Goods and Services Tax or the GST certificate is issued to all the taxpayers who are registered under GST.
This is an important document and you will need to present it at various places.
Taxpayers have to present their GST certificate to deal with big companies, while opening a new business account and to do a business deal.
It is also required to be presented to officers during an audit. Even the GST number that is mentioned on your GST certificate is required at many places.
A taxpayer needs to provide their unique GSTIN to other dealers for filing their tax invoice.
You can avail input tax credit benefits. GST certificates are adjudged as legal identity for all types of businesses.
GST Registration Certificate
Goods and services tax registration certificate is a legal proof of registration.
Any person whose annual turnover for goods is greater than Rs.20 lakhs and annual turnover for services is greater than Rs. 40 lakhs, is liable to get registered for GST.
Upon registration you will receive the GST certificate.
GST registration certificate is considered as reliable business proof.
Taxpayers can receive GST certificate through official portal of GST only.
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The GST certificate is issued in Form GST REG-06 which is available on the official website of GST.
Registered users are given a soft copy of registration certificate through the online portal and no hard copy is issued by the government.
Taxpayers cannot get their GST certificate through offline mode.
GST Registration Certificate Download
For getting the GST registration certificate the taxpayer does not have to perform frequent exhaustive visits to any organization.
To ensure the comfort of the taxpayers, the government has initiated the online system related to downloading of the certificate.
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GST registration certificate is available on the official website of GST.
Downloading the GST certificate is a very easy task. You need to follow the steps mentioned below :
- Go to the official portal of GST
You have to go to the official website of the GST. The official website for GST is www.gst.gov.in.
You can download your GST registration certificate through this portal only.
There is no other way of getting a GST certificate. So, the first step is that you have to go to the official portal of GST.
- Click on ‘Login’
On the upper right portion of the official portal of GST you will see the login option. Click on ‘Login’ to access your account.
- Enter your details
Login page will be displayed on your screen.
You have to enter your username and your password. Then you have to click on ‘LOGIN’.
- Click on ‘Services’
You have to click on ‘Services’ which is the second option from the right side on the menu bar.
- Go on ‘Users Services’
As you click on services, various options will appear on your screen like ‘Registration’, ‘Ledgers’, ‘Returns’, ‘Payments’, ‘User Services’ and ‘Refunds’. You have to click on ‘User Services’.
- Click on ‘View/Download Certificate’
After clicking on ‘User Services’ various options related to that will be displayed on your screen.
Then you have to go to the ‘View/Download Certificate’ option and click on it.
- Click to download
View/Download Certificate page will be displayed on your screen. Now, in this last step you have to click on the download option.
Click on the download symbol.
In this way, you will be able to download your GST registration certificate.
Contents of GST Registration Certificate
The GST registration certificates that you downloaded from the official site of GST is just a copy of the certificate.
But this copy of registration certificate is of utmost importance.
Every taxpayer has to present this copy for conducting their business at various stages. Form GST REG-06 is accompanied by two annexures.
These two annexures are Annexures A and Annexures B. These two annexures contain different contents.
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Contents in different annexures are listed below:
1. GST Annexure A
Annexure A contains various details about the taxpayer. This also contains details about business of the taxpayers.
List of different particulars is given below:
- Registration Number – After registering for GST you will receive a registration number, this number is called as GST identification number.
It is abbreviated as GSTIN. It is a 15 digits number. GST identification number is never the same for any two users.
It is a unique number that is given to every taxpayer.
Registration number is mentioned on the top of your registration certificate.
Goods and services tax identification number is printed on the left side of the registration certificate.
- Legal Name
In the first row of the table, the legal name of your company is mentioned.
It is the name of the company by which it is legally recognised.
Legal name is also mentioned in other legal proofs and documents of the company.
- Trade Name
In the second row of the table the trade name of the company is mentioned.
Trade name can be the same as the legal name of the company or it can be different from the legal name of the company.
- Constitution of Business
There are different types of business. Structure of business can be private limited, proprietorship, partnership and many more.
In the third row your business structure is mentioned. This is the same as you mentioned while registering for GST.
The constitution of business is mentioned in the 4th row of the annexure A.
- Principal Address
This is a permanent address of your business.
A company may have various offices or centers but the principal address is the main address of the company.
It must be mentioned in various legal documents of your company.
Principal address is mentioned in annexure A of the GST certificate.
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- Liability Date
Liability date is the date at which your company was registered by the authorities and the process of issuing the registration certificate was initiated.
This is the date on which your company became efficient to get the certificate. Liability date is given in a row of this annexure.
- Validity Period
This contains details of commencement of validity of your registration and end date of validity of your registration.
There is no expiry date for certificate of registration which is issued to a taxpayer who is registered for a normal taxpayer scheme.
