Creating Your Identity as A Taxpayer Under GST Act: What You Need?

Goods and Services Tax regime made several changes to the previous tax system making it more efficient and transparent. There are many new rules which should be followed to remain GST compliant. There are many sources online where you can get GST explained in detail. Through this article, you can look at the way you can get yourself registered and get your identity as a taxpayer and also know the GST number importance.

Importance of GST Identification Number:

GSTIN – The Goods and Services Tax Identification Number is a 15 digit unique number that replaced the previous Tax Identification Number (TIN). GSTIN is mandatory for every business and every registered individual. Anyone who is registered under GST will have a GSTIN. It is crucial because, without it, you will not be able to supply goods and services legally. According to the new rules, every invoice should mention the GSTIN of the supplier. The Input tax credit can only be availed if there is a proper chain of invoice matching, and that is possible only with GSTIN on every invoice. It is also essential because it will help you get more authority and trust among your customers and suppliers. It is necessary to check the GSTIN of the individuals or businesses that you deal with to know if they are genuine. You can verify the GSTIN of a supplier through the GST portal under the “Search Taxpayer” tab. 

Step-by-step procedure to register and get the GSTIN

• Visit the official GST portal https://www.gst.gov.in/
• Click on the “New Registration” Tab
• Click on the “Services” option from the top bar, and a drop-down menu will appear. 
• Hover your mouse on the “Registration” in the drop-down menu and click on the “New Registration” link.
• A registration page will open with options to submit your details. 
• Select the appropriate details from the drop-down menu to the options and enter the correct information about Name of Business, PAN number, Email Address, and Mobile Number. Click the “proceed” button after filling all the details.
• A new page will open with an option to enter OTP. A One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your mobile number and Email ID that you provided on the previous page.
• Enter the OTP which you receive on your mobile number in the space provided to enter mobile OTP. 
• Enter the OTP which you receive on your Email ID in the space provided to enter the Email OTP. Click “Proceed” (This OTP will be valid for 10 minutes)
• A new page will open that will display a computer-generated Temporary Reference Number (TRN) with the message that you have successfully submitted Part A of the registration process. 

PART B:

• Go back to the registration page and select “Temporary Reference Number (TRN)” 
• Enter the Temporary Reference Number (TRN) in the space provided and enter the captcha. Click “Proceed”
• You will receive OTP on your mobile and Email ID. 
• On the next page, the “Verify OTP” message will be displayed. 
• Enter the new OTPs in the space provided and click “Proceed.”
• A new page will open with the message “My Saved Application” displayed on it. There will be a column below. On the right side of the column, you will be able to see the “Edit Icon” option ( It will be clipart of white pen in a small blue square) Click on that. 
• On the next page, there will be various tabs that are provided to upload multiple documents. You will see tabs for your Business Details, Promoter/Partners, Authorized Signatory, Authorized Representative, Principal Place of Business, Additional Places of Business, Goods, and Services, Bank Accounts, State Specific Information, and Verification. 
• Upload all the documents required in the provided tabs. 

There are different documents required for various purposes. There is an option right on the GST portal to upload scanned copies of your documents. Make sure your documents are readable and clear. The authorities might not accept any document that is not clear. 

Once your documents are successfully uploaded, you will receive an acknowledgment that your documents are received on your Email ID and mobile number within 15 minutes. There will also be an Application Reference Number (ARN) sent to your Email ID and Mobile Number. You can use ARN to track your application on the GST portal. To track your GST registration status.

• Visit official GST portal.
• Click on the “Services” tab then hover your mouse over the “Registration” link. 
• A drop-down menu will appear with the option “Track Application Status” click on that. 
• Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) in the space provided, enter the captcha and click “Search.”
• There will be one of the five messages that will be displayed
• Pending for Verification: Application of registration under GST is submitted but is not yet approved. 
• Provisional: Provisional ID is issued, but the registration is not yet completed.
• Migrated: The GST migration is completed successfully. 
• Validation Against Error: The PAN details that are provided do not match the records from the IT Department.
• Canceled: The GST registration Cancelled. 

Once the authorities approve your registration, your registration will be complete. A GST registration Certificate will be issued, which can be downloaded from the GST portal. The government of India does not grant any physical certificates. The GST certificate will include all your essential details, such as Business Name, Address, Date of Registration, and the most important the GSTIN. The GSTIN is your identity as a taxpayer under GST. To download this certificate:

• Visit and log in the official GST portal and click “Services” tab
• Hover your mouse over the “User Services” tab and from the drop-down menu that will appear. Click on the “View/Download Certificates” link
• A new page will open with a column that will display a Form RED-06, and on the right side, there will be the option to download. 
• Click on the download option ( the “underlined arrow” symbol), and your GST registration certificate will get downloaded on your device.

Conclusion

GST number Importance is experienced while performing any business transaction. It validates your registration under GST and helps you remain compliant with the current tax regime. There are many mandatory rules to be followed under the current tax system, and it is necessary to know and follow all the rules. If you are unfamiliar with the rules, then it will be best to get GST explained in detail through a chartered accountant or various websites that provide sufficient knowledge about GST.