GST registration in India: who needs it and how to register

You need GST registration in India if your turnover crosses the notified threshold for your type of supply and state, or if you fall into a category that must register regardless of turnover — such as inter-state suppliers or e-commerce sellers in many cases. Registration gives you a GSTIN, lets you charge GST, and lets your buyers claim input tax credit. Here is who needs it and how the process works.

Thresholds and rules change by government notification and differ for goods vs services and by state. Treat the figures below as general shape and confirm your exact obligation on the GST portal or with your CA.

Who must register

Broadly, you need to register if:

• your aggregate turnover exceeds the threshold notified for your category (the limits differ for goods and services, and are lower for some special-category states);
• you make inter-state taxable supplies (subject to certain relaxations for services);
• you sell through an e-commerce operator that is required to collect tax at source;
• you are liable under reverse charge; or
• you are a casual taxable person, non-resident taxable person, input service distributor, or fall into another specified category.

Some businesses also register voluntarily to claim input tax credit and to appear more credible to B2B customers.

What you get: the GSTIN

On registration you receive a 15-character GSTIN. The first two digits are your GST state code, and the number identifies you on every invoice and return. You must show it on your GST invoices.

How to register: the steps

1. Go to the GST portal and start a new registration (Part A: PAN, mobile, email; you get a temporary reference number).
2. Complete Part B with business details, place(s) of business, promoters/partners, and bank details.
3. Upload documents — typically PAN, proof of business, address proof, and identity/photo of the authorised signatory.
4. Verify via DSC or e-sign/EVC.
5. Track the application; on approval, your GSTIN and registration certificate are issued.

After you register

Once registered, you must issue GST-compliant invoices, charge the right tax, file your returns, and keep records. Good billing software makes this routine — Invoicify puts your GSTIN on every invoice, applies the correct tax split, and keeps your data ready for filing. You can start a free trial while you get set up.

Registration sounds bureaucratic, but it is a one-time process. The ongoing work — compliant invoices and timely returns — is what software should carry for you.