While for a casual taxpayer and the person who is registered under non-resident taxpayers, expiry date of certificate is mentioned in this annexure.
- Registration Type
This section tells about the type of scheme for which the taxpayer is registered.
There are two types of schemes under which a taxpayer can register.
They are composition schemes and regular taxpayers schemes.
A taxpayer belonging to any of the 9 options available on registration form can choose the scheme according to their eligibility.
These options are tax deductor, non-resident taxable person, tax collector, united nation body, GST practitioner, taxpayer, other notified person, consulate or embassy of foreign country and non-resident online service provider.
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This section gives information about whether the taxpayer belongs to the composition scheme or he is a normal taxpayer.
- Details of Approving Authority
Details about the officer who approved your registration and validated your application are provided in the section.
In this section of annexure, the name of the officer and his designation will be mentioned. Jurisdiction of the officer is also printed.
- Signature
Digital signatures of approving authority are printed in this ‘Signature’ section of the annexure.
- Issuing Date
In this section of the annexure date of issuing a registration certificate is mentioned.
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GST Annexure B
This is the other annexure which accompanies the registration certificate.
In this annexure details about various persons involved in your business will be provided.
Details include the name of the promoter and their designation in the company. Photograph of that person is also printed on the certificate.
Number of promoters can be one as in the case of registration of the proprietorship firm. Number of promoters can be higher as in the case of private limited companies.
Annexure B contains details about various partners who are involved in a business.
GST Certificate Display
Taxpayers get a copy of the GST registration certificate after their registration gets approved.
Here is a computer generated format of GST certificate.
With the help of this GST certificate sample you can get an idea about what a GST certificate looks like and what are different fields that are mentioned on it.
GST Number Format
GST Number is a unique number that is assigned to every taxpayer registered for GST.
GST number is also called as goods and services identification number. GSTIN is of 15 digits.
GSTIN is used at various places. It is a very important number for the taxpayer.
GSTIN is mandatory for opening a new bank account related to business and it is also needed for taking business loans.
It is beneficial for you in expanding your business.
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Taxpayers are required to provide their GST identification number to dealers and customers. Format of GST number is as follows :
- First Two Digits
First two digits of this 15 digits number denote the state code. Under GST every state and union territory is given a unique and fixed code.
These first two digits of unique number are for the state in which business is performed. For example, the state code of Gujarat is 24, Goa is 30, Punjab is 03 and Sikkim is 11.
- Next Ten Digits
Next ten digits of the GST number are the digits of the PAN card of registered taxpayer or registered business.
- Thirteenth Digit
This digit indicates the entity number of registration for the same PAN card in the state.
- Fourteenth Digit
The fourteenth digit of the GST number is always fixed. It is set as ‘Z’ by default.
- Fifteenth Digit
This is the last digit of the GST number. This digit indicates check code which is used to detect error.
It can either be an alphabet or it can be a number.
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GST Registration Provisional Certificate
A provisional registration certificate is issued to every taxpayer before issuing the actual GST registration certificate.
This provisional certificate looks similar to the GST registration certificate.
In the provisional certificate of GST all details about your business will be displayed.
This also contains details about different tax registrations by your company.
An identification number is also mentioned on the provisional registration certificate and this identification number is called provisional goods and services tax identification number.
You can use this provisional GSTIN at various places. This should be kept safe even when the GST registration certificate is issued to you.
Provisional GSTIN can be the same as your GSTIN which is issued in your GST registration certificate.
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Validity of GST Certificates
While using the GST registration certificate it’s validity period should be kept in mind.
Taxpayers can not use their GST certificate beyond the date of expiry.
You need to renew your registration or you have to apply for extension of the expiry date before the end of validity term of the certificate.
The term of validity vary on basis of type of taxpayer –
- Normal Taxpayers
Taxpayers who are eligible to file their returns and pay their tax regularly are known as normal taxpayers.
Certificates issued to normal taxpayers do not have expiry date and they can be used till the GST registration is surrendered by the taxpayer or GST registration is cancelled by authorities due to some reason.
- Casual and Non-Resident Taxpayers
Casual taxpayer or non-resident taxpayers are those who need to pay taxes occasionally.
They do not conduct transportation of goods and supply of services regularly. Their certificates have a validity period.
Their certificate is valid for a maximum term of 90 days. They can renew their certificates.
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How to do Changes In Registration Certificate
If you have committed some mistakes in entering your details while registering yourself for GST then you can apply for changes in certificate.
But only some of the particulars can be changed in the GST registration certificate.
