GST Registration and Filing

(2176 Ratings)

  • Primary Documents Required: Electricity Bill, Phone Bill, Address Proof
  • Get Free GST Invoice Software from our verified partners
  • Free Consulting on Business Setup from our affiliates
  • Get Instant Current Account Sign up and Opening Service
Satisfied Customers
2000 +
Companies Registered
0 +
GST Returns Filed Per Month
200 +
Receive a call from our experts for GST, GST Return Filing, and GST Consultation.
Documents Required for GST Registration (as of December 2024)
  • Electricity Bill
  • Telephone Bill
  • Property Tax Receipt
  • Lease / Rent Agreement
  • Passport Size Photo
  • Partnership Deed
  • Incorporation Certificate
  • Incorporation Certificate
  • PAN Card
  • Adhaar Card
  • Legal Ownership Document

GST Registration: Requirements, Process, and Expert Assistance

Navigating GST registration in India is essential for businesses to comply with taxation laws. Whether your revenue exceeds specific thresholds or you operate in categories that mandate GST registration, adhering to GST regulations is a legal necessity. Mantra and Co. simplifies the process, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses.

Get expert assistance today to streamline your GST registration process!

What is GST?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced on July 1, 2017, as a unified taxation system that replaced multiple indirect taxes like Service Tax, VAT, and Excise Duty. This reform aimed to streamline tax processes and foster ease of doing business across India. GST applies to service providers, traders, manufacturers, and freelancers, ensuring a transparent and efficient tax structure.

Key Features of GST

  1. Composition Scheme:
    Businesses with an annual turnover of less than ₹1.5 crore can opt for the Composition Scheme, enabling them to pay a lower, predetermined tax rate.

  2. Consumption-Based Taxation:
    GST revenue is allocated to the state where the goods or services are consumed, emphasizing its consumption-based nature.

  3. Supply Chain Coverage:
    GST applies at every stage of the supply chain, from raw material procurement to the final sale to consumers.

Types of GST

  • Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST): Levied by the Central Government on intra-state transactions.
  • State Goods and Services Tax (SGST): Levied by State Governments on intra-state transactions.
  • Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST): Applicable for inter-state transactions, managed by the Central Government.

Who Needs GST Registration?

GST registration is mandatory for:

  1. Business Entities:

    • Turnover exceeding ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for special category states).
    • Service providers with annual turnover above ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs in special category states).

  2. Inter-State Suppliers: Businesses supplying goods or services across state borders.

  3. E-Commerce Entities: Platforms or suppliers operating via e-commerce channels.

  4. Casual and Non-Resident Taxpayers: Individuals/entities engaging in occasional or temporary business in India.

  5. Input Service Distributors and Agents: Distributors of input services or representatives of suppliers.

  6. Reverse Charge Mechanism Entities: Businesses paying taxes under reverse charge.

Exemptions:
Entities dealing exclusively in GST-exempt goods/services are not required to register.

Turnover Thresholds for GST Registration

  • Service Providers: Required registration if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs in special category states).
  • Goods Suppliers:
    • Turnover threshold: ₹40 lakhs.
    • Threshold drops to ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs in special category states) if certain conditions are not met, e.g., supplying ice cream, pan masala, or tobacco.

Special Category States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others.

Benefits of GST Registration

  1. Legal Compliance: Avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations.
  2. Input Tax Credit (ITC): Claim credits on GST paid, reducing tax liability.
  3. Facilitates Inter-State Trade: Encourages cross-border commerce.
  4. Eliminates Cascading Taxes: Reduces the overall cost of goods/services.
  5. Competitive Edge: Enhances credibility and market trust.
  6. Access to Larger Markets: Preferred by large corporations and government tenders.
  7. Streamlined Compliance: Simplifies filing returns and tax payments.

Documents Required for GST Registration

For Individuals (Proprietors)

  • PAN and Aadhaar cards.
  • Bank account details.
  • Address proof.

For Partnerships and LLPs

  • PAN cards of all partners.
  • Partnership deed or LLP registration certificate.
  • Address proof and bank account details.

For Companies

  • PAN and incorporation certificate.
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association.
  • Address proof and bank account details.
  • PAN and Aadhaar of authorized signatories.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

  1. Non-Payment or Underpayment: 10% of the tax amount due (minimum ₹10,000).
  2. Intentional Evasion: 100% of the tax amount due.

Online GST Registration with Mantra and Co.

Steps to Register:

  1. Submit your details online (name, phone, and email).
  2. A GST expert will guide you through the process, answer your queries, and verify documents.
  3. Upon payment, we initiate the registration process and submit your application on the GST portal.
  4. Obtain your GST registration within 3 to 7 working days.

Additional Benefits: Access the Invoicing Software for GST invoicing and return filing.

GST Return Filing

Every GST-registered entity must file regular returns detailing sales, purchases, and tax details—even during periods of inactivity. Mantra and Co. offers expert assistance to ensure timely and accurate filings.

Contact Mantra and Co. for hassle-free GST registration and compliance today!

