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How to Register for GST Online

8 min readEasyUpdated March 2026

At a glance

Cost

Free

Timeline

3-7 working days

Difficulty

Easy

GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is mandatory if your annual turnover exceeds Rs 40 lakh (Rs 20 lakh for services, Rs 10 lakh for special category states like Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura). Even if you're below the threshold, voluntary registration unlocks benefits like input tax credit and credibility with larger clients.

Thresholds as per GST Council's 32nd meeting (Jan 2019), confirmed unchanged as of Feb 2026. Official portal: gst.gov.in

Who Needs GST Registration?

Key takeaway

Mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs 40 lakh (goods) or Rs 20 lakh (services). Selling on any e-commerce platform requires GST regardless of turnover.

Goods sellers

Turnover above Rs 40 lakh (Rs 20 lakh in special category states)

Service providers

Turnover above Rs 20 lakh (Rs 10 lakh in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura)

E-commerce sellers

Mandatory under Section 24(ix) regardless of turnover (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)

Interstate sellers

Selling from one state to another requires GST regardless of turnover

E-Commerce Exception (Narrow)

Since October 2023, small sellers making only intra-state supplies through platforms may be exempt if below the threshold (Notification 34/2023-CT). But most e-commerce sellers ship nationally and still need registration. Even below the threshold, voluntary registration unlocks input tax credit and credibility with larger clients.

What documents do you need for GST registration?

GST Registration Document Checklist

  • PAN card of the business or proprietor
  • Aadhaar card of the proprietor/partners/directors
  • Proof of business address (electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt)
  • Bank account statement or cancelled cheque
  • Passport-size photograph of the proprietor/partners/directors
  • Digital signature (for companies and LLPs only)
  • Board resolution or authorization letter (for companies)
  • Partnership deed (for partnership firms)
  • Certificate of incorporation (for companies and LLPs)

Step-by-Step Registration Process

  1. 1

    Visit the GST Portal

    Open gst.gov.in, choose Register Now (Taxpayers), then New Registration.

  2. 2

    Fill Part A of the Application

    Enter PAN, mobile, and email; verify OTPs on both to receive your Temporary Reference Number (TRN).

  3. 3

    Complete Part B with your TRN

    Log in with your TRN and complete legal name, trade name, business constitution (proprietorship, partnership, company, etc.), and address.

  4. 4

    Upload Documents

    Upload documents per specs: JPEG photos (max 100 KB), PDFs (max 1 MB each).

  5. 5

    Aadhaar Authentication

    Complete Aadhaar OTP authentication—verified applications are often processed within 3 working days.

  6. 6

    Submit and Track

    Submit with DSC (companies/LLPs) or EVC (others); note your ARN and track on gst.gov.in.

Common Rejection Reasons

Applications are frequently rejected for: incorrect PAN details, mismatch between PAN name and application name, unclear address proof, or photograph not meeting specifications. Double-check everything before submitting.

What should you do after GST registration?

Key takeaway

Missing return deadlines attracts late fees of Rs 50/day (Rs 20 for nil returns). Set a calendar reminder — even months with zero sales require a nil return.

Once approved, you'll receive your 15-digit GSTIN. Here's what to do next:

Display your GSTIN

Prominently at your place of business

Update invoices

Include your GSTIN on all invoices

Know your return schedule

Most small businesses file GSTR-3B (monthly/quarterly) and GSTR-1 (outward supplies)

Consider a CA for filing

Basic GST filing services start from Rs 500-1,500/month depending on volume

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use your home address as your principal place of business for a proprietorship. You'll need an electricity bill or rent agreement as address proof.
You can opt for voluntary registration. This is recommended if you sell online, deal with registered businesses (so they can claim input tax credit), or plan to scale soon.
With Aadhaar authentication, it typically takes 3-7 working days. Without Aadhaar, it may take up to 21 working days as physical verification might be required.
Yes, you can apply for cancellation on gst.gov.in if your turnover falls below the threshold or you close the business. You'll need to file a final return (GSTR-10) within 3 months of cancellation.
Yes, if you have a business presence (office, warehouse, branch) in multiple states, you need separate GST registration in each state.

Government schemes you may qualify for

Based on this guide, these schemes could benefit your business.

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