayer

This feature enables users to search the GST portal for information about registered taxpayers. Users can search for taxpayers by their GSTIN, trade name, legal name, or state code.

Taxpayer Facilities and Help

This section provides information about the facilities and assistance available to taxpayers on the GST portal. It includes details about helpdesk support, FAQs, user guides, video tutorials, and other resources to help taxpayers with GST.

Various Types of GST Registration

Different categories of GST registration cater to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals. Here are the various types of GST registration categories:

Normal Taxpayer

A normal taxpayer is a business entity registered under GST that conducts regular business activities within the country. To save tax, normal taxpayers must file regular GST returns, collect GST on sales, and claim input tax credits on eligible purchases.

Casual Taxable Person

A casual taxable person is an individual or business entity that occasionally undertakes transactions involving the supply of goods or services in a state or union territory where they do not have a fixed place of business.

Composition Taxpayer

A composition taxpayer is a small taxpayer who opts for the composition scheme under GST. This scheme is designed to simplify compliance for small businesses with an annual turnover below a specified threshold.

Non-resident Taxable Person

A non-resident taxable person is an individual or business entity not established in India but undertakes transactions involving the supply of goods or services within the country. Non-resident taxable persons are required to obtain GST registration for the duration of their business activities in India and comply with GST regulations.

How to Register on GST Portal in India

Taxpayers need to know how to register for GST online. The steps to register on GST portal login in India are as follows:

Step 1: Registration on the GST Portal Login

Before logging in, you must register using the GST Portal. To do this, visit the official GST website (https://services.gst.gov.in/) and click the “Login” button. Fill in the required details, including your Provisional ID and password from the tax authorities, and complete the registration process. Once registered, you will receive your username and password for future login.

Step 2: Access the GST Portal

Once you have your GST portal login credentials, return to the GST website and click the “Login” button at the top-right corner of the homepage. This will redirect you to the login page.

Step 3: Login Details

Enter your username and password in the respective fields on the login page. To enhance security, the portal often requires users to enter a captcha code or complete a two-factor authentication process, such as entering an OTP (One-Time Password) received on the registered mobile number or email.

Step 4: Dashboard and Navigation

After a successful login, you will be directed to your GST Portal login dashboard. Here, you will find several options, including filing returns, making payments, viewing notices, and generating reports.

Step 5: Profile Management

To access and modify your profile details, click “Profile Settings” at the top-right corner of the dashboard. This section lets you update your contact information, change the password, and manage authorized signatories.

Step 6: Filing Returns and Payments

Choose the “Returns Dashboard” option from the main menu to file your GST returns. Here, you will find various return forms, such as GSTR-1 (for outward supplies), GSTR-3B (monthly summary return), and GSTR-9 (annual return). Additionally, you can make payments by selecting the “Payments” option from the menu and following the indicated steps.

Step 7: Help and Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions while using the GST Portal login, refer to the “Help” section at the dashboard’s top-right corner. This section provides access to user manuals, FAQs, webinars, and other resources to assist you in navigating the portal effectively.

Documents Required for GST Registration

The documents required for GST registration in India can vary slightly depending on your business type. However, there are the essential documents needed:

• PAN Card: This is a mandatory document for all applicants. It’s the Permanent Account Number assigned by the Income Tax department to your business entity.
• Aadhaar Card: This is required for the authorized signatory of the business applying for GST registration. In some cases, an alternative form of identification might be acceptable.
• Proof of Business Registration: This could be a shop act registration certificate, company registration certificate, or any other document that proves your business is legally established.
• Identity and Address Proof: Promoters/directors can provide proof of identity through documents like a passport, voter ID, driving license, or Aadhaar card.
• Bank Account Details: This should be a business bank account linked to the entity applying for GST registration.

• Partnership Deed/Trust Deed: A copy of the partnership deed might be required if you’re a partnership formed.

How to Get a GST Number?

