GST Registration - Types of GST Registration, Documents and Fees

In the field of taxation within India, the introduction of "Goods and Services Tax" or GST has led to a significant and fundamental change. It is a type of tax that was created to replace several other individual taxes like VAT, Excise duty, service tax etc. prevalent in the country. Its aim was to establish a single tax system to make collecting taxes easier and improve the efficiency of the process. GST has made the tax system clearer and more organised.

In this article, we'll discuss different aspects, including the types of GST categories, necessary paperwork, and the fees linked with the process.

Exploring types of GST

• Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)

  IGST is applied when goods and services move across state or international borders. The central government collects this tax and then fairly divides the revenue between states and the central authority to ensure fairness.

• State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)

  SGST is relevant for transactions that happen within one state. The money collected from SGST goes to the government of that specific state.

• Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST)

  Similar to SGST, CGST is pertinent to transactions transpiring within a state's boundaries. Nevertheless, the tax collected is directed to the central government, thereby fostering a balanced allocation of resources.

• Union Territory Goods and Services Tax (UTGST)

  UTGST comes into effect in Union Territories devoid of a legislative assembly. The collected tax is subsequently channelled into initiatives aimed at advancing development and progress within these territories.

Who should register for GST?

GST registration is mandatory for several categories of individuals/entities, including:

• Businesses exceeding the threshold

  In most states, you need to register for GST if your annual turnover for goods reaches ₹40 lakhs or ₹20 lakhs for services. Special category state businesses like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim have lower thresholds of ₹20 lakhs for goods and ₹10 lakhs for services.

• Inter-state suppliers

  Businesses dealing with transactions across state borders are required to be GST-registered.

• E-commerce operators

  Online platforms that facilitate the sale of goods or services must also be GST-registered.

• Non-resident taxable individuals

  Those residing outside India but supplying taxable goods/services within the country need to register for GST.

• Tax deducted/collected at source

  Individuals or entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source must undergo GST registration.

• Casual taxable individuals

  Those engaged in occasional or seasonal businesses are required to register for GST during the periods of operation.

• Input service distributors

  Businesses that receive invoices for input services and then distribute them to various branches need GST registration.

• Agents of a supplier

  Individuals or entities that supply goods/services on behalf of others also need to be GST-registered.

Types of GST Registration

• Normal Taxpayer

  Most businesses fall under this category. No deposit is needed to register as a regular taxpayer here. Additionally, those within this group have no expiration date.

• Casual Taxable Individual

  If your business operates on an irregular or seasonal basis, you have the option to choose this type of registration. This is suitable for individuals who are involved in business temporarily and wish to take advantage of GST benefits. When your seasonal store is operating, you need to pay an upfront sum equal to the expected GST amount. For those belonging to this category, the GST registration stays valid for 90 days. It can be extended or renewed once it expires.

• Composition Taxpayer

  Small businesses with a turnover below ₹1.5 crore can opt for the composition scheme. It offers a simpler tax regime with reduced compliance, although it comes with certain restrictions.

• Non-Resident Taxable Individual

  Individuals residing outside India but involved in supplying taxable goods/services in the country need to register under this category. This GST registration remains effective for a period of three months. However, there is an option to extend or renew it once it has lapsed.

Documents Necessary for New GST Registration

To complete the GST registration process, you need to provide a set of essential documents, including:

• PAN card of the business/entity

  The Permanent Account Number is crucial for GST registration as it serves as a primary identifier.

• Aadhaar card

  Details of the authorised signatory or partners/members for verification.

• Proof of business registration

  This involves the partnership deed, company's incorporation certificate, or other relevant documents.

• Identity and address proof

  Proof of identity and address of the promoters, partners, directors, and authorised signatories.

• Bank account proof

  A scanned copy of the first page of the passbook or a bank statement.

• Digital signature

  For companies and LLPs, a Class 2 or Class 3 digital signature is required.

• Letter of Authorisation

  In the case of authorised signatories, a letter of authorisation is needed.

After providing all the specified documents, a 15-digit GSTIN is generated, which is distinct for each registered business operating in the nation.

Advantages of GST Registration

• Input Tax Credit

  Registered businesses can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the taxes paid on their purchases. This significantly reduces their tax liability.

• Legitimacy

  GST registration lends your business credibility. It makes your business eligible for government tenders and trade benefits, boosting trust among customers and partners.

• E-commerce Benefits

  E-commerce operators and sellers can reap benefits like Amazon's 'Fulfilment by Amazon’ only if they possess GST registration. It's a gateway to expanding your business through online platforms.

• Reorganisation of Unorganised Sectors

  The introduction of GST led to the restructuring of sectors like textiles and construction, which were not well-organised until July 1, 2017. This restructuring improved business conditions while also enforcing responsibility and rules in these industries.

• Simplified Online Process

  The Goods and Service Tax website offers a user-friendly and efficient online registration process for GST. This method is much more preferable than having to go through separate registrations for various taxes like VAT, Excise, and Service Tax all over again.

• Reduced Compliance Burden

  Compared to the time before GST, filing GST now involves submitting a single unified return instead of dealing with multiple compliance requirements and returns related to VAT, Excise, and Service Taxes.

When is GST Deregistration Possible?

Deregistration of GST is possible under various circumstances, such as:

• Business Closure

  If your business shuts down or discontinues operations, you can apply for GST deregistration.

• Business Transfer

  In cases of business transfer, amalgamation, or demerger, you can opt for GST deregistration.

• Change in Business Nature

  If there's a significant change in the nature of your business activities, you might consider surrendering your GSTIN registration.

• Threshold Falls Below Limit

  If your turnover falls below the threshold limit, you can apply for deregistration.

How to Apply for Cancellation of GST Registration?

To cancel your GST registration, follow these steps:

• Login

  Access the GST portal using your login credentials.

• Application

  Go to the 'Services' tab and choose 'Application for Cancellation of Registration.'

• Form Filling

  Complete Form GST REG-16 with accurate details.

• Verification

  Verify the application using your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).

• Acknowledgement

  Once your application is approved, you will receive an acknowledgement. Your registration will be cancelled accordingly.

Conclusion

In the domain of Indian taxation, enrolling for Goods and Services Tax is quite significant. This step ensures not only following the law but also easily taking part in a new tax system. Understanding the different kinds of GST, who can apply, and the necessary paperwork is crucial for a successful registration process. When you get registered for GST, it boosts your business's trustworthiness and opens up various benefits that can help your business grow better and work more efficiently. Remember, getting registered for GST is not just a legal rule, but it's also a chance to join a modernised tax system that is advantageous for both businesses and the country.