GST registration is mandatory once your business crosses the turnover threshold — and often earlier if you sell inter-state or online. Having the right documents ready is the single biggest factor in getting your GSTIN approved quickly. Here's the complete checklist.

Who needs GST registration?

You must register for GST if:

• Your aggregate turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods (₹20 lakh for services) — the threshold is ₹20 lakh/₹10 lakh in special-category states
• You sell goods or services inter-state
• You sell through e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)
• You are required to pay tax under reverse charge
• You want to claim input tax credit voluntarily

Common documents (all business types)

• PAN card of the business or applicant
• Aadhaar card of the proprietor / partners / directors
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of business address — latest electricity bill, property tax receipt, or rent agreement with a No-Objection Certificate
• Bank account proof — a cancelled cheque, bank statement, or the first page of the passbook

Documents by business type

The GST registration process

Step 1 — File Form GST REG-01 (Part A). Submit your PAN, mobile number and email to generate a Temporary Reference Number (TRN) after OTP verification.

Step 2 — Complete Part B. Fill in business details, promoter/partner information, the principal place of business, goods and services (HSN/SAC codes), and bank details. Upload the documents above.

Step 3 — Verification. Companies and LLPs sign with a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC); proprietors can use Aadhaar-based e-verification (EVC).

Step 4 — Get your ARN. After submission you receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) to track the status.

Step 5 — GSTIN issued. If the officer is satisfied, your 15-digit GSTIN is issued — usually within 7 working days. The government fee for GST registration is nil; you only pay a professional fee if you use a consultant.

Common reasons GST applications get rejected

• Address proof doesn't match the rent agreement or NOC
• Blurred or mismatched PAN/Aadhaar
• Bank proof name doesn't match the applicant
• Wrong or missing HSN/SAC codes

After you get your GSTIN

You must display your GSTIN at your place of business, issue GST-compliant invoices, and file returns — GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B (monthly or quarterly under the QRMP scheme). Missing returns blocks your input tax credit and attracts late fees.

Want it done without the back-and-forth? FilingLab's CAs prepare your documents, file GST REG-01, and track your ARN until the GSTIN is issued — starting at ₹999. [Get GST registration](/contact).