GST Registration - Goods and Services Tax Business License

GST Registration is a mandatory business license issued by state GST authorities to entities engaged in supply of goods or services in India. The registration threshold is Rs. 20 lakhs annual turnover for general businesses and Rs. 10 lakhs for businesses in special states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. All importers, exporters, and e-commerce operators must register regardless of turnover. Registration is done through the GST portal (gst.gov.in) with PAN, business address, proprietor/director details, and bank account information. The registration process takes approximately 3 days; a 15-digit GSTIN (GST Identification Number) is issued upon approval. A registered business can legally charge and collect GST at applicable rates (5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%) depending on the goods or services supplied. GST compliance is mandatory: businesses must file monthly GSTR-1 (outward supply details), access GSTR-2A (inward supply summary from suppliers), and file GSTR-3B (monthly summary and tax payment). Quarterly reconciliation through GSTR-3 is also required. Input Tax Credit (ITC) is available for GST paid on inbound supplies, reducing overall tax liability. Deregistration is allowed if turnover falls below the threshold and remains so for two consecutive years. A critical pitfall: fraudulent GST registration using fake documents results in business closure and personal criminal prosecution under anti-evasion provisions. Late filing of GST returns attracts interest at 18% per annum and penalties up to Rs. 100 per day.