GST Registration Online: Documents Required, Limit, Fees, Process, Penalty

GST registration is an essential compliance for any business or professional in India. There are set criteria for one to qualify for the GST registration. Alternatively, businesses can also voluntarily obtain GST registration or GSTIN. In this article, we will cover the following aspects for one to learn about GST registration in India.

  • Meaning of GST registration
  • Eligibility for GST registration
  • Benefits of GST registration
  • GST registration process
  • GST registration fee
  • Documents for GST registration
  • GSTIN
  • GST registration certificate
  • Consequences of not obtaining GST registration
  • Latest Update

Latest Updates

17th April 2025: The CBIC issued instructions to its GST officers in Central Tax Instruction No. 03/2025-GST. It outlines instructions for processing the GST registration applications, emphasizing compliance with the document lists, avoiding unwarranted queries, and ensuring timely approvals.

12th February 2025: The GSTN has released an advisory regarding new Aadhaar and biometric authentication requirements for GST Registration. Applicants are divided into three categories:

  • Applicants not opting for Aadhaar authentication
  • Applicants opting for Aadhaar Authentication with biometric verification required
  • Application Reference Number (ARN) non-generation

For further information, please click here.

What is GST Registration?

Under Goods And Services Tax (GST), businesses whose turnover exceeds the threshold limit of Rs.40 lakh or Rs.20 lakh or Rs.10 lakh as the case may be, must register as a normal taxable person...

Who should obtain the GST registration?

  • Individuals registered under the Pre-GST law (i.e., Excise, VAT, Service Tax, etc.)
  • Businesses with turnover above the threshold limit
  • Persons making interstate supplies
  • Casual taxable person / Non-Resident taxable person
  • Agents of a supplier & Input service distributor
  • Those paying tax under the reverse charge mechanism
  • A person who supplies via an e-commerce aggregator

Benefits of GST Registration

A. For normal registered businesses:

  • Take input tax credit
  • Conduct interstate business without restrictions

B. For Composition dealers:

  • Limited compliance
  • Lesser tax liability

GST Registration Process

GST registration can be obtained on the GST portal. One must apply for GST registration in Form REG-01...

GST Registration Fees

GST Registration is free on the GST portal. However, you can save a huge time and effort by purchasing GST registration services from experts.

Documents Required for GST Registration

  • PAN of the Applicant
  • Aadhaar card
  • Proof of business registration or Incorporation certificate
  • Identity and Address proof of Promoters/Directors
  • Address proof of the place of business
  • Bank Account statement/Cancelled cheque
  • Digital Signature
  • Letter of Authorisation/Board Resolution for Authorised Signatory

Penalty for Not Obtaining GST Registration

An offender not paying tax or making short payments (genuine errors) has to pay a penalty of 10% of the tax amount due subject to a minimum of Rs.10,000...

Frequently Asked Questions