How much does GST registration cost?

GST registration is completely free. There is no government fee for new registration, amendment, or cancellation of GST registration. The entire process is done online on gst.gov.in at zero cost. If you use a CA or tax professional to help with the application, they may charge a service fee — typically Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 — but this is their professional fee, not a government charge. We recommend doing it yourself using this guide as the process is straightforward, especially with Aadhaar authentication which simplifies verification.

How long does GST registration take?

With Aadhaar authentication, GST registration typically takes 3 to 7 working days from the date of submitting a complete application. Without Aadhaar authentication, it takes 15 to 30 working days because the officer must conduct a physical verification of your business premises. The actual form filling and document upload takes about 1 to 2 hours if you have all documents ready. If the officer raises a clarification request, you get 7 days to respond, which extends the timeline. Most rejections and delays happen due to document mismatches — prepare your documents carefully before starting.

Is GST registration mandatory for online sellers?

Yes, GST registration is mandatory for all persons supplying goods or services through e-commerce operators like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and similar marketplaces — regardless of turnover. This is specified under Section 24 of the CGST Act. Even if your annual sales are Rs 5,000, you need GST registration to sell on these platforms. The only exception is if you sell exclusively through your own website like Shopify where the regular Rs 20 lakh turnover threshold applies. Most marketplace platforms require your GSTIN during seller onboarding and will not approve your account without it.

Can I register for GST voluntarily below Rs 20 lakh turnover?

Yes, voluntary registration is allowed under Section 25(3) of the CGST Act. Many businesses register voluntarily even below the threshold because GST registration allows you to issue tax invoices which enable your B2B customers to claim input tax credit on purchases from you. Without registration, your invoices do not qualify for ITC, which makes B2B customers reluctant to buy from you. Voluntary registration also enables you to claim input tax credit on your own purchases, which reduces your effective cost of goods and services.

What is the penalty for not registering for GST?

Operating a business that is required to register under GST without obtaining registration attracts a penalty under Section 122 of the CGST Act. The penalty is the higher of Rs 10,000 or the tax amount evaded. Additionally, all taxable supplies made without registration are considered illegal, and the full tax amount becomes payable with 18 percent annual interest from the date the tax was due. The officer can also impose penalties for non-filing of returns for the period you should have been registered. If you discover you have crossed the threshold, register immediately to minimize penalties.

Can I cancel my GST registration if my business closes?

Yes, you can apply for cancellation of GST registration if your business has been discontinued, transferred, amalgamated, or if your turnover falls below the threshold. Apply for cancellation through the GST portal under Services → Registration → Application for Cancellation. You must file all pending returns up to the cancellation date and pay any outstanding tax. The officer may also cancel your registration suo moto if you fail to file returns for six consecutive months. After cancellation, you must file a final return in GSTR-10 within 3 months. Any input tax credit on closing stock must be reversed.

What billing software should I use after GST registration?

After GST registration, you need billing software that creates GST-compliant invoices with all mandatory fields, calculates CGST, SGST, and IGST automatically, supports HSN and SAC codes, and generates GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B reports. myBillPlease is designed specifically for newly registered businesses in India. It has a free plan with unlimited invoices, automatic tax calculation, 7 professional PDF templates, inventory management with HSN codes, and auto-generated GST reports. Sign up at mybillplease.com, add your GSTIN, and create your first invoice in under 5 minutes. No credit card or training needed.

GST Returns & Filing

GST Registration Online 2026: Step by Step Process, Documents, and Fees

GST registration is mandatory for businesses above Rs 20 lakh turnover. Here is the complete online registration process with document checklist, timeline, and common rejection reasons.

Himanshu23 March 2026 · 5 min read · updated 6 September 2026

Businessman signing important documents at office desk.

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Key takeaways

Registration is mandatory above Rs 20 lakh turnover (Rs 10 lakh in special category states) and from day one for marketplace and inter-state sellers.
It is free on gst.gov.in: Part A gives a TRN valid 15 days, Part B has 10 sections plus document uploads.
With Aadhaar authentication approval takes 3-7 working days; without it, physical verification stretches to 15-30 days.
Most rejections come from address or PAN mismatches, blurry uploads, expired rent agreements or missing HSN/SAC codes.

Who Needs GST Registration?

GST registration is mandatory under Section 22 of the CGST Act for every business whose aggregate turnover exceeds Rs 20 lakh in a financial year (Rs 10 lakh for special category states like Northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir). Once registered, you get a 15-digit GSTIN and must issue tax invoices, file returns, and pay GST on all taxable supplies.

