For businesses supplying goods, the GST registration threshold is an annual turnover of ₹40 lakhs for most states. For service providers, the limit is ₹20 lakhs. For special category states (in the North-East and hilly areas), the limit is ₹20 lakhs for goods and ₹10 lakhs for services.

Yes, any business engaged in the supply of goods through an e-commerce operator (like Amazon or Flipkart) is required to get GST registration, irrespective of their annual turnover. This rule does not apply to service providers in the same way.

For a proprietorship, you need the proprietor’s PAN card, Aadhaar card, photograph, proof of business address (electricity bill/rent agreement), and a cancelled cheque or bank statement of the proprietor’s bank account.

The Regular GST scheme requires businesses to file monthly or quarterly returns and allows them to collect GST from customers and claim input tax credit (ITC). The Composition Scheme is simpler, for businesses with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore, where they pay a fixed, lower rate of tax on their turnover and have simpler compliance, but they cannot collect tax or claim ITC.

Yes, you can register your business for GST using your residential address as the principal place of business. You will need to provide proof of address, such as an electricity bill in your name. If the property is rented or owned by a family member, you’ll also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code is a system for classifying goods for taxation. It is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover of over ₹5 crore to mention a 6-digit HSN code on their invoices. Businesses below this turnover may have different, simpler requirements.

If your application and documents are in order and Aadhaar authentication is successful, the GSTIN (GST Identification Number) is typically approved and allotted within 3 to 7 working days.

The ARN (Application Reference Number) is a unique 15-digit number generated on the GST portal after you successfully submit your registration application. You can use the ARN to track the status of your application.

Yes, a valid PAN (Permanent Account Number) is mandatory for any person or entity applying for GST registration. Aadhaar authentication for the primary authorized signatory is also mandatory for most new registrations to ensure a quicker and smoother process.

While you can start the GST registration process without a dedicated current account (using the proprietor’s savings account details for a proprietorship), you will be required to add the details of a current bank account in the business’s name on the GST portal after the registration is granted.

This is a document that proves your ownership or legal right to use the business premises. For an owned property, it can be an electricity bill or property tax receipt. For a rented property, you need the rent agreement and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord.

A business can apply for cancellation of its GST registration if its turnover falls below the threshold limit or if it discontinues its business. However, you cannot simply ‘opt out’ if your turnover exceeds the mandatory registration limit.

If a business is liable for GST registration but fails to register, the penalty is 10% of the tax due or ₹10,000, whichever is higher. In cases of deliberate tax evasion, the penalties can be much more severe.

During the online application process, a verification link is sent to the mobile number and email address associated with the Aadhaar of the authorized signatory. You need to click this link and complete the OTP-based verification to authenticate your application.

GST registration is completely free of cost. The government does not charge any fee for applying for a GST number on the official GST portal (gst.gov.in). Any fees would be for professional services if you hire a consultant or CA to handle the process for you.