The goods and service tax (GST), is a value-added tax that applies to the supply of products and services. This tax regime aims to eliminate the cascading effect of taxation and requires traders, service providers and manufacturers to register with the GST portal for filing tax returns.
Typically, there are 11 types of tax returns under this regime, and each comes with a different due date. Taxpayers can easily file for these tax returns via GST portal online. However, they must find out the process involved, to enjoy a hassle-free experience.
GST portal is a website wherein all GST-oriented activities can be carried out seamlessly. For instance, through this portal, taxpayers can carry out activities like –
By following the necessary instructions and completing the required steps on this GST portal online, individuals can complete GST-oriented formalities efficiently. It not only helps to save time but also eliminates mistakes like making a typo or providing incorrect details.
Taxpayers can initiate and complete GST portal registration by following these steps –
Step 1 – Visit the official GST portal online.
Step 2 – Navigate to the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 3 – Click on ‘New Registration’.
Step 4 – Provide details related to – name of the venture, state, mobile number, email-ID, etc.
Step 5 – Click on ‘Proceed’, and with the help of the OTP received generate Temporary Reference Number or TRN.
Step 6 – Click on the ‘New Registration’ option.
Step 7 – Edit the application in question, upload required documents, provide essential details and click on the ‘Verification’ tab.
Applicants can use their GST Application Registration Number to view the status of their application and take necessary actions as and when deemed necessary.
All documents required for GST enrolment are listed below in a tabular format –
S.N. |
Documents |
Maximum permissible size |
|
Documents that serve as a proof of the constitution of business like partnership deed or registration certificate |
1 MB |
|
Documents that serve as a valid proof of the appointment of authorised signatory |
1 MB |
|
Bank statement/bank passbook |
1 MB |
|
Photograph of partners/promoters/HUF Karta |
100 KB |
|
Photograph of authorised signatory |
100 KB |
Other than these, applicants must keep these handy to streamline the GST portal registration process more effectively –
Registered taxpayers can follow these steps elucidated below to file their GST returns online:
Step 1 – Visit GST’s official website and complete the GST portal login process.
Step 2 – Navigate to the ‘Services’ tab.
Step 3 – Click on the ‘Returns Dashboard’.
Step 4 – Select the accurate Assessment Year and Returns filing period from the drop-down menu.
Step 5 – Select the appropriate type of returns and click on the ‘Prepare Online’ button.
Step 6 – Enter the required details and click on the ‘Save’ button.
Step 7 – Once a “success” message pops up on the screen, proceed to click on the ‘Submit’ button for filing the returns.
Step 8 – If the status of the return changes to ‘Submitted’, click on the ‘Payment of Tax’ tile.
Step 9 – Click on the ‘Check balance’ button to view the cash and credit balance.
Step 10 – Click on ‘Offset Liability’’, and then click ‘OK’ on receiving the confirmation.
Step 11 – Check the declaration box and from the drop-down list, select an authorised signatory.
Step 12 – Click either on ‘File Form with DSC’ or ‘File Form with EVC’.
Step 13 – Click on the ‘Proceed’ button and pay for the Form.
While this process for filing returns may seem lengthy, it can effectively be completed in a matter of minutes. Nonetheless, before filing their GST returns, one must learn about how to log in to the GST portal.
It must be noted that the steps involved in GST portal login vary for existing and first-time users.
Step 1 – Visit the GST portal online.
Step 2 – Click the ‘Login’ button and look for ‘First-time login’.
Step 3 – Click on the tab marked ‘Here’.
Step 4 – Enter Provisional ID/GSTIN/UIN and password.
Step 5 – Enter details like username and password that you intend to use from next time onwards.
Step 6 – Click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Once these steps are completed, individuals are required to login with their new credentials.
Step 1 – Visit the GST portal.
Step 2 – Click on the ‘Login’ button.
Step 3 – Provide details like username, password and enter Captcha code.
Step 4 – Click on the ‘Login’ button again.
Once the process is completed, individuals are redirected to their respective dashboard. The online method of filing for GST has helped businesses to manage their taxes effectively and minimise the risk of missing out tax deadlines.