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What can be Edited In GST Registration Certificate
There are some details that you can edit in your GST registration certificate. These details are listed below –
- Authorized Mobile Number
If you have mistakenly registered a wrong mobile number or you want to change details entered by you then you can easily change details of the mobile number registered by you. - Authorized Email id
Email id registered by you at time of registration can be changed. - Name of Business
Name of the business can be changed but this should not include change in PAN card details. - Principal Place Of Business
Principal address of the business can be changed but this should not be related to change in PAN card details. - Details Of Partners
Details of the partners mentioned in ‘Annexure B’ can be changed. You can edit their retirement of already mentioned partners and you can add new partners. - Additional Place Of Business
You can mention additional addresses of business. You can also edit previously entered details of address.
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Particulars That Can Not Be Edited
There are some details that you cannot edit in your GST registration certificate. These details are listed below :
- PAN Details
You cannot edit the details of your PAN card. GST registration is entirely based on PAN card details.
So, after final submission this field can’t be edited. Various details which include change in PAN card details can’t be edited.
- State Modification
You can’t modify details of the state of conducting business. GST registration is related to the state.
You get registered under SGST of a particular state and that can’t be modified.
- Business Structure
Business constitution can not be changed as it requires change in PAN card details and this is not permitted.
How To Edit GST Registration Certificate
Taxpayers can edit the GST registration certificate through online mode.
Taxpayers have to follow simple steps. Steps to be mentioned are given below-
- Go To the Official Portal Of GST
Search ‘www.gst.gov.in’ to reach the official portal of GST. Editing of the GST registration certificate can be done only through the GST portal.
- Click On Login
You have to click on the ‘Login’ option available on the right side of your screen.
- Enter Your Details
Login page will be displayed on your screen. You have to enter your username and password and then click on ‘LOGIN’.
- Click On Services
Your account will be displayed on the screen. Now you have to click on ‘Services’. This is the second option from the left side on the menu bar.
- Go To Registration
Various options are displayed on your screen after clicking on ‘Services’. First option on the left side is ‘Registration’. Click on ‘Registration’.
- Click On Amendment of Registration
All options related to registration will be displayed on screen and you have to click on ‘Amendments of Registration Core Fields’.
- Edit Details
Page for editing your details will get displayed on your screen. Now, you can edit the given details-- You can edit business details. You have to click on ‘Edit’ and then proceed to edit the particular field.
You have to select a date of making amendments. Then you have to enter the ‘Date of Amendment’ by clicking on the calendar.
You also need to provide the reason for amendment under the ‘Reason’ tab.
Then you have to click on the ‘Save’ option at the bottom. After checking all the details filled, you have to click on ‘Continue’. - You can edit the principal place of your business. Click on ‘Principal Place of Business’. Now click on ‘Edit’.
Make the necessary changes and then fill the date of amendment by clicking on the calendar.
You also need to provide the reason for amendment under the ‘Reason’ tab. Then you have to click on the ‘Save’ option at the bottom.
After checking all the details filled, you have to click on ‘Continue’. - If you want to edit additional places of business. Then you have to click on ‘Additional Places of Business’.
You can edit ‘Number of Additional Places’, you have to fill the numerical value in this section.
For adding a new place click on ‘Add New’ then enter details. Then fill the date of amendment by clicking on the calendar.
You also need to provide the reason for amendment under the ‘Reason’ tab.
Then you have to click on the ‘Save’ option at the bottom. After checking all the details entered you have to click on ‘Continue’. - For editing details of partners and promoters you have to click on ‘Promoter/Partners’.
If you want to add more partners then click on ‘ Add New’. Then fill the date of amendment by clicking on ‘calendar’.
You also need to provide the reason for amendment under the ‘Reason’ tab. Then you have to click on the ‘Save’ option at the bottom.
After checking all the details that you entered, you have to click on ‘Continue’.
- You can edit business details. You have to click on ‘Edit’ and then proceed to edit the particular field.
- Go To Verification Box
To proceed further you have to click on ‘Verification’ and then click on ‘Verification Checkbox’.
- Go To Authorised Signatory
Select ‘Name of Authorized signatory’. Then you have to choose the authorized signatory from the drop down list.
- Enter Place
You have to enter the name of place in the section of ‘Place’.
- Sign The Registration Certificate
After completing above mentioned steps you have to sign the application by using E signature or EVC or by Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- Confirmation Message
You will receive a confirmation message on your email id and mobile number.
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Time Limit For Making Changes
The taxpayer can edit details that he mentioned in his GST registration certificate within 15 days.
For editing the details in the GST certificate you have to upload correct documents.
If any taxpayer fails to submit the correct documents or he fails to submit the form within due time then the amendment form automatically gets discarded.
In case your application for amendments gets approved by authorities then you will receive a confirmatory email on id registered by you and message on phone.
The taxpayer will receive the new GST certificate with edited details within some days.
