GST Registration in India: Who Needs It and How to Get It Done

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A practical guide for Indian businesses and professionals on GST registration—who needs it, the documents required, the step-by-step process, and what happens if you don’t register. Includes links to expert help and related tax topics.

Whether you’re a startup founder, a freelance service provider, or a growing e-commerce brand, understanding GST registration is one of your most important legal and financial responsibilities. It's not just a government formality—it's a gateway to operating legally, claiming input tax credit, and building trust with clients.

So, who really needs GST registration in India, how do you get it done, and what should you watch out for after registering? Let’s break it down.

Who Needs to Register for GST?

GST registration is mandatory for:

• Businesses crossing the annual turnover threshold:
  
  

• ₹40 lakhs for goods
  
  

• ₹20 lakhs for services
  
  

• ₹10 lakhs in special category states (like those in the Northeast)
  
  

• Interstate suppliers of goods or services: Even without crossing the threshold, supplying across state borders requires registration.
  
  

• E-commerce sellers and aggregators: Selling on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or your own online store? You must register.
  
  

• Casual taxable persons or non-resident suppliers: If you’re offering goods or services occasionally or from outside India, registration is compulsory.
  
  

• Agents, input service distributors, or those under reverse charge: These business types also require GST registration regardless of turnover.
  
  

Why Should You Register?

Even if it’s not yet mandatory for your business, voluntary GST registration has clear advantages:

• Claim input tax credit on goods/services you purchase
  
  

• Enhance your business credibility—especially B2B
  
  

• Avoid penalties and future legal hassles
  
  

• Access new markets and platforms that require a GSTIN
  
  

• Ease of scalability for funding, franchising, or government projects
  
  

What Are the GST Slabs?

India’s GST structure includes multiple tax slabs—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—depending on the type of goods or services provided. While registration is independent of the slab, knowing your applicable rate helps in pricing, invoicing, and credit adjustments.

Curious which rate applies to your business? Read our detailed guide on GST Slabs Explained: What Rate Applies to Your Business to understand how your offerings are taxed.

Documents Required for GST Registration

The paperwork varies by business type, but typically includes:

For Sole Proprietors:

• PAN & Aadhaar of the individual
  
  

• Photograph
  
  

• Address proof of business

• HSN Codes
  
  

• HSN Codes
  
  

For Partnerships or LLPs:

• PAN of firm and partners
  
  

• Partnership deed or incorporation proof
  
  

• Photographs of partners
  
  

• Business address of Company along with proofs

• Resolution of authorisation 

• Email and mobile of all partners, firm and authorised firm 

For Private Limited Companies:

• Incorporation certificate
  
  

• MOA & AOA
  
  

• PAN & Aadhaar of directors & Company
  
  

• Board resolution

• Email and mobile of company and directors including authorised person
  
  

address proofs

Ensuring accuracy in your documents helps you avoid delays or rejection.

Step-by-Step Process to Register for GST

1. Initiate Registration: Go to the GST portal and create an account with basic PAN, email, and mobile details.
   
   

2. Receive TRN (Temporary Reference Number): Validate your credentials and log in again using TRN.
   
   

3. Fill Part B: Provide business details, upload documents, and add bank information.
   
   

4. Verification & Submission: Sign using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Aadhaar-based OTP.
   
   

5. Allotment of GSTIN: If all is in order, the system generates your GSTIN within 7–10 working days.
   
   

What If You Don’t Register When You Should?

Not registering when liable can trigger serious consequences. The penalty is 10% of the tax due, with a minimum of ₹10,000. If it’s deemed intentional evasion, that can go up to 100%.

Beyond fines, you risk:

• Disqualification from marketplaces
  
  

• Difficulty raising invoices or expanding
  
  

• Issues claiming input tax credit
  
  

After Registration – Compliance Begins

Once registered, it’s crucial to file your GST returns accurately and on time. You also need to issue GST-compliant invoices and maintain proper records.

Need help? Explore our guide to GST Returns and Invoicing: Compliance Essentials for Businesses—your next step after registration.

Need a Professional to Handle GST? We’ve Got You Covered

At Hedg, our GST experts help you with:

• Hassle-free registration
  
  

• Monthly return filing
  
  

• Invoice and record compliance
  
  

• Timely reminders and error-free submissions
  
  

Whether you’re a startup or a fast-growing business, our GST Services are tailored to your needs. We also offer integrated help with ROC Filing and TDS Filing—all under one roof.

Have Questions? Let’s Talk

Still unsure if you need to register? Or need help getting your documentation in order? Our team can guide you from start to finish.

➡️ Contact us and let’s get your business compliant, credible, and GST-ready.