Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax levied on sales of goods and services. This tax replaces the earlier taxes charged like VAT, Service Tax Excise, etc. GST was introduced in July 2017.

Once the registration process has been completed, the Goods and Service Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is provided. The 15-digit GSTIN is provided by the Central Government and helps to determine whether a business is liable to pay GST. This number would allow you to get an input tax credit and give you legal identity as a supplier.

It has been made mandatory (Except few listed below) for all those above threshold who are involved in the sale of goods or services to be registered with GST. To be able to use all the benefits under GST, one needs to complete the registration with the GST network.

GST Registration must be completed by the following individuals and businesses:

1. Individuals who have registered under the tax services before the GST law came into effect.

2. Non-Resident Taxable Person and Casual Taxable Person

3. Individuals who pay tax under the reverse charge mechanism

4. All e-commerce aggregators

5. Businesses that have a turnover that exceeds Rs.40 lakh. In the case of Uttarakhand,

Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and North-Eastern states, the turnover of the business should exceed Rs.10 lakh.

6. Input service distributors and agents of a supplier

7. Individuals who supply goods through an e-commerce aggregator.

8. Individuals providing database access and online information from outside India to people who live in India other than those who are registered taxable persons.

Before you start your online registration, it would be useful to keep all the required documents handy. The documents required for GST registration differ depending upon the kind of business entity that you are.

General documents required for GST registration are:

1. PAN cards of the individual/s or of the Directors for companies. 2. Address Proof. 3. Aadhar Card. 4. Bank Account Details. 5. Partnership Deed (For Partnership and LLPs). 6. Proof of Registration for LLPs. 7. Appointment Proof for Signatories (If any). 8. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs incorporation certificate (For companies). 9. Memorandum/ Articles of Association. 10. Letter of Authorisation/Board Resolution for Authorised Signatory

The main benefits of GST registration are mentioned below:

1. Big projects can be accepted from Multinational Corporations (MNCs).

2. Goods can be sold online.

3. Goods can be sold across the country.

4. GST registration acts as valid proof as it is a legal entity registration.

5. Input tax credit can be availed when any goods or services are being purchased.

6. With the help of a GSTIN, a current bank account can be opened.

7. The GSTIN helps in increasing the brand value of the business.

The below-mentioned individuals and entities are exempt from GST registration:

1. Businesses that manufacture supplies that comes under reverse charge.

2. Activities that do not come under the supply of goods or services. Examples of such

activities are the sale of a building or land, funeral services, and services provided by an employee.

3. Businesses that make non-GST/ non-taxable supplies. Examples are aviation turbine fuel, electricity, natural gas, high-speed diesel, and petrol.

4. Businesses that make exempt / nil-rated supplies.

5. Businesses that fall under the threshold exemption limit.

6. Agriculturists.