GST Registration Certificate Verification Status
Taxpayers can check the status of their GST registration certificate. You can check the status of the GST registration certificate on the website of GST.
You need to follow steps given below–
- Go To Official Portal
Official site of GST is ‘www.gst.gov.in’. You have to go to this site.
- Click on ‘Search Taxpayer’
After reaching www.gst.gov.in dashboard you will see many options on your screen. You have to go to the ‘Search Taxpayer’ option and click on it.
- Choose Suitable Option
Three options will be available to you under the ‘Search Taxpayer’ option.
You have to choose among ‘GSTIN/UIN’, ‘By PAN’ and ‘Search composite Taxpayer’. You have to click on the option which is suitable for you.
- Enter Details
In this step you have mentioned details about the option you selected in the previous step.
You have to enter PAN if you selected ‘By PAN’, GSTIN if you selected ‘GSTIN/UIN’ and composite taxpayer details if you selected ‘Search Composite Taxpayer’.
- Click on ‘Search’
After entering details you have to check them. If all details are correct then click on ‘Search’.
- Results Are Displayed on Screen
Then the state shows the status of your GSTIN.- If ‘Active’ is displayed on your screen then this means your registration is active.
- If status is ‘Provisional’ then this means your application for registration is verified, registration certificate is issued but a provisional id for you is already issued.
- If status is ‘Migrated’ then this means that your application for migration is approved.
- If status is ‘Pending For Verification’ then this means your application is submitted but it is not verified till that time.
- If status is ‘Validation Against Error’ then this means that PAN card details submitted by you in registration form are not the same as provided by other departments. In this case you have to submit the form again.
- If status is ‘Cancelled’ then this means your registration is cancelled.
- If ‘Active’ is displayed on your screen then this means your registration is active.
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GST Certificate FAQs
How do I download a GST Certificate?
You can download the GST certificate from the official website of GST.
After reaching www.gst.gov.in dashboard, first click on ‘Login’ and enter your username and password.
Next, click on ‘Services’ and go to ‘User Services’. You will see the option of ‘View/Download Certificate’. Click on that option.
At last, you have to click on the download symbol displayed on your screen and your GST registration certificate will be downloaded.
How can I do a GST Certificate download with GST Number without Login?
There is no way of downloading your GST Registration Certificate without logging in to your account.
This certificate is for personal use and it cannot be issued publically.
This is a very important certificate for Taxpayers and it is mandatory to download it after logging in to your account.
GST Registration Certificate is only available on the official portal of GST.
What is the validity of a GST registration Certificate?
Validity of the GST registration certificate is different for normal and casual taxpayers.
1. Normal taxpayer – The taxpayer who runs a regular business is called normal or regular taxpayer. There is no expiry date of GST certificate issued to a normal taxpayer.
2. Casual taxpayer – The taxpayer who doesn’t run a regular business is called a casual taxpayer. Validity of GST certificate issued to a casual taxpayer is of 90 days.
Does GST number expire?
GST number is formed with state code, PAN card details, entity number of applying for the same PAN card in state, Z alphabet which is set by default and last digit of sum check.
The GST certificate issued to casual taxpayers has a validity period of 90 days.
If you renew your certificate for the same business with the same PAN card and the same state as before then the GST certificate number can remain the same.
So, the GST number doesn’t have a validity period but the GST registration certificate to which a GST number is linked has a validity.
The validity of the GST certificate is 90 days for casual taxpayers. There is no validity period for registration certificate issued to a normal taxpayer.
How do I display the GST Certificate in office?
It is necessary for every tax payer to display the certificate in his business premises.
The taxpayer who gets his GSTIN and GST certificate has to present both of these to business dealers, he needs to display it at the principal address of the business and while issuing a tax invoice.
If the taxpayer fails to do so, he will be liable to pay a penalty.
Taxpayers have to display their GSTIN (mentioned in the GST registration certificate) at the board present at entry of office.
This is to be displayed on the board which is present at the entry to the principal address and each additional address.
How do I check my GST Status?
GST Certificate check can be done on the official portal of GST. You have to go to www.gst.gov.in.
You will have to click on ‘Search Taxpayer’ located on the menu.
Three options will be displayed as ‘Search by Composition Taxpayer’, ‘GSTIN/UIN’ and ‘By PAN’ on screen and you have to choose the suitable option.
Next, you will have to enter GSTIN or PAN number registered or details of composition taxpayers. Then click on ‘Search’.
Your GST status will be displayed on screen.
What is a GST Provisional Certificate?
Provisional certificate is issued to every Taxpayer before issuing the GST registration certificate.
This contains details about business partners and addresses related to business.
Provisional GSTIN is also issued in provisional certificates.
This provisional certificate and provisional GSTIN can be used till GST registration certificate is not issued.