In this era of Digital India, this system has completely changed. Now you do not need to visit government offices or pay huge fees to any agent. Whether you are starting a small startup from a room in your house or opening a new shop in the market, getting a Goods and Services Tax (GST) number is now completely possible through your smartphone or laptop. This number not only gives a legal and valid identity to your business, but also opens the way to take your business to new heights by connecting with big e-commerce platforms. Let us understand how you can easily complete this entire process sitting at home without spending a single rupee.
Get these important documents ready
To avoid getting stuck in the registration process, the first step is to collect all the necessary documents at one place. You must have your PAN card and the Aadhaar card with which your existing mobile number is linked. Additionally, proof of business address is very important. For this you can use electricity bill or rent agreement. Keep a canceled check with you to confirm your bank account. These few documents will make your online process very fast and easy.
Half the tension ends as soon as TRN is generated.
Once the documents are ready, you have to go directly to the official website of GST. There you will have to select the option of ‘New Registration’. On this page you will have to enter your PAN number, current email ID and mobile number. As soon as you fill this information, a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone and email. As soon as you enter this OTP, you will be verified and you will get a temporary reference number, i.e. TRN. As soon as you receive this TRN, your first and most important step is completed.
Keep these things in mind while filling the form
After logging into the website again through TRN, you have to provide accurate information related to your business in different parts of the form. This includes the name of your business, date of commencement of work, personal information of the owner and the full address of the business. You also have to upload your address proof at this place.
If you sell any goods, it is mandatory for you to enter HSN code. This special code determines the correct category of your product. To avoid any hassle during tax filing in future, it is advised that you enter at least four to five HSN codes of your main products.
After this, the biggest facility available is ‘Aadhaar Authentication’. If you select ‘Yes’ in this option, then the entire paper process is reduced to just one click. A link is sent to your mobile, through which e-KYC is completed instantly. Its biggest advantage is that after this the need for physical verification of any government official ends.
Status tracking can be done through ARN
When you are sure that all the information filled in the form is correct, go to the ‘Verification’ section. There click on ‘Submit with EVC’. For the last time, an OTP will come on your mobile, once you enter it, your application will be successfully submitted. Immediately after this, an ARN (Application Reference Number – ARN) will appear on the screen and on your phone. Keep this number safe, because through this you will be able to track the status of your registration in future.
It is absolutely mandatory to get GST number
Traders should also keep in mind that if you want to sell your goods online i.e. on any e-commerce platform, then it is absolutely mandatory to get a GST number, whatever your income (turnover). At the same time, if you do business only offline, then you get exemption from this registration on turnover up to Rs 40 lakh. During the application, always give the same mobile number and email that you use daily, because all further information from the government will be sent on that number.