Guide to Government GST Portal

The GST Portal is an essential online platform designed for managing various aspects of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Launched as part of the GST regime in 2017, this portal provides a comprehensive suite of services, including GST registration, filing returns, applying for refunds, and managing cancellations.

What is the GST Portal?

The GST Portal is a government-run website that serves as a centralized platform for taxpayers and businesses to perform GST-related activities. It eliminates the need for physical interactions with tax departments, making tax compliance more streamlined and efficient. The portal supports various functions, from filing returns to responding to departmental notifications.

Registration on the GST Portal

Registration on the GST Portal is mandatory for businesses whose turnover exceeds the threshold limit set by the GST law. It is also required for specific categories, like e-commerce operators, input service distributors, and interstate suppliers. Below is a detailed explanation of the registration process and how to track the application status:

How to Register on the GST Portal?

Step 1:

Visit the GST Portal – Go to the official GST portal.

Step 2:

Click on ‘Services’ → ‘Registration’ → ‘New Registration’ – Select this option to initiate the registration process.

Step 3:

Fill Out the Required Details – Provide your details, such as business name, PAN, email address, and mobile number. Enter the captcha and submit the form.

Step 4:

Verification via OTP – You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number and email. Enter the OTPs to verify your information.

Step 5:

Application Reference Number (ARN) – Upon successful verification, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) to track your registration status.

Step 6:

Fill Part B of the Registration Form (GST REG-01) – Complete the detailed application form by entering details related to your business, such as principal place of business, bank account details, and authorized signatory.

Step 7:

Upload Documents – Upload required documents like PAN card, address proof, photographs, bank account details, and proof of business.

Step 8:

Submission and Verification – Submit the application, which will be processed by the GST authorities. Upon verification, you will receive your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).

Track Registration Application Status

Visit the GST Portal – Click on ‘Services’ → ‘Registration’ → ‘Track Application Status.’

Enter ARN – Provide your ARN to check the status. The portal will display updates like ‘Pending for Processing,’ ‘Approved,’ or ‘Rejected.’

How to Cancel GST Registration?

Businesses may need to cancel their GST registration for reasons such as closure, change in business structure, or if they no longer meet the threshold limit. Here’s the process to cancel the GST registration:

Steps to Cancel GST Registration:

Step 1:

Log In to the GST Portal – Use your GSTIN and password to access your account.

Step 2:

Navigate to ‘Services’ → ‘Registration’ → ‘Application for Cancellation of Registration’ – Select this option to initiate the cancellation process.

Step 3:

Provide Reason for Cancellation – Choose the appropriate reason for cancellation, such as cessation of business, transfer of business, or others.

Step 4:

Fill the Required Details – Provide the required details, including the date of cessation (if applicable), information on input tax credit (ITC), and any liability details.

Step 5:

Verification and Submission – Verify the form using a digital signature certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC). Submit the application.

Step 6:

Approval – Once the GST officer verifies the application, the registration will be canceled, and a cancellation order will be issued.

Cancellation by Tax Authorities:

The GST authorities may initiate cancellation if a taxpayer fails to file returns, is found guilty of fraud, or violates GST rules. Businesses are given an opportunity to respond to a show-cause notice before final cancellation.

Revocation of Cancellation:

If the registration was canceled by authorities, the taxpayer can apply for revocation within 30 days by submitting a request on the GST portal, provided the reasons for cancellation have been resolved.

GST Portal Login

1. For Returning Users:

• Access Login Page: Go to the GST portal and click on ‘Login’ in the top-right corner.
• Enter Credentials: Input your ID and password, and captcha code, then click ‘Login.’
• Dashboard Access: After logging in, you’ll see your dashboard with tabs for GST credits, GST return filing, tax payments, and more.

2. For New Users:

• Go to the Login Page: Click the ‘Login’ icon on the GST home page.
• First-Time Login: Select the ‘First Time Login’ and enter your ID/UIN/GSTIN, password, and captcha.
• Create Credentials: Follow the prompts to create your username and password. Reconfirm and submit.
• Update Bank Details: On first login, request bank account information through a non-core amendment application by selecting ‘FILE AMENDMENT.’

Services Available on the GST Portal

The GST portal offers a range of services to taxpayers, facilitating easy compliance and management of GST-related tasks. Here are the detailed services available:

1. Registration Services:

New Registration: Businesses can apply for new GST registration.

Amendment of Registration: Existing businesses can update their registration details, such as address, business name, or additional place of business.

Track Application Status: You can track the status of their registration or amendment application.

Cancellation of Registration: Businesses can apply for the cancellation of GST registration.

2. Returns Filing:

GSTR-1: Monthly or quarterly filing for reporting outward supplies (sales).

GSTR-3B: Monthly self-declaration form summarizing sales, purchases, and GST liability.

GSTR-4: Quarterly return for composition scheme taxpayers.

GSTR-9: Annual return summarizing all GST transactions for the financial year.

Auto-Populated Forms: The portal provides auto-populated data for easy filing, reducing manual errors.

3. Payment of Taxes:

Create Challan: Taxpayers can create and pay their GST dues using various modes, including net banking, NEFT/RTGS, and credit/debit cards.

Track Payment Status: Users can check the status of their payments, including pending and completed transactions.

Electronic Cash and Credit Ledger: The portal maintains a ledger for tracking the tax paid and input tax credit (ITC) claimed, helping in easy reconciliation.

4. E-Way Bill Generation:

Generate E-Way Bills: Businesses can create e-way bills for the movement of goods worth more than ₹50,000.

Track E-Way Bill: The GST portal allows users to track the status of e-way bills.

Cancel or Extend E-Way Bills: Users can cancel or extend the validity of e-way bills if required.

5. Refund Services:

Application for Refund: Businesses can apply for a refund if there is an excess balance in the electronic cash ledger or due to other reasons like export without payment of tax.

Track Refund Application Status: Users can track the status of their refund requests.

6. ITC (Input Tax Credit) Management:

Reconciliation of ITC: The GST portal offers tools to reconcile ITC with the purchase data to ensure accurate claiming of credit.

View ITC Ledger: Taxpayers can monitor the balance of available input tax credit and understand how ITC has been utilized.

7. Notices and Orders:

Receive and Respond to Notices: The GST portal serves as a communication platform where taxpayers can receive notifications or show-cause notices and respond to them.

Access Orders Issued: Taxpayers can access orders or assessment notices issued by the GST authorities.

8. Help and Support:

Helpdesk: The portal provides a helpdesk where users can submit queries or issues related to registration, return filing, payments, and other GST services.

User Manuals and Guides: The portal offers detailed guides and tutorials to help users navigate through various processes and tasks.

9. Composition Scheme Services:

Opting for Composition Scheme: Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crores can opt for the Composition Scheme, which allows them to pay a fixed rate of tax and file quarterly returns.

Track Status: Users can check the status of their application for the Composition Scheme.

10. Grievance Redressal:

File Grievances: Users can submit grievances related to technical issues or compliance challenges faced on the GST portal.

Track Grievance Status: Users can monitor the progress of their submitted grievances and get updates on their resolution.

Conclusion

The GST Portal is a vital tool for managing GST compliance in India. It simplifies processes like registration, filing returns, making payments, and applying for refunds. By leveraging the portal’s functionalities, businesses can efficiently handle their GST obligations and stay compliant with tax regulations.

The GST portal is a large platform that simplifies the entire process of GST compliance, from registration to filing returns, payments, and more. It aims to make tax management easier for businesses by providing a wide range of services under one roof, promoting efficiency and transparency in the taxation process.