Things To Remember After GST Registration | Essential Documents & Process

Getting your GST registration is just the first step in ensuring compliance with Goods and Services Tax laws in India. Once you have received your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), there are several important things you need to take care of to stay compliant and avoid penalties. Let’s go through the key things to remember after obtaining GST registration and understand the Things Required for GST Registration to ensure a smooth process.

1. Open a Current Account and Link it with GST Number

After completing the Things Required for GST Registration, the next step is to open a current account in your business name. This account is essential for managing financial transactions and ensuring smooth tax compliance. Linking your GST number to your current account helps in proper tax filing, payment reconciliation, and adherence to GST norms. Many banks now require GST registration details to open a current account, making it a crucial part of your business setup.

Benefits:

• Ensures smooth business transactions.
• Helps in tracking GST-related transactions easily.
• Essential for availing Input Tax Credit (ITC) and refunds.

 2. Choose Your GST Return Filing Frequency (Monthly or Quarterly)

After GST registration, businesses must select the filing frequency for their GST returns. Depending on your annual turnover, you can choose between monthly or quarterly return filing under the GST Composition Scheme or the Regular Scheme.

Filing Options:

• Monthly Returns – Mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover above Rs. 5 crore.
• Quarterly Returns – Available for businesses with turnover up to Rs. 5 crore under the QRMP (Quarterly Return Monthly Payment) Scheme.
• CMP-08 – Required for businesses registered under the Composition Scheme (traders and manufacturers with turnover up to Rs. 1.5 crore and for service provider up to 50 lakhs).

Make sure you file your GST returns on time to avoid penalties and interest.

3. Complete Aadhaar Authentication

Aadhaar authentication is an important step after GST registration, especially for new registrants. The GST department uses Aadhaar-based authentication to prevent fraudulent registrations and ensure genuine businesses are operating under GST. Currently the Aadhar Authentication is done at the tine of GST Registration itself, however in case of old GST Registrations same can be done by following below process:-

Steps for Aadhaar Authentication:

Log in to the GST portal. Navigate to the Aadhaar Authentication section. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify it using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Once authenticated, your GST registration process is complete.

Why is Aadhaar Authentication Important?

• Prevents fake registrations and ensures authenticity.
• Helps in quicker processing of refunds.
• Reduces the chances of scrutiny by the GST department.

4. Enable Google Mapping for Business Location

GST authorities now verify business premises using Google Maps. It is recommended to accurately update your business location on Google Maps. This helps in establishing legitimacy and ensuring compliance in case of any verification or physical inspection.

Benefits:

• Increases business visibility for customers.
• Avoids issues during GST inspections.
• Helps in location verification for GST officers.

5. File GST Returns on Time (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, CMP-08)

Every GST-registered business is required to file GST returns regularly. The types of returns depend on the nature of your business:

Mandatory GST Returns:

• GSTR-1: Monthly/Quarterly return for outward supplies (sales invoices).
• GSTR-3B: Monthly summary return for tax payment.
• CMP-08: Quarterly return for businesses under the Composition Scheme.

Why Filing GST Returns on Time is Important:

• Avoids late fees and penalties.
• Ensures eligibility for Input Tax Credit (ITC).
• Helps in maintaining a good compliance rating.

6. Register on the E-Way Bill Portal (For Traders & Manufacturers)

If you are engaged in trading or manufacturing, you need to register on the E-Way Bill portal. This is necessary for businesses involved in the movement of goods exceeding Rs. 50,000 in a single invoice.

How to Register for E-Way Bill:

1. Visit the official E-Way Bill portal (gov.in).
2. Enter your GSTIN and other required details.
3. Generate E-Way Bills for applicable transactions.

Note: Transporting goods without an E-Way Bill can lead to heavy penalties.

7. Apply for LUT (For Exporters)

If your business is involved in exports, you should apply for a Letter of Undertaking (LUT). This allows you to export goods or services without paying Integrated GST (IGST).

Steps to Apply for LUT:

1. Log in to the GST portal.
2. Navigate to Services → User Services → Furnish Letter of Undertaking (LUT).
3. Fill in the required details and submit the application.

Benefits:

• Avoids blockage of working capital.
• Makes export procedures hassle-free.
• Helps in faster refund claims under GST.

8. Display a Banner Outside Business Premises

As per GST laws, all registered businesses must display a GST registration certificate and a banner outside their business premises. This should include:

• Business Name
• GST Number (GSTIN)
• Business Address etc.

Why is it Important?

• Ensures compliance with GST rules.
• Avoids penalties from the GST department.
• Helps in gaining customer trust and transparency.

10 FAQ on Things to Remember After GST Registration

1. What are the immediate compliance requirements after GST registration?

• After receiving your GSTIN, update your invoices with GST details.
• Maintain proper records of sales, purchases, and expenses.
• Start charging GST on outward supplies and ensure compliance with input tax credit (ITC) rules.

2. When should I start filing GST returns?

• GST returns filing depends on your turnover and registration type:
  • Monthly: GSTR-1 (for taxpayers with turnover above ₹5 crore).
  • Quarterly: GSTR-1 (for taxpayers under QRMP scheme).
  • GSTR-3B: Monthly for regular taxpayers (or quarterly under QRMP).
  • GSTR-9/9C: Annual return (if applicable).

3. How do I maintain records for GST compliance?

• Keep digital and physical records of:
  • Invoices (Sales & Purchases).
  • Credit/Debit Notes.
  • E-way bills (for goods movement).
  • Input tax credit (ITC) claims.

4. What happens if I don’t file GST returns on time?

• Late Fees: ₹50 per day for normal filing, ₹20 per day for nil returns.
• Interest: 18% per annum on the outstanding tax liability.
• Risk of Cancellation: Non-filing for consecutive periods can lead to GST registration suspension.

5. How do I claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?

• Ensure that:
  • The supplier has uploaded invoices in GSTR-1.
  • The supplier has paid GST to the government.
  • You have a proper tax invoice for the claim.

6. Do I need an E-Way Bill for transportation of goods?

• Yes, if:
  • The consignment value exceeds ₹50,000.
  • Transporting inter-state or intra-state as per state-specific rules.

7. What are the penalties for non-compliance?

• Late GST payment: 18% interest per annum.
• Wrong ITC claims: Penalty equal to 100% of tax evaded.
• Failure to issue invoices: ₹10,000 or tax amount due, whichever is higher.

8. Can I amend details in my GST registration?

• Yes, updates like business address, contact details, and additional business places can be done through the GST portal. However, changes in PAN and legal entity require a fresh registration.

9. How do I cancel my GST registration if required?

• File an online application in Form GST REG-16 if business closure or turnover falls below exemption limit.
• The department may initiate cancellation for non-compliance.

10. What are the post-registration benefits under GST?

• Legally recognized supplier of goods and services.
• Eligible to collect tax and claim ITC.
• Easier interstate trade without multiple tax barriers.
• Participation in government tenders and improved business credibility.

Conclusion

Getting your GST registration is just the first step in ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Understanding the Things Required for GST Registration helps streamline the process and ensures smooth operations. By following essential steps—such as linking your GSTIN with a current account, choosing the right return filing frequency, completing Aadhaar authentication, registering on the E-Way Bill portal, and displaying your GST details outside your business premises—you stay fully compliant with GST laws and avoid unnecessary penalties.

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