Beyond the turnover threshold, certain businesses must register regardless of turnover under Section 24. These include e-commerce sellers supplying through platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, persons making inter-state taxable supplies, casual taxable persons, non-resident taxable persons, agents of suppliers, TDS deductors, and input service distributors.

We built myBillPlease for businesses that have just registered for GST and need to start billing immediately. You can create your first GST-compliant invoice within 5 minutes of signing up — with automatic tax calculation, HSN codes, and professional PDF templates. Free plan, no credit card needed.

This guide covers the complete online registration process on the GST portal, required documents, processing timeline, and what to do if your application is rejected.

Documents Required for GST Registration

Keep these ready before you start the online application

PAN card of the business or proprietor — mandatory for all applicants
Aadhaar card of the proprietor, partners, or directors — for Aadhaar authentication
Proof of business registration — partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, or shop establishment certificate
Address proof of principal place of business — electricity bill, rent agreement, property tax receipt, or NOC from owner
Bank account details — cancelled cheque, bank statement first page, or passbook first page
Photographs — passport-size photos of proprietor, partners, or directors
Digital signature certificate (DSC) — required for companies and LLPs (not needed for proprietorships)
Authorisation letter — if the application is filed by an authorised signatory on behalf of the business
For existing business: proof of existing tax registration (VAT, service tax, excise) if applicable
For e-commerce sellers: details of the e-commerce platform where you sell

Step-by-Step GST Registration Process Online

Part B of the application has 10 sections: Business Details, Promoter/Partner Details, Authorised Signatory, Principal Place of Business, Additional Places of Business, Goods and Services, Bank Account Details, State Specific Information, Aadhaar Authentication, and Verification. Fill each carefully; most document uploads accept JPEG or PDF up to 1 MB per file.

GST registration on gst.gov.in

Go to Services > Registration > New Registration and select the state and district of your principal place of business.
Fill Part A with PAN, mobile and email; verify both OTPs to get a Temporary Reference Number valid for 15 days.
Return via the TRN tab, verify with OTP and open Part B.
Complete all 10 sections of Part B.
Scan and upload every required document in the prescribed format.
Authenticate via Aadhaar OTP (proprietors, partners) or DSC (companies, LLPs); skipping Aadhaar triggers physical verification.
Submit and note the ARN to track status on the portal.
Receive the 15-digit GSTIN by email and SMS in 3-7 working days with Aadhaar, or 15-30 days without.

GST Registration Timeline

How long each step takes

	With Aadhaar	Without Aadhaar
Part A (TRN generation)	10 minutes	10 minutes
Part B (form filling)	30-60 minutes	30-60 minutes
Document upload	15-30 minutes	15-30 minutes
Processing by officer	3-7 working days	15-30 working days
Physical verification	Not required	Required — officer visits premises
Total time	3-7 days	15-30 days
Registration fee	Free (no government fee)	Free (no government fee)

Understanding Your GSTIN Number

Once registered, you receive a 15-digit GSTIN. Understanding its structure helps verify GSTINs on invoices and catch errors:

Digits 1-2: State code (e.g., 09 for Uttar Pradesh, 27 for Maharashtra, 29 for Karnataka). This identifies the state of registration.

Digits 3-12: PAN of the business. This is your 10-character PAN number. If you know someone's GSTIN, you know their PAN — and vice versa.

Digit 13: Entity number within the state. For businesses with multiple registrations in the same state, this digit differentiates them. Usually 1 for the first registration.

Digit 14: Z by default (reserved for future use).

Digit 15: Check digit — calculated algorithmically for validation. Billing software like myBillPlease uses this digit to verify GSTIN format automatically when you add customers.

Example: 09AAQCA8978G1ZT — State 09 (UP), PAN AAQCA8978G, Entity 1, Default Z, Check digit T. Use our free GST calculator to verify tax amounts once you start billing, and the invoice generator to create your first invoice without signing up.

Common GST Registration Rejection Reasons

Incorrect Address Proof

The address on the electricity bill or rent agreement must match the address entered in the form. Even minor mismatches (flat number, street name spelling) cause rejection. Use the exact address as on the document.

PAN Mismatch

The PAN entered must exactly match the PAN card. For companies, use the company PAN not the director's personal PAN. For proprietorships, use the individual's PAN.

Blurry Document Uploads

Scanned documents must be clearly readable. Blurry photos, cut edges, or illegible text lead to clarification requests or rejection. Use a good scanner or a document scanning app.

Expired Rent Agreement

If your rent agreement has expired, it cannot be used as address proof. Get a fresh rent agreement or use an alternative like the electricity bill or property tax receipt.

