Documents Required for GST Registration in India

Planning to start a new business or already running one, getting your GST registration is essential to stay compliant. GST, simplified India’s tax structure by bringing various indirect taxes under one unified system. But to enjoy its benefits, you first need to register your business under GST.

In this guide, experts at Finguru India share everything you need to know about the documents required for GST Registration, stepwise procedure to apply for GST registration online, a clear understanding of GST registration fees,and points to avoid the delays during the process.

What is GST Registration and Who Needs It?

GST registration is the official process of listing your business under India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It gives you a unique GSTIN, which lets you collect tax from customers and claim input tax credit. Registering under GST is mandatory for eligible businesses and ensures smooth, legal, and transparent operations.

GST registration in India is mandatory for businesses whose annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit set by the government. Currently, the limit is ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers and ₹20 lakh for service providers in most states. For special category states, the limits are ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh respectively. Apart from turnover-based registration, the following also need GST registration:

• Businesses involved in interstate and export supply of goods or services
• E-commerce sellers using platforms like Amazon or Flipkart
• Casual taxable persons and non-resident taxpayers
• Input service distributors (ISD)
• Businesses registered under previous tax systems like VAT, Excise, or Service Tax

After registration, your business is assigned a unique 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) by the GST authorities. This number allows you to collect GST, claim input tax credits, and issue legally valid tax invoices.

Benefits of GST Registration

Before beginning to collect the documents, it is important to know how GST registration can be advantageous for the business.

• Legal recognition – You become a registered supplier legally authorized to collect GST from customers.
• Input tax credit – You can claim credits on taxes paid on purchases, which reduces your overall tax burden.
• Ease of business – Having a GSTIN builds trust with vendors, customers, and financial institutions.
• Compliance advantage – It helps you avoid penalties and simplifies tax filing through one unified system.
• Online process – You can complete GST registration online without visiting any office.

How to Apply for GST Registration Online

The process is completely digital. You can apply through the official portal: www.gst.gov.in. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to the GST Portal and click on “Services → Registration → New Registration.”
2. Fill in Part A with your details: legal name, PAN, mobile number, and email.
3. You’ll receive OTPs on your phone and email to verify both.
4. Once verified, you’ll get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) to log back in.
5. Fill Part B using your TRN, and upload the required GST registration documents Principal place of business, Business details, Promoter/partner details, Additional business places (if any), Goods and services details (HSN/SAC codes), Bank account details -Upload documents (see list below):
   1. PAN card of business or proprietor
   2. Proof of business registration/incorporation certificate
   3. Identity and address proof of promoters/directors
   4. Photograph of proprietor/partners/directors
   5. Proof of principal place of business (rent agreement, NOC, or property papers)
   6. Bank account proof (cancelled cheque or bank statement)
   7. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) (for companies and LLPs)
6. Verify the details using Digital Signature (DSC) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code) and submit the form. After successful submission, you’ll receive an ARN (Application Reference Number) on your registered email and mobile. You can track your application status using this ARN on the GST portal.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your GST registration certificate via email. The process usually takes between 3 to 7 working days if all documents are in order.
Documents Required for GST Registration

Now let’s go over the most important part: the documents. The list varies slightly depending on your business type, but most documents fall into a few main categories.

Basic Documents for All Applicants

These are the standard GST registration documents required regardless of business type:

• PAN Card of the applicant or business
• Photograph of the applicant or authorized signatory (JPEG format, up to 100KB)
• Proof of identity – Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport
  When you apply for GST registration online, the authorized signatory’s mobile number (the person whose details are used for Aadhaar authentication) must be linked with their Aadhaar card.
• Proof of business address – electricity bill, property tax receipt, or rent/lease agreement.
• Bank details – cancelled cheque, bank statement, or passbook copy showing IFSC and account number

If the place of business is rented, you’ll also need a rent agreement and owner’s NOC (No Objection Certificate).

Documents Based on Business Structure

Sole Proprietorship

If you’re a single owner, the paperwork is simple:

• PAN and Aadhaar Card of the proprietor
• Photograph of proprietor
• Proof of business address
• Bank account details

Partnership Firm or LLP

For partnerships and LLPs, you’ll need:

• PAN cards of all partners
• Partnership deed or LLP agreement
• Photos and ID proofs of partners
• Authorization letter for the partner signing the application
• Address proof of principal place of business
• Bank account details

Private Limited or Public Limited Company

For companies registered under the Companies Act:

• PAN card of the company
• Certificate of Incorporation (COI) from MCA
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
• PAN and Aadhaar of directors and authorized signatory
• Board resolution authorizing the signatory
• Proof of registered office address (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)
• Company bank account details

Special Cases

Non-Resident Taxable Persons

If you’re a foreign business supplying goods or services in India:

• Passport copy of the applicant
• Business incorporation certificate (for foreign entities)
• Proof of business address in India
• Bank account details in India
• Authorized signatory’s ID proof

Casual Taxable Persons

For temporary or seasonal business setups:

• PAN of the applicant
• Proof of business address in India
• Business constitution document (if any)
• Bank account proof

Points to Remember When Uploading Documents

A few simple mistakes often lead to application rejections. Keep these in mind:

• Names and details must match across documents and application fields (PAN, address proof, bank account).
• Scanned copies must be clear and readable; blurry or partial documents often get rejected.
• Use PDF or JPEG format, as per GST portal requirements.
• Ensure that your email and mobile number are active during verification.
• Keep your digital signature (DSC) ready if you’re registering a company or LLP.

It’s also smart to keep a single folder (physical or digital) containing all your GST registration documents, so you can update or re-upload them easily if asked for clarification.

What Happens After GST Registration?

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive:

• GSTIN (15-digit registration number)
• GST Registration Certificate in Form GST REG-06

After registration, you can log in to the GST portal to file returns, generate GST-compliant invoices, and claim input tax credits. In case of any errors in your registration details, you can easily update or correct them online through an amendment request.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

To avoid rework or delays, double-check these before submitting:

• Mismatch between PAN and business name
• Incorrect or expired identity proofs
• Blurred document uploads
• Missing authorization for signatory
• Incorrect business address or incomplete proof

Taking ten extra minutes to verify everything it’s always faster than reapplying.

Checklist Before Submitting Your Application

Here’s a quick GST registration checklist you can run through before you hit “Submit”:

• PAN and Aadhaar verified
• Active phone and email for OTPs
• Business address proof uploaded
• Bank account proof attached
• Constitution documents (deed, COI, MoA/AoA) ready
• Photos of all signatories
• Authorization letter or board resolution
• Correct business type selected
• DSC or EVC verified successfully

If all these boxes are ticked, you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

Getting your GST registration online might seem tedious at first, but it’s a one-time process that brings long-term benefits. Keep your documents organized, make sure they match your official records, and upload them carefully on the GST portal.

• No government fees apply, so don’t fall for fake “agents” charging extra.
• Always check the GST portal for updates or notifications on your application.
• Keep a digital backup of all your GST registration documents.

If you’re unsure about any step or want help filing your GST registration, FinGuru India’s tax experts can guide you through the complete process from preparing documents to getting your GSTIN without delays.

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