How to apply for GST number in India?

Applying for a GST number is a simple process required by businesses in India. Start with the GST portal-www.gst.gov.in-applying as a taxpayer. Using your email and mobile number, create an account to receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). Login in using TRN to submit the application. With a PAN, business name, address, bank account details, and those of an authorized signatory,. Submission of documents would include proof of business registration, identity proof, and address proof, and after submission, an Application Reference Number (ARN) would be generated for tracking the application. The GST officer might also contact you for further documents or verification. Once approved, the applicant would receive the GSTIN or GST Identification Number. Be sure to keep the number safe because it would require constant use in the filing of GST returns and otherwise conducting business.

Education Nov 20, 2024 0 10 Add to Reading List

Simple words for GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is nothing but a singular tax system that made indirect taxes in India rather easy to pay. Whether one's company is earning above some amount or a firm is selling its goods across states, it needs to have a special number called the GST number.

Whether you are in business or learning skills in a Tally, accounting, or a Taxation course it is very important to know how to register for GST is very important. it helps to follow the rules and grow in his career.
This guide takes you through the steps required for an application for a GST number in India, plus tips and resources to help ease the process.

What is a GST Number?

GST number is a unique 15-digit identification code allotted to each taxpayer registered under GST. They are important for the claims of input tax credit and for the creditability of business. The GST number is derived on the basis of the applicant's PAN and state.

Who needs a GST number?

Before jumping into the application process, it’s important to determine if your business requires GST registration. GST registration is mandatory for:
1. Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for special category states).
2. International suppliers.
3. E-commerce operators.
4. Taxpayers registered under the reverse charge mechanism.
5. Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxable persons.

GST State and Union Territory Codes in India

The first two digits of a GSTIN, which implies Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, represent the state or union territory code. Such coding is very basic for GST jurisdiction determination, thus making return filing, application submission, assessments, and other GST-related services detailed and easy to handle. Further facilitates GST registration among businesses and professionals government has described jurisdictions in terms of geographic regions, PIN codes, as well as districts.
In the following table, state GST and union territory codes are given below:

Union Territory Codes
| Union Territory | TIN | UT Code |
-----------------------------------------|---------|-------------|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 35 | AN |
Chandigarh 04 CH
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | 26 | DNHDD |
| Ladakh | 38 | LA |
| Other Territory | 97 | OT |
State Codes**
| State | TIN | State Code |
|--------------------------------|---------|----------------|
| Andhra Pradesh |37 | AD|
| Arunachal Pradesh |12 | AR|
| Assam |18 | AS|
| Bihar |10 | BR|
| Chhattisgarh |22 | CG|
| Delhi |07 | DL|
Goa |30 | GA|
| Gujarat |24 | GJ|
| Haryana |06 | HR|
| Himachal Pradesh |02 | HP|
Jammu and Kashmir |01 | JK|
| Jharkhand | 20 | JH|
| Karnataka | 29 | KA|
Kerala | 32 | KL|
| Lakshadweep Islands |31 | LD|
| Madhya Pradesh |23 | MP|
| Maharashtra |27 | MH|
| Manipur |14 | MN|
| Meghalaya |17 | ML|
| Mizoram |15 | MZ|
Nagaland |13 | NL|
| Odisha |21 | OD|
| Puducherry | 34 | PY|
| Punjab |03 | PB|
| Rajasthan |08 | RJ|
| Sikkim |11 | SK|
Tamil Nadu |33 | TN|
| Telangana |36 | TS|
| Tripura |16 | TR|
| Uttar Pradesh |09 | UP|
| Uttarakhand |05| Uk|
| West Bengal |19 | WB|

This classification ensures smooth GST registration and operation across states and union territories.

Benefits of Registration of GST Number

Legal Compliance: It ensures compliance with Indian tax laws.
Input Tax Credit: Such credit allows businesses to claim tax credit on purchases.
Expansion Opportunities: A GST-registered business can operate across states seamlessly.
Transparency: Enhances trustworthiness among customers and vendors.

If you study GST through a GST Course or an Accounting Course in Kolkata, you will realize the need for compliance to your GK.

Applying for GST Number in India: How to do it?

Applying for a GST number is an entirely online process. To successfully register, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the required documents:

Make sure you have these documents handy:

PAN Card of the business or individual.
Aadhaar Card of the applicant.
Business registration certificate (if required).
Any proof of address Rent agreement or electricity bill.
Bank account details: Cancelled cheque, bank statement.
Digital Signature Certificate for Corporates and LLP.
Pictures of the owner or principals.

2. Redirect to the GST Portal

Go to the official GST portal at [https://www.gst.gov.in/](https://www.gst.gov.in/). Create an account if you’re a first-time user.

3. Fill Out Part-A of Form GST REG-01

Tap on the 'New Registration' option.
Enter PAN, Email and Mobile number details.
Details could be verified with OTP received through an e-mail and phone.
You will get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) after verification.

4. Fill Part-B of Form GST REG-01

Complete the form by providing:

Business details (name, constitution, and trade name).
Details of partners or directors.
Principal place of business.
Any additional places of business.
Not. Account Information.

5. Upload Required Documents

Attach all scanned copies of the documents required according to the specifications are given on the portal.

6. Verification and Submission

Verify the application using the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based OTP.
Submit the form, and then you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) for tracking.

7. Processing by GST Authorities

The GST authority will scrutinize your application. If there is no difference, the GST number will be issued within 3-7 working days.

Common Issues at GST Registration

1. Incorrect Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can delay the process.

2. Technical Snafus: GST portal to be down likely.

3. Mismatched Information: Ensure details match across all documents.

Role of Technology in GST Filling

Modern accounting tools like Tally Prime have made it easy to file GST returns. While pursuing a Tally Course, one would learn how to automatically generate GST returns, track credits of input tax, and bring effortless compliance. Such tools are a very precious asset for accounting professionals.

Why learn a GST course?

For aspiring accountants and business professionals, a GST Course provides hands-on training on:

GST registration and compliance.
Filing GSTR forms.
Understanding the GST Act and its implications.

Institutes offering an Accounting Course often include GST modules to ensure students are industry-ready.

Tips for a Smooth GST Registration Process

Ensure your documents: Every single detail has to be correct.
Updated: The tax laws keep changing; therefore, keep updated about the latest GST amendments.
Seek Professional Help: If in doubt, consult a tax professional or enroll in a taxation course.
Use Reliable Software: Tools like Tally simplify the GST registration and filing process.

Career Opportunities after learning GST:

understanding GST is not only a compliance necessity; it opens many more career paths, such as:

GST Consultant: Help businesses with GST registration and filing.
Tax Consultant: Diagnose and improve tax structure.
Accountant: Manage business finances and ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Appiling for GST number in India is almost a necessary step for the operation of the business. This process is self-explaining but not as easy as picking up a date from the calendar requires too much detailing. It can make the bag for the businessman or even accounting enthusiast beforehand save much time.