The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax system that has replaced various taxes levied by the central and state governments in India. GST aims to simplify the tax structure, reduce tax evasion, and increase revenue collection.
What is the GST portal?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) replaced most of the multiple indirect taxes and made the taxation system taxpayer-friendly. The GST Portal is the government’s online platform which enables taxpayers to conduct various GST-based activities.
From GST registration to filing of returns, you can complete the entire process online via the GST Portal. This technological support allows you to avoid queuing up at local tax offices to pay taxes, view credit ledgers or claim tax refunds. You can also cancel your GST registration through this website. The platform also allows you to carry out all communications about your GST compliance. You can track your registration and tax submission status. Moreover, you can receive intimation on and respond to government notices.
You can start with logging into the Government of India’s official GST portal. Here is a guide to the goods and service tax portal login procedure for existing and first-time users.
What is the GST e-way bill system?
Also known as ‘electronic waybill’, the eway bill is a bill that transporters should carry when moving goods from one state to another or within the state. The e-way bill helps track the movement of goods under GST.
You can generate the e-way bill on the e-way bill portal. It is necessary for every consignment of goods valued at Rs. 50,000 or more.
When an e-way bill is generated, a unique e-way bill number (EBN) is allocated to the transporter, recipient, and supplier.
The following details or documents are required to generate an e-way bill:
- Invoice/ bill of supply challan of the consignment of goods.
- Transporter ID or vehicle number, if the consignment is being transported by road.
- Transporter ID, transport document number, and date on the document, if the consignment is transported by rail, air, or ship.
Before GST implementation, waybills were generated through state-specific portals and were subject to state rules. Under GST, the e-way bill is governed by a uniform set of rules applicable throughout India.
How to register for GST
- To register for GST online, visit the GST website and click on ‘New Registration’ listed under the ‘services’ tab.
- Enter details such as personal profile type, business name, state, email ID, mobile number and then click on ‘Proceed’.
- Use the one-time password (OTP) you get on your mobile and email ID to generate your temporary reference number (TRN).
- Click on ‘New Registration’ again and use your TRN this time.
- Edit your application, upload documents, enter details and submit your application via the ‘verification’ tab.
- Use the GST application reference number that you get to check the status of your application in future.
How to check your GST status
The GST is a uniform indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. It replaced all other taxes such as central excise duty, state VAT, central sales tax, purchase tax, etc. Traders, manufacturers, or service providers need to register under GST to file returns.
Under the GST regime, there are 11 types of returns applicable, and each has a different purpose and due date. One can file GST returns online by registering on this portal.
Here are 10 steps to file your GST returns online.
- Make sure that you are registered under the GST system and have the 15-digit GST identification number.
- Log in to the GST portal
- Click on the ‘services’ tab.
- Click on ‘returns dashboard’ and then, from the drop-down menu, fill in the financial year and the return filing period.
- Now select the return that you want to file and click on ‘prepare online’.
- Enter all the required values, including the amount and late fee, if applicable.
- Once you have filled in all the details, click on ‘Save’ to see a success message displayed on your screen.
- Now click on ‘Submit’ at the bottom of the page to file your returns.
- Once the status of your return changes to ‘submitted’, scroll down and click on the ‘payment of tax’ tile. Then, click on ‘check balance’ to view your cash and credit balance so that you know these details before paying the tax under different minor heads. Next, to clear your liabilities, you need to mention the amount of credit you want to use from the credit already available. Then click on ‘offset liability’ to make the payment. When confirmation is displayed, click on ‘OK’.
- Lastly, check the box against the declaration and select an authorised signatory from the drop-down list. Now click on ‘file form with DSC’ or ‘file form with EVC’ and click on ‘Proceed’. Now, make the payment for your GST form.
What is the GST login procedure for existing users?
- Visit the GST portal, and click on the ‘log in’ button at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
- Enter your username, password, and the captcha code, and click on ‘login’ again.
- The GST portal login procedure is now complete. The page that follows gives you access to your dashboard.
What is the GST login procedure for first-time users?
- Visit GST website and click on the ‘login’ button at the top right-hand corner of your screen.
- On the login page, click on the word ‘here’ that you will find in the line: ‘First-time login: If you are logging in for the first time, click here to log in’.
- Enter your provisional ID/ GSTIN/ UIN and password as received via email.
- Enter the new username and password that you wish to use in the future and click on ‘Submit’.
- Go back to the login page and log in with your new credentials.
How to get a GST login ID and password?
To obtain a GST login ID and password, follow the process of applying for GST registration. Provide essential business details such as the business name, PAN, contact number, authorised person's name, principal place of business address, and supporting documents. Submit the application, and upon successful processing, you will be granted a GST login ID and password. This credential enables access to the GST portal for filing returns, claiming refunds, and compliance activities. Ensure accurate information submission to facilitate smooth registration and login process.
How to get GST login details?
To obtain GST login details, if forgotten, reset the password via registered phone number or email. For new registration, apply for GST. To retrieve username, visit www.gst.gov.in, click 'Existing User Login,' then 'Forgot Username,' enter provisional ID, generate OTP, and answer security questions. For password, click 'Forgot Password,' enter username, OTP, and set a new password. Confirm it for access. These steps ensure efficient GST portal credential management for compliance.
How to login to the GST portal with TRN number?
To log in to the GST portal with a Temporary Reference Number (TRN), follow these steps:
- Visit the GST portal and navigate to Services > Registration > New Registration.
- Select the Temporary Reference Number (TRN) option and input the TRN received.
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered email and mobile number, then click on Proceed.
How to generate temporary user ID for unregistered users
- To generate a Temporary User ID on the GST portal for unregistered users, begin by visiting the GST portal's website and locating the "Login" button.
- Click on it to proceed. On the login page, you'll find an option labelled "Generate OTP." Click on this button.
- You'll be prompted to enter your mobile number and email address.
- Once you've entered this information, click "Proceed." An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to both your registered mobile number and email address.
- Retrieve the OTP from either source and enter it into the appropriate field on the GST portal.
- After entering the OTP, click "Proceed" once more. At this point, a Temporary User ID will be generated by the system and displayed on your screen.
- Make a note of this Temporary User ID, as you'll need it to log in and complete your registration process on the GST portal.
Services offered after login at GST portal
- Registration services: Apply for GST registration, amend or cancel registration details.
- Return filing: File GST returns, including GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, and others.
- Payment services: Make GST payments, view payment history, and generate challans.
- Refund services: Apply for GST refunds, track refund status, and view refund history.
- Ledger services: Access electronic cash and credit ledger, view liabilities, and avail input tax credit.
- Dashboard: View summary of tax liabilities, compliance status, and notifications.
- Profile settings: Update contact details, authorized signatories, and other profile information.
The ability to pay GST online, which is mandatory for businesses with turnovers exceeding the threshold, saves time and helps you focus on other aspects of your SME venture. For instance, if you need to plug working capital gaps, you can access a Bajaj Finserv Business Loan. It offers funding of up to to Rs. 80 lakh on a collateral-free basis.