No HSN/SAC Codes Declared

The application requires you to declare the HSN codes for goods and SAC codes for services you supply. Missing or wrong codes delay processing. Use our HSN code directory at mybillplease.com/hsn.

Mobile/Email Already Registered

The mobile number and email must not be linked to another active GSTIN. If you previously applied with the same number, it blocks new applications. Use a different number or deactivate the old registration first.

What to Do After GST Registration

Congratulations — you have your GSTIN! Here is what comes next:

1. Start issuing tax invoices. Every sale needs a proper GST invoice with all 16 mandatory fields. Sign up for myBillPlease (free) and create your first invoice in 5 minutes. Add your GSTIN, products with HSN codes, and start billing.

2. File your first GSTR-1. Due by the 11th of the month following your first taxable supply. Even if you had no sales, file a nil return. See our GSTR-1 filing guide.

3. File GSTR-3B. Due by the 20th. Calculate your output tax and input tax credit. See our GSTR-3B guide.

4. Maintain records. Keep all invoices, purchase records, and returns for at least 6 years. myBillPlease stores everything in the cloud automatically.

5. Display your GSTIN. Your GSTIN must be displayed at your principal place of business and on all invoices, notices, and correspondence.

Frequently asked questions

How much does GST registration cost?: GST registration is completely free. There is no government fee for new registration, amendment, or cancellation of GST registration. The entire process is done online on gst.gov.in at zero cost. If you use a CA or tax professional to help with the application, they may charge a service fee — typically Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 — but this is their professional fee, not a government charge. We recommend doing it yourself using this guide as the process is straightforward, especially with Aadhaar authentication which simplifies verification.
How long does GST registration take?: With Aadhaar authentication, GST registration typically takes 3 to 7 working days from the date of submitting a complete application. Without Aadhaar authentication, it takes 15 to 30 working days because the officer must conduct a physical verification of your business premises. The actual form filling and document upload takes about 1 to 2 hours if you have all documents ready. If the officer raises a clarification request, you get 7 days to respond, which extends the timeline. Most rejections and delays happen due to document mismatches — prepare your documents carefully before starting.
Is GST registration mandatory for online sellers?: Yes, GST registration is mandatory for all persons supplying goods or services through e-commerce operators like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and similar marketplaces — regardless of turnover. This is specified under Section 24 of the CGST Act. Even if your annual sales are Rs 5,000, you need GST registration to sell on these platforms. The only exception is if you sell exclusively through your own website like Shopify where the regular Rs 20 lakh turnover threshold applies. Most marketplace platforms require your GSTIN during seller onboarding and will not approve your account without it.
Can I register for GST voluntarily below Rs 20 lakh turnover?: Yes, voluntary registration is allowed under Section 25(3) of the CGST Act. Many businesses register voluntarily even below the threshold because GST registration allows you to issue tax invoices which enable your B2B customers to claim input tax credit on purchases from you. Without registration, your invoices do not qualify for ITC, which makes B2B customers reluctant to buy from you. Voluntary registration also enables you to claim input tax credit on your own purchases, which reduces your effective cost of goods and services.
What is the penalty for not registering for GST?: Operating a business that is required to register under GST without obtaining registration attracts a penalty under Section 122 of the CGST Act. The penalty is the higher of Rs 10,000 or the tax amount evaded. Additionally, all taxable supplies made without registration are considered illegal, and the full tax amount becomes payable with 18 percent annual interest from the date the tax was due. The officer can also impose penalties for non-filing of returns for the period you should have been registered. If you discover you have crossed the threshold, register immediately to minimize penalties.
Can I cancel my GST registration if my business closes?: Yes, you can apply for cancellation of GST registration if your business has been discontinued, transferred, amalgamated, or if your turnover falls below the threshold. Apply for cancellation through the GST portal under Services → Registration → Application for Cancellation. You must file all pending returns up to the cancellation date and pay any outstanding tax. The officer may also cancel your registration suo moto if you fail to file returns for six consecutive months. After cancellation, you must file a final return in GSTR-10 within 3 months. Any input tax credit on closing stock must be reversed.
What billing software should I use after GST registration?: After GST registration, you need billing software that creates GST-compliant invoices with all mandatory fields, calculates CGST, SGST, and IGST automatically, supports HSN and SAC codes, and generates GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B reports. myBillPlease is designed specifically for newly registered businesses in India. It has a free plan with unlimited invoices, automatic tax calculation, 7 professional PDF templates, inventory management with HSN codes, and auto-generated GST reports. Sign up at mybillplease.com, add your GSTIN, and create your first invoice in under 5 minutes. No credit card or training needed.