Launching a new business in India often requires obtaining a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN). While third-party agencies and chartered accountants routinely charge between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 for this service, the Government of India charges exactly ₹0 for the application.
As long as you have the necessary documentation ready, you can submit your application directly on the official GST portal and receive your GSTIN certificate in 3 to 7 working days. Here is everything you need to know about the eligibility and step-by-step registration process.
Who Needs GST Registration?
According to tax laws, a business must register for GST under the following conditions:
| Business Category | Annual Turnover Threshold | Government Portal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Suppliers of Goods | Over ₹40 Lakhs (₹20 Lakhs for Special Category States) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Service Providers | Over ₹20 Lakhs (₹10 Lakhs for Special Category States) | ₹0 (Free) |
| Interstate & E-Commerce Sellers | Mandatory (From ₹1 of sales) | ₹0 (Free) |
Voluntary Registration Option
If your turnover is below the threshold, you can still register voluntarily. This is highly recommended for B2B businesses and restaurants, as it allows you to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on commercial equipment, purchases, and raw materials.
Documents Checklist for Free GST
Prepare clear scanned copies (PDF or JPEG formats, under 100KB–2MB size limits) of these vital business documents:
PAN Card
Permanent Account Number of the business or proprietor.
Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar of the proprietor, partners, or directors.
Proof of Business Address
Electricity bill, rent agreement, municipal khata, or NOC.
Bank Account Proof
Cancelled cheque, bank statement, or first page of passbook.
How to Register (Step-by-Step)
Generate TRN (Temporary Reference Number)
Go to gst.gov.in -> Services -> Registration -> New Registration. Enter your PAN, mobile, and email to get a TRN via OTP.
Log in with TRN
Log back into the GST portal using your TRN. You will find a partially filled application form valid for 15 days.
Fill in Details & Upload Documents
Enter your business name, address, promoter details, and upload the scanned copies of your PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof.
Submit & Track ARN
Submit your application using DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) or Aadhaar OTP (e-Verify). You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) instantly to track the approval status.
Approval & GSTIN Issuance
After submission, the jurisdictional officer will verify your details. If all documents are clear and accurate, the registration will be approved, and your GST certificate (Form GST REG-06) containing your GSTIN will be sent to your email. If there are discrepancies, a clarification query (SCN) may be raised, which you can answer online for free.
"Having a GSTIN allows your business to function as a registered taxpayer, building deep trust with suppliers and allowing you to collect taxes legally."
Filing Taxes with Arow POS
Once your GSTIN is issued, you must add it to your invoices and file regular returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B). Arow App makes billing and tax compliance effortless. You can configure your GST slabs, print tax invoices carrying your brand new GSTIN, and export exact tax summaries in one tap.