Getting a GST number involves a straightforward process. Here are some simple steps to obtain a GST number in India:

• Visit the GST portal login and navigate to the ‘New Registration’ section.
• Fill out the GST registration application form (GST REG-01) with accurate details about your business.
• Upload scanned copies of the required documents per the specifications provided on the GST portal.
• After submitting the registration application and documents, a unique ARN (Application Reference Number) will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number and email address. The GST portal will then conduct a preliminary verification of the application.
• The GST portal will assign a GST officer to verify the details provided in the application. The officer may seek additional information or documents to verify.
• Upon successful verification, the GST officer will approve the registration.
• A GSTIN and a provisional GST certificate will be issued and made available for download on the GST portal.

Ways to Check Registration Status Online

There are two main ways to check your GST registration status online:

Without GST Portal Login

• Visit the GST portal (https://www.gst.gov.in/).
• Go to the Services tab and then Registration.
• Click on Track Application Status.
• Enter the application reference number (ARN) you received during registration. You will also find a space to enter the Captcha code.
• Click Search. The screen will display your current GST application status.

After Logging In (For Existing Taxpayers)

• Log in to the GST portal using your credentials.
• Go to Services and then Registration.
• Click on Track Application Status.
• You can track the status using your ARN, Service Request Number (SRN), or submission period.
• Enter the chosen identifier and click Search. The portal will show the status of your application.

Benefits of GST Registration

GST registration is beneficial for businesses for various reasons. Let us take a look at those benefits:

Cascading Effects of Tax

GST operates on an input tax credit system, where businesses can claim credit for taxes paid on inputs used in producing goods or services. It eliminates the cascading effect of taxes, leading to a more efficient tax structure and reducing the overall tax burden on consumers.

Transparent Nature

GST is a transparent tax system in which taxes are levied at each stage of the supply chain. This transparency allows for better tracking and monitoring of transactions, helping curb tax evasion and foster compliance.

Evasion of Tax

GST aims to minimize tax evasion through its comprehensive tax collection mechanism and stringent compliance requirements. With the implementation of GST, the government has better visibility into the entire supply chain, making it more difficult for businesses to evade taxes.

Composition Schemes For Small Companies

GST offers composition schemes for small businesses with turnover below a certain threshold. These schemes simplify the tax compliance process and reduce the tax burden for small businesses, allowing them to focus on growth and development rather than complex tax calculations.

Services Provided by GST portal in India

The GST portal in India provides various services to taxpayers and other stakeholders. Some of the services offered on the GST portal include:

• Registration: Taxpayers can register for GST by providing relevant details and submitting the necessary documents.
• Return Filing: Taxpayers can file their GST returns on the portal. Based on their business type, they can submit monthly, quarterly, and annual returns.
• Payment of Taxes: Taxpayers can make online tax payments using Internet banking, credit/debit cards, or a direct debit system.
• Refunds: Taxpayers can apply for GST refunds on the portal, including refunds for excess tax paid or exports made.
• Ledger Viewing: Taxpayers can view their electronic ledger to check their tax liabilities, credits, and debits.
• Filing of Grievances: Taxpayers can file grievances or lodge complaints related to GST on the portal.
• Enrolment of GST Practitioners: GST practitioners can enroll on the portal to assist taxpayers in their GST-related activities.
• E-Way Bill System: Taxpayers can generate and manage e-way bills to move goods within the country.
• Search Taxpayer: The portal provides a search feature to find details of specific taxpayers, including their GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).
• Helpdesk Support: The portal offers a support system to assist taxpayers with any GST-related queries or issues.

These are just some of the services provided on the GST portal in India. The portal continually updates its offerings to facilitate smooth and efficient implementation of the GST system.

Conclusion

The Government GST Portal in India offers taxpayers a user-friendly interface to manage their GST-related activities. Following the steps above, businesses and individuals can easily access the portal, file returns, make payments, and comply with GST regulations. However, staying updated with any changes or developments on the portal is essential to ensure a smooth experience.

FAQs on GST Registration