How to Get GST Number with Online Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Businesses

Starting a business in India comes with its share of regulatory requirements, and one of the most critical is GST registration. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a cornerstone of India’s tax structure, and understanding how to navigate its registration is essential for compliance and growth. This guide breaks down the entire process to get GST number online into simple, actionable steps. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a salaried individual with a side hustle, our goal is to help you understand the online process for GST number registration smoothly and efficiently, ensuring your business starts on the right foot with all its Starting a Startup in India: Legal and Tax Essentials.

Before You Start: Understanding GST Registration Essentials

Before you jump into the application form, it’s vital to prepare by understanding the fundamental requirements. This involves confirming whether your business is liable for GST registration and gathering all the necessary paperwork. Proper preparation at this stage can prevent delays and rejections later, making the entire GST number registration online India process significantly smoother. Taking a few moments to assess your eligibility and create a document checklist will save you a great deal of time and effort once you begin the online application on the official government portal.

Who is Required to Get a GST Number in India?

Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to determine if you need to register. GST registration is not optional for everyone; for many businesses, it is a mandatory legal requirement. Failing to register when required can lead to heavy penalties and legal complications. GST registration becomes mandatory if your business meets any of the following criteria:

Turnover-Based: Your aggregate annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for suppliers of goods or ₹20 lakh for providers of services. It’s important to note that this threshold is lower for Special Category States (like those in the North-East), where the limit is ₹20 lakh for goods and ₹10 lakh for services. This is a primary consideration covered in the Ultimate Guide to GST Registration for Small Businesses.
Inter-State Supply: You are engaged in the supply of goods or services from one state to another. This rule applies regardless of your annual turnover; even a single rupee of inter-state supply makes GST registration mandatory.
E-commerce Sellers: You sell goods or services through an e-commerce platform like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, or any other online marketplace. This requirement is also independent of turnover, making registration essential for all online sellers operating through such aggregators.
Casual Taxable Person: You occasionally undertake transactions involving the supply of goods or services in a state or union territory where you do not have a fixed place of business. This often applies to businesses participating in exhibitions or trade fairs in different states.
Voluntary Registration: Even if your business does not meet any of the mandatory criteria, you can choose to register for GST voluntarily. Many businesses opt for this to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on their purchases, enhance their business credibility with larger clients, and legally collect GST from customers.

Documents Required for the GST Number Registration Online India

Gathering the right documents beforehand is one of the most critical steps to ensure the process is fast and free of errors. Having all your paperwork scanned and ready in the specified format will prevent you from having to stop midway through the application. The document requirements vary slightly based on the legal structure of your business. Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare.

For Sole Proprietors / Individuals:

PAN Card: A clear, scanned copy of the owner’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.
Aadhaar Card: A scanned copy of the owner’s Aadhaar card.
Owner’s Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph in JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 100 KB.
Proof of Business Address: This can be a recent electricity bill, a valid rent agreement along with an NOC from the landlord, or a property tax receipt.
Bank Account Details: A scanned copy of a cancelled cheque showing the proprietor’s name, account number, and IFSC code, or a recent bank statement.

For Companies / LLPs / Partnerships:

PAN Card of the entity: The PAN card issued in the name of the Company, LLP, or Partnership Firm.
Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed: For companies, the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is required. For LLPs and Partnership Firms, the registered Partnership Deed is necessary.
Director/Partner Documents: PAN card, Aadhaar card, and a recent photograph (JPEG, max 100 KB) for all Directors, Partners, or designated members.
Proof of Principal Place of Business: Documents like an electricity bill or rent agreement for the registered office address.
Board Resolution or Letter of Authorization: A document authorizing one of the directors or a specific employee as the Authorized Signatory for GST compliance purposes.
Bank Account Details of the entity: A scanned copy of a cancelled cheque or bank statement in the name of the business entity.

