Overview

GST Certification in India refers to the process of obtaining a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration certificate, which is mandatory for businesses engaged in the supply of goods or services. The GST is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India, and the GST certification process involves registering with the GST authorities and obtaining a unique GST identification number (GSTIN). The Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, is the statute under which the GST certification process has been formed. The act was enacted to streamline the taxation system in India and replace multiple indirect taxes, such as excise duty, service tax, and VAT, with a single GST tax.

Features

Here is an overview of the GST certification process and its features:

• Mandatory Registration: Businesses with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for Northeastern states and hilly regions) are required to obtain GST certification and register with the GST authorities.
• Unique GSTIN: Upon successful registration, businesses are issued a unique GST identification number (GSTIN), which is a 15-digit alphanumeric code.
• Input Tax Credit: Businesses registered under GST can claim an input tax credit for taxes paid on inputs used in the supply of goods or services.
• GST Returns: GST-registered businesses are required to file regular GST returns, providing details of their sales, purchases, and taxes paid.
• Composition Scheme: Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores can opt for the composition scheme under GST, which allows for a lower rate of tax and simplified compliance requirements.
• GSTIN Verification: The GSTIN can be verified on the official GST portal, allowing businesses to check the authenticity of their suppliers and customers.

Benefits

There are several benefits of GST registration in India for businesses. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Legitimacy and Credibility: GST registration provides legitimacy and credibility to a business as it is a mandatory requirement for businesses with an annual turnover of over Rs. 20 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for Northeastern states and hilly regions). It enhances the reputation of a business and can help in securing contracts from other businesses.
• Input Tax Credit: Businesses registered under GST can claim an input tax credit for taxes paid on inputs used in the supply of goods or services. This means that businesses can reduce their tax liability by offsetting the taxes paid on inputs against the taxes collected on outputs.
• Increased Business Efficiency: GST registration simplifies the tax compliance process as it replaces multiple indirect taxes with a single tax. This reduces the compliance burden on businesses and increases their efficiency.
• Better Cash Flow Management: GST registration can help businesses manage their cash flow better as they can claim an input tax credit for taxes paid on inputs. This reduces the amount of tax paid by a business and increases the cash available for other business activities.
• Access to the Composition Scheme: Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 crores can opt for the composition scheme under GST, which allows for a lower rate of tax and simplified compliance requirements.
• Legal Protection: GST registration provides legal protection to businesses as it makes them eligible for certain legal benefits, such as the right to collect taxes from customers and the right to issue tax invoices.

Who is required to have a GST registration?

In India, any individual or business entity engaged in the supply of goods and/or services with an annual turnover exceeding a certain threshold is required to have a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration. The threshold limit for GST registration varies based on the nature and location of the business, as follows:

• : For businesses operating in the northeastern states of India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura), the threshold limit for GST registration is Rs. 10 lakhs.
• : For businesses operating in the rest of India, the threshold limit for GST registration is Rs. 20 lakhs.
• : For businesses engaged in the supply of goods through e-commerce platforms, the threshold limit for GST registration is Rs. 40 lakhs.

Required Documents

The documentation required for GST registration in India may vary depending on the type of business entity and the nature of the business. However, here is a list of some of the common documents that are required for GST registration:

• PAN Card: A copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the applicant is required for GST registration.
• Aadhaar Card: A copy of the Aadhaar card of the authorized signatory or the proprietor, partner, or director of the business is required.
• Business Registration Document: A copy of the registration document of the business, such as the partnership deed, memorandum of association, articles of association, or certificate of incorporation, is required.
• Address Proof: A copy of the address proof of the business premises, such as the electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt, is required.
• Bank Account Details: A copy of the cancelled cheque or the bank statement of the business bank account is required.
• Digital Signature: A digital signature certificate (DSC) is required for GST registration. The DSC is used to sign the application and the other documents.
• Photograph: A passport-size photograph of the applicant is required.

Registration Process

The process of GST registration in India can be completed online through the GST portal. Here are the steps to register for GST:

• Visit the GST portal: Go to the GST portal and click on the Services tab.
• Apply for "New Registration": Under the Services tab, select "Registration" and then select "New Registration."
• Fill in the details: Fill in the required details such as the type of taxpayer, state, district, and business name. You will also need to enter your PAN, mobile number, and email address.
• Verification: Once you enter the details, you will receive an OTP on your mobile number and email address for verification. Verify your mobile number and email address by entering the OTP.
• Enter the OTP: After successful verification, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) on your registered email and mobile number. Use the ARN to complete the registration process by entering it on the GST portal.
• Fill in the application: After entering the ARN, you will need to fill in the GST registration application form by providing details such as business details, business activities, bank details, and other required information.
• Upload Documents: Upload the required documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, address proof, bank account details, and other documents as required.
• Submit the application: After filling in all the details and uploading the required documents, submit the application.
• Verification: Once the application is submitted, it will be verified by the GST authorities. If any additional information or documents are required, the GST authorities will contact you.
• GSTIN: If the application is approved, you will receive a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) and the certificate of registration.

Why Approach LAWYASA?

Lawyasa is an online legal services platform that can assist with the registration of a Company in India. Here are some reasons why you may want to approach Lawyasa:

• Expert guidance: Lawyasa provides expert guidance and assistance throughout the registration process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
• Online platform: Lawyasa is an online platform, which means that you can access their services from anywhere, anytime.
• Experienced professionals: Lawyasa has a team of experienced professionals who are well-versed in legal requirements and can provide expert advice and guidance.
• Quick turnaround time: Lawyasa strives to provide quick and efficient services, ensuring that your registration is completed in a timely manner.

How can LAWYASA assist?

Lawyasa can assist in the GST registration process in India by providing comprehensive legal services and consultation to businesses and individuals. Here are some of the ways in which Lawyasa can help:

• Eligibility assessment: Lawyasa can assess the eligibility of a business or individual for GST registration and provide guidance on the required documents and registration process.
• Document preparation: Lawyasa can assist in the preparation and submission of the necessary documents for GST registration, such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, address proof, bank account details, and other documents.
• Application submission: Lawyasa can help in the submission of the GST registration application through the GST portal and ensure that all the required details and documents are submitted correctly.
• Follow-up and communication: Lawyasa can follow up with the GST authorities on behalf of the client and provide regular updates on the status of the application.
• Compliance: Lawyasa can help in ensuring compliance with the GST laws and regulations, including the filing of GST returns, payment of GST, and other legal requirements.
• Legal advice and support: Lawyasa can provide legal advice and support on any GST-related issues or disputes and represent clients in legal proceedings if required.

Frequently Asked Questions