What is GST?

GST is a comprehensive tax that will be levied on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods and services at a national level under which no distinction is made between goods and services for levying of taxes. If you were paying VAT on the goods being sold, then that tax will be replaced by GST.

Does GST apply to me?

Yes. Any individual registered under any of the following acts will be affected by GST:

What do I have to do to prepare for GST implementation?

The first step is to enrol in GST to secure your 15-digit provisional GST number. The enrolment process is common for all taxpayers registered under Centre, State or Union Territory Tax Acts, and is already under way in most states. There is no deemed enrolment under GST and you are advised to visit the GST Common Portal to register. You can access this portal by visiting www.gst.gov.in.

What is the time-line for enrolment and do I have to pay any fee for enrolment?

GST enrolment is already under way in most states. It will begin from 1 January, 2017, for the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. There is no fee or charge levied for the enrolment of a taxpayer under GST.

What documents do I need for GST enrolment?

You need the following documents/information for GST enrolment.

  1. Provisional ID received from state or central authorities (used for VAT)
  2. Password received from the state or central commercial tax authorities
  3. Valid e-mail address and mobile number
  4. Bank account number
  5. IFSC documents
  6. Proof of business (can be partnership deed, certificate of incorporation, registration certificate of the business entity) in PDF or JPEG format
  7. Photograph of the promoters or partners of ‘karta’ in the case of HUF
  8. Proof of appointment and photograph of the authorized signatories
  9. Opening page of the bank passbook or a statement which shows bank account number, including  bank name, branch name, address, and few transaction details

For more detailed information, please read the FAQs or visit the GST portal today.

Read FAQs GST Portal

*The guidance provided above is as per the Model GST law (released in November 2016) and draft Rules. Please refer to GST/ CBEC website for further details.