Documents Required For GST Registration

Understanding the stringent registration requirements for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is essential for businesses and individuals seeking to comply with the country's tax regulations. GST, an indirect tax, was introduced to simplify the complex tax structure by subsuming multiple taxes like service tax, VAT, excise duty, customs duty, and entry tax into a single system. This move aimed to ease regulatory compliance, benefiting millions of small businesses across India. This blog explores the old and new GST registration documents for proprietorship, partnership, or company.

Why is GST Registration Important?

GST registration is mandatory for individuals and businesses with a yearly turnover of more than ₹40 lakhs (or Rs 10 lakhs in certain regions like Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland) and those involved in the interstate supply of goods, regardless of turnover. Once registered, entities receive a GST registration certificate and a unique 15-digit GST identification number (GSTIN), which facilitates tax collection and allows for Input Tax Credit on inbound supplies. Additionally, regardless of the turnover threshold, GST registration is compulsory for selling goods on e-commerce platforms.

Categories of GST Registration

Businesses must choose the appropriate category of GST registration based on their nature and turnover to comply with GST regulations. The major categories of GST registration in India include:

Regular GST Registration

• Required for businesses where aggregate turnover is more than the threshold limit.
• Applicable to manufacturers, traders, service providers, e-commerce operators, etc.

Composition Scheme Registration

• This is available for small businesses with a turnover below a certain threshold (up to ₹1.5 crores, or ₹75 lakhs for special category states).
• These businesses are subject to a lower tax rate but cannot avail of input tax credit (ITC).

Casual Taxable Person Registration

• Required for non-resident businesses or taxpayers who undertake few transactions in a taxable area without a fixed place of business.
• Applicable for temporary business activities like exhibitions, trade fairs, etc.

Non-Resident Taxable Person Registration

• Required for non-resident entities supplying taxable goods/services in India temporarily without a permanent establishment.

Input Service Distributor (ISD) Registration

• Required for businesses with multiple branches or offices that want to distribute the input tax credit (ITC) centrally.

GST TDS Deductor

• Required for certain government entities, local authorities, and individuals mandated to TDS (deduct tax at source) while paying suppliers.

Documents Required for GST Registration

The documents required for GST registration vary based on the type of business structure. Below is a detailed list of documents needed for different business entities.

• Common Documents for All Business Types
• PAN Card of the business or owner.
• Photograph of the owner or proprietors.
• A valid phone number and email address.
• Proof of address of the business.
• Bank account details.

Documents Based on Business Structure

Individual/ Sole Proprietor

• PAN card of the owner.
• Aadhar card.
• Photograph of the owner.
• Bank account details.
• Address proof.

Partnership Firm/ LLP

• PAN card of all partners (including managing partner and authorised signatory).
• Partnership deed copy.
• Photograph of all partners and authorised signatories.
• Address proof of partners (Passport, driver's license, Voter ID card, Aadhar card, etc.).
• Authorised signatory's Aadhar card.
• Authorised signatory's appointment proof.
• In the case of LLP, the registration certificate/Board resolution of LLP.
• Bank account details.
• Address proof of the principal place of business.

Also read: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Business Loan

HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)

• HUF's PAN card.
• Karta's PAN card and Aadhar card.
• Karta's Photograph.
• Bank account details.
• Address proof of the central place of business.

Company (Public/Private/Indian/Foreign)

• PAN card of the company.
• Certificate of incorporation.
• Memorandum of Association / Articles of Association.
• PAN card and Aadhar card of the authorised signatory (the authorised signatory must be an Indian, even for foreign companies/branch registration).
• PAN card and address proof of all directors of the company.
• Photograph of all directors and authorised signatories.
• Board resolution appointing the authorised signatory / other appointment proof of the authorised signatory.

Bank account details

• Address proof of the principal place of business.
• Verifying Bank Account Details
• To verify bank account details, upload a JPEG or PDF file (maximum size of 100 KB) of either a cancelled cheque or an extract of your passbook/bank statement showing the first and last pages.

Proof of Address

For address proof, upload any one of the following documents:

• Property tax receipt.
• Municipal Khata copy.
• Electricity bill copy.
• Ownership deed.
• Lease agreement (for owned property).
• Lease/rent agreement (for leased/rented property), accompanied by documents 1, 2, or 3.
• Owner's NOC / Consent letter (for shared property or consent arrangement), also accompanied by documents 1, 2, or 3.

GST Registration Procedure

To begin the GST registration process, follow these steps

• Initial Details Submission: Provide your mobile number, email address, and state or union territory details in Part A of FORM GST REG-01 on the GST portal.
• Verification and Temporary Reference Number: You will receive a temporary reference number once your details are verified.
• Part B Submission: Use this temporary reference number to submit Part B of FORM GST REG-01 electronically. Ensure you attach the necessary documents relevant to your registration category or purpose.
• Acknowledgement: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement in FORM GST REG-02.
• Completion and Certificate Issuance: The registration process will be finalised if your application is complete and verified successfully. You will be issued a GST registration certificate, and your GSTIN

Conclusion

Understanding the GST registration documents is crucial for businesses and individuals in India. Ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place facilitates a smooth registration process. It helps maintain compliance with the GST regulations. By following the guidelines and submitting the correct documents, businesses can efficiently navigate the GST registration process and enjoy the benefits of a streamlined tax system.