This updated article is more structured, professional, and reader-friendly, with concise sections and emphasis on the benefits and processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GST Certificate in India?

A GST certificate is an official document issued by the Government of India to businesses and individuals who register under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. It includes the GST Identification Number (GSTIN), business name, and other important details, serving as proof of GST registration.

Who Needs a GST Certificate?

The following require a GST certificate:

  • Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding the threshold limit (Rs. 40 lakhs for goods and Rs. 20 lakhs for services; lower limits for special category states).
  • Individuals involved in inter-state supply of goods and services.
  • E-commerce operators and suppliers.
  • Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons.
  • Entities under reverse charge mechanism.
  • Input service distributors and agents of suppliers.
Is a GST Certificate Compulsory?

Yes, obtaining a GST certificate is compulsory for entities meeting the prescribed turnover limits or engaging in specific activities such as inter-state trade or e-commerce.

What is the Minimum Limit for GST Registration?
  • For Goods: Rs. 40 lakhs aggregate turnover (Rs. 20 lakhs for special category states).
  • For Services: Rs. 20 lakhs aggregate turnover (Rs. 10 lakhs for special category states).
Can a Person with No GST Registration Collect GST?
  • No, only entities with valid GST registration are authorized to collect GST and issue tax invoices.
What is an E-Way Bill?

An e-way bill is an electronic document generated on the GST portal for the movement of goods worth more than Rs. 50,000. It ensures compliance with GST rules during transit.

What are the Benefits of an E-Way Bill?
  • Reduces paperwork by digitizing compliance.
  • Promotes faster transportation by eliminating check-post delays.
  • Ensures accountability and transparency in goods movement.
  • Facilitates seamless inter-state trade.
When Should an E-Way Bill Be Generated?

An e-way bill should be generated before the movement of goods valued at over Rs. 50,000:

  • For inter-state and intra-state transportation.
  • By the supplier, recipient, or transporter, depending on the situation.
Is It Mandatory to Generate an E-Way Bill?

Yes, it is mandatory to generate an e-way bill for goods worth more than Rs. 50,000, with some exceptions like exempted goods.

What is the Penalty for Not Generating an E-Way Bill?
  • A fine equal to the tax amount or Rs. 10,000 (whichever is higher).
  • Possible seizure of goods and vehicle.
What is a Composition Scheme?

The Composition Scheme is a simplified GST scheme for small taxpayers with annual turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore, allowing them to pay GST at a fixed rate and file quarterly returns.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Composition Scheme?
  • Annual turnover should not exceed Rs. 1.5 crore (Rs. 75 lakhs for special category states).
  • Should not deal in exempted goods.
  • Cannot make inter-state supplies or supply through e-commerce platforms.
Can Input Tax Credit Be Claimed Under the Composition Scheme?

No, businesses registered under the Composition Scheme cannot claim input tax credit.

How Long Will the Composition Scheme Be Valid?

The scheme remains valid as long as the business complies with the turnover limit and other eligibility criteria.

How Will the Aggregate Turnover Be Computed?

Aggregate turnover includes:

  • Taxable supplies.
  • Exempt supplies.
  • Exports.
  • Inter-state supplies (on a PAN basis across all business locations).
What is Inter-State Supply?

Inter-state supply refers to the supply of goods or services from one state to another or to a Union Territory under GST.

What is Intra-State Supply?

Intra-state supply refers to the supply of goods or services within the same state or Union Territory under GST.

What is SGST?

State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) is levied by the state government on intra-state supplies of goods and services.

What is CGST?

Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) is levied by the central government on intra-state supplies of goods and services.

What is IGST?

Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is levied by the central government on inter-state supplies of goods and services.

What is the Deadline for Getting Registered Under GST?

Businesses must register under GST within 30 days from the date they become liable to register.

Who is the Primary Authorized Signatory?

The primary authorized signatory is an individual responsible for managing GST-related activities for a business. Typically, it is the proprietor, partner, or a designated employee.

Is PAN Mandatory for Obtaining GST Registration?

Yes, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for GST registration, except for non-resident taxable persons.

What is the Validity of GST Registration?
  • Regular Taxpayers: Indefinite validity, subject to compliance.
  • Casual Taxable Persons & Non-Residents: Valid only for the specified period.
How to Apply for a GST Number?
  • Visit the GST portal.
  • Click on “New Registration.”
  • Fill in the required details (PAN, email, phone number, etc.).
  • Verify via OTP.
  • Upload necessary documents.
  • Submit the application and track the status.
Who is Eligible for GST Registration?
  • Businesses exceeding the prescribed turnover limits.
  • Entities engaging in inter-state trade or e-commerce.
  • Casual and non-resident taxable persons.
What is Compulsory Registration Under GST?

Compulsory registration applies to:

  • Inter-state suppliers.
  • E-commerce operators.
  • Casual taxable persons.
  • Input service distributors.
  • Entities under reverse charge.
What is the Limit for GST Registration?
  • Goods: Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 20 lakhs for special category states).
  • Services: Rs. 20 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for special category states).