Step-by-Step GST Application Process India: A Detailed Walkthrough

The GST registration process for businesses in India is designed to be entirely online, making it accessible and efficient. The application is neatly divided into two main parts, followed by a final verification step. To complete this, you must use the official GST Portal (https://www.gst.gov.in/). Following these steps carefully will guide you through the entire journey, from generating a temporary reference to receiving your final GSTIN.

Part A: Generating Your Temporary Reference Number (TRN)

The first phase of the application involves providing your core business details to generate a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). This TRN acts as your unique identifier to complete the rest of the application.

Visit the GST Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to the official government website for GST: https://www.gst.gov.in/.
Start New Registration: On the homepage, find the `Services` tab in the main menu. From the dropdown, select `Registration` and then click on `New Registration`.
Fill in Basic Details: On the New Registration page, you will need to fill in some preliminary information. Select ‘Taxpayer’ as the user type. Then, enter your State, District, the Legal Name of your Business (this must be exactly as it appears on your PAN card), your business PAN, a valid Email Address, and an active Mobile Number.
OTP Verification: After you enter the details and the captcha, the portal will send two separate One-Time Passwords (OTPs)—one to your mobile number and another to your email address. You must enter both OTPs in their respective fields to verify your contact information.
Receive TRN: Upon successful verification of your mobile and email, a 15-digit Temporary Reference Number (TRN) will be generated and displayed on the screen. It will also be sent to you via email and SMS. It is crucial to note this TRN down, as you will need it to complete the next part of your application.

Part B: Completing the Main Application Form

With your TRN in hand, you can now proceed to fill out the detailed application form. This part requires you to provide comprehensive information about your business operations, promoters, and bank accounts.

Log in with TRN: Return to the GST Portal homepage. Go to `Services` > `Registration` > `New Registration` once more. This time, instead of filling out the initial form, select the ‘Temporary Reference Number (TRN)’ option. Enter the TRN you received, fill in the captcha, and click ‘Proceed’.
Verify OTP: The system will again send an OTP to your registered mobile number and email address. Enter this OTP to log in to your saved application.
Fill the Application: You will be taken to your dashboard, where you can see your application with a status of ‘Draft’. Click on the ‘Edit’ icon (it looks like a pencil) to continue. The application is divided into several tabs, and you must fill in the details for each one accurately:
- Business Details: Enter your trade name (if different from your legal name), specify the constitution of your business (e.g., proprietorship, partnership, private limited company), and other related details.
- Promoter/Partners: Provide the personal details, address, and identity information for all proprietors, partners, or directors, depending on your business structure. You will also need to upload their photographs here.
- Authorized Signatory: Designate an authorized signatory. This can be one of the promoters or another authorized person. Their details and proof of appointment are required.
- Principal Place of Business: Enter the full address of your primary business location and upload the corresponding address proof document (like a rent agreement or electricity bill).
- Goods and Services Details: This is a crucial section where you need to specify the goods or services your business deals in. You must add the top 5 HSN codes (for goods) or SAC codes (for services) relevant to your business.
- Bank Accounts: Add the details of your primary business bank account, including the account number, IFSC code, and branch address. You will need to upload proof, such as a cancelled cheque or a bank statement.
Upload Documents: As you move through the tabs, you will be prompted to upload the scanned copies of the documents mentioned earlier. Ensure they are in the correct format (PDF or JPEG) and within the specified size limits to avoid upload errors.

Part C: Final Submission and Verification

After you have filled in all the information and uploaded all the necessary documents, the final step is to verify and submit your application. This is a critical step that authenticates your application and formally sends it for processing by a tax officer.

