The concept of the “One Nation, One Tax” system is only possible when businesses register themselves with the government. Introduced in the year 2017, the Goods and Services taxes play a significant role in making inter or intra-state services and taxation process more hassle-free. The GST Registration Certificate is what allows availing of such a facility. The article discusses the aspects related to a GST Registration Certificate like, the process of obtaining a certificate, the categories, documents required and the advantages of a GST Registration Certificate. 

What is GST? 

GST or the Goods and Services Tax are the new tax system introduced by compiling all indirect taxes. The GST is a tax levied on the supply of goods and services from their manufacturer to the customer. This one tax system provides for a much easier tax reporting system. The Goods and Services taxes are maintained by both the Centre and the State depending on the service. The facilities provided under the GST are availed by obtaining the GST Registration Certificate through a simple procedure of GST registration. 

While service providers with a turnover of more than Rs.40 lakhs are mandatorily required to register under GST Registration, service providers with a turnover of more than Rs.20 lakhs can voluntarily register under GST Registration 

What is a GST Registration Certificate? 

A GST Registration Certificate is the proof of an applicant, that a business is registered under the GST laws in India. While certain businesses are to mandatorily obtain a GST registration, others can voluntarily opt for a GST Registration. A GST Registration Certificate provides for a number-GSTIN, which helps the business avail a number of benefits as provided by the government.  

Categories for GST Registration Certificate 

A GST Registration Certificate can be of various types depending upon the services indulged by the applicants’ business. 

• Normal Taxpayer – The most common criteria for GST registration is of a normal taxpayer where no deposit is required and no expiry for the taxpayer. 
• Casual Taxable Person – While setting up a personal establishment opt for this category where an advance has to be deposited. The expiry for this category is of a maximum of three months which can be further renewed. 
• Composition Taxpayer  
• Non-Resident Taxable Person – It is opted for when a non-resident of Indian origin supplies goods to India. A deposit equivalent to the liability is to be made and the registration is valid for a maximum of three months, extended at option. 

Documents Required for GST Registration in India  

• Photographs of the Applicant  
• PAN number and Aadhaar number of applicant 
• Identity proofs of promoters and directors of the company 
• Details and blueprints of the business 
• Business address proof 
• HSN Code of the business 
• Bank details of the GST Applicant 
• Authorization from the authorized authority 

Process of Obtaining an Online GST Registration Certificate in India 

Step 1: Visit the official GST Registration Portal^[1] 

Step 2: Proceed into the Services option, opt for a New Registration, 

The application form for New Registration of GST has been divided into two parts, Part A – with the credentials which provides a TRN to fill the Part B.  

Step 3: In Part A –  

• Select the New Registration option. 
• Select Taxpayer as what to be registered. 
• Select a State and next, the appropriate District.  
• Enter the Legal Name of the Business. 
• Enter Permanent Account Number (PAN), Email Address and Mobile Number. 

Step 4: Further proceed by entering the verification code mentioned.  

Step 5: A system-generated 15-digit Temporary Reference Number (TRN) is provided for filling part B of the form within the next 15 days. 

Step 6: The taxpayer revisits the GST portal and selects the Temporary Reference Number (TRN) option through the New Registration tab. 

Step 7: The provided TRN and the mentioned CAPTCHA, work under the verification process.  

Step 8: The final step for Part A is through the OTP Verification code sent to the provided Email Address and Mobile Number. 

Step 9: The next page reflects the status of an application. From the edit option, Part B of the form can be seen. 

Step 10: Part B has 10 sections requiring supporting documents to be submitted.   

Step 11: Details are to be filled – 

• Business Details,  
• Promoter/ Partners Details,  
• Authorized Signatory,  
• Authorized Representative,  
• Place of Business,  
• Additional Place of Business,  
• Goods and Services Details,  
• State Specific Information,  
• Aadhaar Authentication.  

Step 12: Final step is Verification and declaration, to be submitted through:  

• Electronic Verification Code (EVC). 
• By e-Sign method. 
• In the case of LLP and Companies, the application must be submitted by using the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) 

Upon successful registration, the applicant is notified of the same and an Application Reference Number (ARN) is sent to the registered mobile number and email ID of the GST Applicant. 

Downloading GST Registration Certificate  

Follow the steps given below to download the GST Registration Certificate-  

Step 1: Visit the official website and log in with the correct username and password. 

Step 2: Select ‘User Services’ under the option of ‘Services’. 

Step 3: Opt for ‘View/Download’ Certificates and download the GST Registration Certificate. 

Advantages of GST Registration Certificate  

• Aimed to create a unified national market, to boost foreign investment. 
• Easy marketing across borders. 
• Help increase goodwill and brand value of the business. 
• Reduced procedural difficulty in tax filings, and ease in doing business. 
• Reduced human interface and hurdles between administration and taxpayers. 
• A GSTIN acts as identity proof and can be used to open a bank account. 

Conclusion 

The GST Registration Certificate by way of online registration for GST is one of the most beneficial schemes put forth by the government in regard to the goods and services industry. The goods and services not only benefit the business people but also provide for concession in the day-to-day services availed by the general public. The single tax system also helps promote a proper tax filing system for all businesses. Look after by the Centre and the State government, the Goods and Services tax has proven to be a successful way of taxing, compiling information and regulating them. For further queries on GST Registration Certificate contact Bizadvisors. 

Read our article:All You Need to Know About GST Registration for Service Providers