How to Get a GST Number? Here's All you Need to Know

With the Goods and Services Tax (GST) enforced, businesses and individuals who provide goods or services need to complete their GST registration and get a GST number or Goods and Services Identification Number (GSTIN). If you do not know how to get a GST number for your business, this article is for you.

What is a GST number or GSTIN?

GSTIN is a unique identification number given to various dealers and service providers. Now that the GST is in place, there exists only one platform to manage and view the records of all the taxpayers.

Do you need to get a GST Number?

If your business turnover exceeds Rs. 40 Lakhs, in a financial year, you will be required to register for a GST number. This threshold in Himachal Pradesh and the North-Eastern states, however, is Rs. 20 Lakhs. You will have to register for a GST number in the following cases:

• If you are registered under a previous law like VAT or Service Tax

• If your registered business gets transferred or demerged, the transferee will be responsible for GST registration from the date of transfer.

• If you are involved in the inter-state supply of goods

• If you are a casual taxable person

• If you are a Non-Resident taxable person

• If you are an agent of a supplier

• If you are paying tax under the reverse charge mechanism

• If you are an input service distributor

• If you are an E-commerce operator or aggregator

• If you are a person who supplies via e-commerce aggregators

Why should you get a GST number?

• A GST number helps you get recognized as a supplier of goods or services. Transparent businesses that file GST returns and pay taxes without elusion get noticed and become increasingly credible to the market and the Government alike.

• A GSTIN vastly eases the process of the Input tax credit. If your business maintains consistent payment of tax under the GST regime, you can expect income tax returns on the tax you pay on purchases.

• You must have a registered GSTIN for your business to sanction inter-state transactions and widen your market without any constraints. A GST number enables you to sell products online via E-commerce.

• To make sure that your input tax credit is allocated, make sure you correctly specify your GST number.

GSTIN Format or Structure

The GSTIN is a 15-digit number, which is unique for each taxpayer or business.

• The first two digits of the GST number represent the state code. Each state in the country is assigned a unique state code.

• The following ten digits of the GSTIN have the taxpayer's Personal Account Number (PAN).

• The two digits of the GST number after that represent the entity code. The entity code is a representation of the number of registrations that were made by a business entity in a state.

• The last digit is a check code. It is employed to detect errors.

Online GST registration for a GST Number

If you are planning to register your business to a GSTIN, follow the given steps:

Step 1

Start by visiting the online GST portal and click on the 'Register Now' option under the 'Taxpayers (Normal)' tab.

Step 2

This marks Part A of the GST registration process. Start by clicking on 'New Registration' and choose the 'Taxpayer' option in the drop-down menu that is displayed under 'I am a.’

Then, select your state and district. Enter the name of your and the associated PAN along with your mobile number and email address. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.

Step 3

Once you receive the OTP on your mobile, enter the password and click on 'Continue.'

Step 4

You can expect to receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN), which will be also be sent to your registered phone number and email address.

Step 5

Go back to the GST portal and click on the 'Register now' button.

Step 6

Click on the TRN option, enter your TRN and the captcha code. After this, hit 'Proceed.' Enter the OTP you have received on your mobile and hit 'Proceed.'

Step 7

Your application will be shown as a draft on the website. Click the edit button.

Step 8

This marks the second part of the GST registration process. Submit the following documents:

• Proof of constitution

• Document proving the location of your business

• Photographs for identity proof.

• Details of your bank account

• Your authorization form

Step 9

Go to the verification page, confirm the declaration, and then send in your application. You can do this:

• Via Electronic Signature (E-Sign): E-sign is an electronic signature service in India that enables Aadhar cardholders to sign a document digitally. Your registered mobile number will receive an OTP

• Via Electronic Verification Code: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.

• Via Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): This is compulsory for companies.

Step 10

Finally, you will receive a message telling you that the verification was successful. Your Application Reference Number (ARN) will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number.

GST Number SearchGST Number Search by name

Credible sites like KnowYourGST and Masters India simplify the process of GST number search by name.

However, typing a few letters of the company name or its PAN will significantly benefit you if you wish to narrow down your search and get the results you want.

GST number Search by PAN?

A GST number search by PAN is simple and straightforward if you have your PAN. If so, do the following:

Step 1: Go to the online GST portal

Step 2: Click on the ‘Search Taxpayer’ tab on the menu bar

Step 3: Finally, hit the ‘Search by PAN’ option

This is all you need to secure a GST number for your business correctly.

Jaylin is a Staff Writer for Bizmaa focusing on business analytics, business systems, gadgets and other small business news. She has a background in information and communications technology coordination.