Verification: Navigate to the ‘Verification’ tab. Here, you must check the declaration box to confirm that the information provided is true and correct. You must then authenticate the application using one of the following digital methods:
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate): Using a DSC is mandatory for Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). The authorized signatory must sign the application using their Class 2 or Class 3 DSC.
- E-Signature: This is an Aadhaar-based verification method. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with the authorized signatory’s Aadhaar card. Entering this OTP serves as an electronic signature.
- EVC (Electronic Verification Code): An OTP is sent to the mobile number you registered in Part A of the application. This method is available for all applicants except companies and LLPs.
Submit the Application: After successful verification through one of the above methods, click the ‘Submit’ button. An Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated instantly and sent to your registered email and mobile number. This ARN is your final confirmation that the application has been successfully filed with the GST department.

What to Expect After You Apply for a GST Number

Submitting your application is a major milestone, but the process doesn’t end there. The next phase involves waiting for the tax authorities to review and approve your application. Understanding what happens during this period and how to track your progress is essential. This stage determines whether your application is accepted, or if you need to provide additional information to the assessing officer.

Tracking Your Application Status

Once you have your ARN, you can easily monitor the progress of your application online. This transparency allows you to stay informed about every stage of the approval process. To check your status, go to the GST Portal and navigate to `Services` > `Registration` > `Track Application Status`. Enter your ARN and the captcha code. The portal will display the current status of your application, which could be ‘Pending for Processing’, ‘Pending for Clarification’, ‘Approved’, or ‘Rejected’. Regularly checking the status is advisable, especially in the first few days after submission.

Receiving Your GSTIN and Certificate

If all your documents and the details provided in the application are correct and in order, a designated tax officer will review and approve your application. You will typically receive your 15-digit GST Identification Number (GSTIN) and the GST Registration Certificate (Form GST REG-06) within 3 to 7 working days of submission. An email and SMS notification will be sent to you confirming the approval. You can then log in to your GST portal dashboard and download the certificate directly. Once registered, you will also need to learn How to File GST Returns Online: A Step-by-Step Guide of the GST Filing Process & Procedure. However, if the officer finds any discrepancies or requires more information, they will issue a notice seeking clarification. You must respond to this notice with the required details or documents within the stipulated time frame to avoid rejection.

Conclusion

The ability to get GST number online has significantly simplified one of the most important compliance steps for businesses across India. By following this comprehensive step-by-step GST application process India, you can navigate the portal with confidence and secure your GSTIN without unnecessary hassle. Remember, obtaining a GST number is not just about compliance; it is a gateway to operating a formal business, claiming benefits like Input Tax Credit, and building credibility with customers and suppliers.

If the GST number registration online India process still seems daunting, or if you simply want to ensure it is done correctly the first time, TaxRobo is here to help. Our team of experts can manage the entire process for you, from document preparation to final submission, ensuring a seamless and error-free experience. Contact us today through our TaxRobo GST Service to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a GST number online?

Typically, after submitting the application with all the correct documents and information, you can expect to receive your GSTIN within 3 to 7 working days. However, this timeline is subject to the processing speed of the tax department and can be extended if a tax officer raises a query or requires additional clarification on your application. Promptly responding to any such queries is essential to keep the process moving.

Is there any government fee for GST registration?

No, the online process for GST number on the official government portal is completely free of cost. The government does not charge any fees for GST registration. Fees are only applicable if you choose to hire a professional consultant, chartered accountant, or a service provider like TaxRobo to handle the complexities of the registration process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and saving you time.

Can I register for GST without a physical business address?

You must provide a ‘principal place of business’ address during the registration process. However, a separate commercial space is not always necessary. If you operate your business from your home, you can use your residential address as the principal place of business. To do this, you will need to provide supporting documents, such as a recent utility bill in the owner’s name and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner (if you are not the owner) permitting the use of the premises for business purposes.

What is the difference between GSTIN and GSTN?

GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is the unique 15-digit registration number assigned to every registered taxpayer. This PAN-based number is used to identify the business for all GST-related transactions and filings. On the other hand, GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) is the non-profit, non-government organization that manages the entire IT system and infrastructure for the GST portal. Essentially, GSTN is the technological backbone that enables the GST regime, while GSTIN is the unique identity given to a taxpayer within that system.