Looking to register for GST? We outline the steps

Goods and Service Tax (GST) is going to be a reality soon and businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs and MSMEs) are going to find it difficult initially to cope up with the increased paperwork and scrutiny.

With the GST rollout beginning on  July 1, 2017, the government and tax authorities are asking companies to register themselves on the GST platform in order to ensure a smooth transition to the new tax system.  

GST is said to be the biggest taxation reform that in India.

Every business registered under the GST will be required to file monthly returns online. 

The government has already launched GST website which presently supports registration and migration of existing taxpayers.

ALSO READ: GST shows strength, resolve of the federal structure, say PM Modi

How to register for GST?

Archit Gupta, Founder & CEO ClearTax said,"For new businesses, fresh registration has not yet been started on the portal. This means if someone is planning to open a new business, they will have to first register under current applicable law (VAT or Service Tax or Excise Duty) and then migrate to the GST network. This migration process is termed as Enrollment process by the authorities."

Here's a quick step-by-step guide to enroll your business under the new GST regime:

Step 1: Visit the common portal

The common portal for GST is hosted at https://www.gst.gov.in/. The GST council has also invited private players to build their own platforms which can be integrated with the government’s website.. So far, 34 private companies have been allotted the licence to build their own website under Goods and Service Tax Suvidha Provider (GSP) Scheme.

Step 2: Login using Provisional ID provided by VAT authorities
 
Use the provisional ID and password shared by the state authorities to login to the GST portal.

Once you login, you will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered email ID and mobile number. Authenticate your identity via this OTP and get into the system.
 
Step 3: Enter new username, password and security question

Next, you’ll be asked to submit a new username and a password. Fill this information and any additional security questions to complete the user creation process. 

Once all these steps are completed, login for the first time into the system using the username you just created. Upon successful login, you’ll be directed to the user dashboard along with a welcome note.

Here, you will find various tabs which can help you in understanding the system requirement for running this portal and also answer any query that you may have. You can also change your password at regular intervals to keep your business information safe and secure. 
 
Step 4: Register your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Now, it’s time to furnish your business information. Please note that so far you have only logged into the system and you are yet to complete your enrollment into GST. But before you do that, you need to register your digital signature on the portal.

The information contained in your digital signature is further validated against your PAN card and if found correct, your digital signature gets registered with the portal.

Step 5: Fill the enrollment form

Fill the enrollment form, submit documents and validate through digital signature Now that you are done with all the prerequisites, all you need to do to complete the enrollment is to fill information as directed. Some of the basic information such as your name, PAN etc will be auto populated. This is because your details has been migrated from the previous system (VAT, Service Tax etc.).

Once you fill in all the information, submit the soft copy of document proofs, and validate the information through your registered digital signature, you’ll be issued a unique Application Reference Number (ARN) and the status of your Provisional ID will be changed to “Migrated”. This status will automatically turn into “Active” on the appointed day, which is the day from which GST will be applicable.

Documents/Information Required

• Provisional ID received from State/ Central Authorities
• Password received from the State/ Central Authorities
• Valid EmailIs Address
• Valid Mobile Number
• Bank Account Number
• Bank IFSC