Overview
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. GST registration is mandatory for businesses whose annual turnover exceeds specific thresholds (₹20 lakh for service providers and ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers, with lower thresholds for special category states). GST unifies multiple indirect taxes under a single tax structure and is managed by the Central and State Governments. GST registration assigns businesses a unique 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), enabling them to legally collect and remit GST.
Overview
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. GST registration is mandatory for businesses whose annual turnover exceeds specific thresholds (₹20 lakh for service providers and ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers, with lower thresholds for special category states). GST unifies multiple indirect taxes under a single tax structure and is managed by the Central and State Governments. GST registration assigns businesses a unique 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), enabling them to legally collect and remit GST.
Benefits
- Legal Compliance: GST registration ensures that a business is compliant with tax laws, helping to avoid penalties and legal issues.
- Input Tax Credit: Registered businesses can claim input tax credits on GST paid on purchases, reducing overall tax liability.
- Expansion of Business Opportunities: GST registration is often a requirement for B2B transactions and enhances credibility with clients and suppliers.
- Unified Tax Structure: GST eliminates the need for multiple indirect taxes, simplifying the tax payment process.
- E-commerce Eligibility: GST registration is mandatory for businesses that sell goods or services through online platforms.
The documents required for GST registration depend on the type of business entity:
For Sole Proprietors/Individuals
- PAN Card: PAN card of the proprietor.
- Aadhaar Card: Proof of identity of the proprietor.
- Photograph: Recent passport-size photo of the proprietor.
- Address Proof: Electricity bill, water bill, or rental agreement of the business premises.
- Bank Account Proof: Canceled cheque, bank statement, or passbook of the business account.
For Partnerships/LLPs
- PAN Card of Partnership Firm or LLP.
- Partnership Deed or LLP Agreement.
- Address Proof and ID of Partners: Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, or voter ID.
- Photograph of Partners.
- Bank Account Proof: Bank statement, canceled cheque, or passbook of the business account.
- Proof of Business Address: Rental agreement, electricity bill, or property tax receipt.
For Companies
- PAN Card of Company.
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- MOA and AOA (Memorandum and Articles of Association).
- Address and ID Proof of Directors.
- Photograph of Authorized Signatory.
- Proof of Appointment of Authorized Signatory.
- Bank Account Proof: Cancelled cheque, bank statement, or passbook.
- Business Address Proof: Utility bill, rental agreement, or property tax receipt.
Monthly and Quarterly Returns
⦁ GSTR-1: Monthly/quarterly return for outward supplies of goods and services.
⦁ GSTR-3B: Summary monthly return for GST payments, due by the 20th of the following month.
Annual Return:
⦁ GSTR-9: Annual return summarizing all transactions filed by regular taxpayers, due on December 31st for the previous financial year.
Composition Scheme Compliance
⦁ Taxpayers under the composition scheme must file CMP-08 (quarterly return) and GSTR-4 (annual return).
Maintenance of Books and Records:
⦁ Maintain records of all purchase, sale, and expense invoices for at least six years from the due date of filing annual returns.
E-Way Bills:
⦁ Generate e-way bills for transporting goods worth over ₹50,000 as per GST e-way bill regulations. Non-compliance may lead to penalties.
Reverse Charge Mechanism:
⦁ Pay tax under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) for certain specified goods and services, where the liability to pay tax shifts to the recipient.
GST Payment Due Dates:
⦁ Timely payment of GST liability is essential to avoid interest and penalties. Payment is usually due by the 20th of each month, along with GSTR-3B filing.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Late Fee for Delayed Filing: ₹20 per day for NIL returns and ₹50 per day for other returns, up to a maximum of ₹5,000 per return.
- Interest on Late Payment: Interest at 18% per annum for delayed payment of GST liability.
- Penalty for Non-Registration: A penalty equal to 10% of the tax amount due or ₹10,000, whichever is higher, for failing to register under GST.
- E-Way Bill Penalty: Penalty of ₹10,000 or tax sought to be evaded for failing to generate an e-way bill.
- Legal Consequences for Evasion: GST evasion or fraud can lead to fines, imprisonment, and other legal actions, depending on the severity of non-compliance.
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