GST Registration in India — Process, Documents, Cost, Timeline (2026)
GST registration in India — process, documents, fees, timeline. From ₹999. CA-led. For businesses, freelancers, NRI.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is mandatory for most businesses in India. It is the unified indirect tax that replaced multiple central + state taxes. In this guide, we cover the registration process, documents, and benefits.
Who Needs GST Registration?
- Businesses with aggregate turnover > ₹20L (₹10L in special category states)
- Inter-state suppliers (any amount)
- E-commerce sellers (any amount)
- Casual taxable persons
- Non-resident taxable persons
- Input service distributors
- Agents of suppliers
- TDS / TCS deductors under GST
- Businesses supplying online information / database access
- Reverse charge mechanism (RCM) payers
- Voluntary registration (any business can register voluntarily)
Benefits of GST Registration
- Collect GST from customers (output tax)
- Claim input tax credit (ITC) on purchases
- Legal recognition as a supplier
- Required for selling on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, etc.
- Required for inter-state supply
- Higher credibility with customers, vendors, banks
- Lower effective tax rate (with ITC)
- Composition scheme available (for small businesses)
- Easier to get loans, tenders, government contracts
Documents Required
- PAN of the business (mandatory)
- Aadhaar of the proprietor / partners / directors (mandatory)
- PAN + Aadhaar of authorised signatory
- Address proof of the business (rent agreement + NOC + utility bill)
- Photographs of the premises (front, interior)
- PAN + Aadhaar + photo of all partners / directors
- Bank account statement or cancelled cheque
- MOA + COI (for companies) / LLP agreement (for LLPs)
- Photographs of authorised signatory
GST Registration Process
Step 1: Visit GST Portal
Go to gst.gov.in → Services → Registration → New Registration. Fill Part A: PAN, mobile, email.
Step 2: OTP Verification
Verify mobile + email with OTP. Get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
Step 3: Fill Part B
Log in with TRN. Fill Part B: business details, principal place of business, additional places, promoters / partners, authorised signatory, bank account, HSN / SAC codes.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload all required documents. Use clear PDFs / JPGs.
Step 5: Verification + Submit
Verify with DSC / Aadhaar OTP. Submit. Get an Application Reference Number (ARN).
Step 6: GST Officer Review
GST officer reviews the application. May ask for clarification (notice in 7-15 days). If satisfied, approves the registration.
Step 7: GST Certificate Issued
GSTIN is generated. Download the GST Registration Certificate. Valid until cancelled or surrendered.
Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Filing application | 1-2 days |
| Officer review | 7-15 days |
| Clarification (if needed) | 7 days |
| Approval + GSTIN | 1-2 days after clearance |
| Total | 7-30 days (typical) |
Cost
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| GST registration (government fee) | Free |
| Our service fee | From ₹999 |
| Total fee | From ₹999 |
| GST amendment (e.g., address, director) | From ₹1,499 |
| GST cancellation / surrender | From ₹1,499 |
Types of GST Registration
- Regular — most businesses. File GSTR-1 + GSTR-3B monthly + GSTR-9 annual.
- Composition — turnover < ₹1.5Cr (goods) or < ₹50L (services). Lower tax (1-6%), no ITC.
- Casual Taxable Person — for one-time events (e.g., exhibition). Advance tax payment + 3 months validity.
- Non-Resident Taxable Person — for foreign businesses supplying in India. Advance tax + 3 months validity.
- ISD (Input Service Distributor) — for businesses that distribute ITC across branches.
- TDS / TCS — for businesses that deduct / collect tax under GST.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
- Operating without GST registration: 100% of tax due + ₹10,000 or ₹25,000 (whichever is higher)
- Late filing of GSTR-1: ₹50/day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST)
- Late filing of GSTR-3B: ₹50/day + 18% interest on tax due
- Wrong / fraudulent claim of ITC: 100% of ITC + 18% interest
- Failure to register (within 30 days of becoming liable): ₹10,000 or ₹25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the GST turnover threshold?
A: ₹20L aggregate turnover (in most states). ₹10L in special category states (NE, hill states, Himachal, Uttarakhand, etc.).
Q: How long does GST registration take?
A: 7-30 days typically. Most applications are approved in 7-15 days. If clarification is needed, add 7-15 days.
Q: Is GST registration free?
A: Yes. Government fee is zero. We charge ₹999 for our service (preparation, filing, follow-up, certificate).
Q: Can I cancel / surrender GST registration?
A: Yes. Cancellation can be done voluntarily (e.g., business closure) or by the GST officer (e.g., non-compliance). Apply for cancellation + file final return (GSTR-10).