How to Use the GST Login Portal – Step-by-Step Guide

All about GST Portal

With the introduction of the official government portal for GST payments, filing returns for GST has become effortless now. With the click of a button you can file your GST returns and also avail other services related to GST via the official government portal. The website requires individuals to register and open an account first and then proceed with further transactions.

What is noteworthy is that the website allows you to not just file returns but also deal with more related services including tracking your applications, submitting complaints, notice responses, refunds, etc.

What is the GST portal?

A prominent feature of the GST system lies in the ease with which one can now manage taxes because of the introduction of the governments E-filing support. The GST Portal is a website by the government where all returns and registration procedures related to GST can be carried out.

The portal makes it easier for you to avail all your tax services at one spot. One of the first steps to avail these services and features is to login to the Government of India’s official GST portal and register yourself via a series of simple steps.

Furthermore, the website permits any and all sorts of communication to be done on it like responding to applications, rejecting or approving the applications or even receiving and responding to notices. Taxpayers do not need to visit tax departments and offices anymore and can deal with all things related to GST online.

Why should you register?

The Goods and Service Tax or GST is a uniform indirect tax that is levied on the supply of goods and services. GST has replaced all other indirect taxes such as the central excise duty or the state VAT and other miscellaneous taxes that were in existence before. Thus, all kinds of traders, manufacturers, and service providers now need to register under GST in order to file their returns.

The general rule is that any person whose turnover exceeds the threshold of 40 lakhs (10 lakhs for Northeast) is required to register under the GST.

Who Should Register and Login for GST?

The GST portal is mandatory for certain individuals and businesses based on the GST laws. The following categories must register access the portal for compliance:

• Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs for special category states like North-East India, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh).
• E-commerce operators and aggregators. 
• Input Service Distributors (ISDs)
• Casual taxable person conducting occasional taxable activities in India.
• Non-resident taxable persons supplying goods or services in India.
• Agents of suppliers and individuals liable to pay tax under the reverse charge mechanism. 
• Entities registered under the older tax regimes, such as VAT or Service Tax, before the implementation of GST. 

This portal simplifies compliance for diverse categories of taxpayers, making it an essential tool for businesses across India. 

How to Register on the GST Portal?

The goods and services tax portal is the central platform for managing GST-related activities in India. Businesses can register, file returns, make payments, and track their application statuses via the government GST portal. This guide explains how to register, log in, and utilize the services offered by the GST Portal home page efficiently.

If your business exceeds an annual turnover of Rs. 40 lakhs (Rs. 10 lakhs in specific states), registration under GST is mandatory. Here’s how to register via the goods and services tax portal:

1. Visit gst.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the “New Registration” section under the “Services” tab.
3. Fill in the required details, including PAN, business name, email ID, and mobile number.
4. Validate the OTP sent to your registered email and phone number. 
5. Complete the application by submitting documents like address proof and bank details. 
6. Once approved, you will receive your GSTIN and GST login ID. 

How to Track GST Registration Application Status?

Tracking the status of your GST registration application is straightforward via the GSTN portal. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the official goods and services tax portal.
2. Navigate to the “Services” tab and select “Registration.”
3. Click on the “Track Application Status” option. 
4. Choose the ARN (Acknowledgement Reference Number) option, enter your ARN, and click “Search.”
5. The system will display the current status of your application, such as “Pending,” “Approved,” or “Rejected.”

General takeaways of the GST portal and registration:

• GST portal requires an online registration for taxpayers. A first time user can login online to set up an account with new credentials while an existing user can simply login with their username and password.
• It is a one-time registration. No requirements for re-registration or renewals as it has no expiry date. Once registered, you can log in and pay your GST online.
• It is a common portal for GST services such as registration, payment of tax, and filing returns as well as refunds and other services.
• It is a much simpler, faster, and efficient procedure than visiting the tax offices with multiple papers.
• Businesses in general, prefer working with registered GST businesses. Moreover, once registered you can also avail benefits of the input tax credit.
  Know more – GST Registration Online

How does the GST portal function?

The GST portal – https://www.gst.gov.in/ is a fairly simple and user-friendly website. The layout of the site can be comprehended with ease and consists of the following tabs –

1. Services: This tab consists of links for registrations, payments, refunds, GST challan creation, locate GST practitioner, tracking of application status, and applications for filing clarifications. The list of services once registered and logged in provides additional options including a tab called ledgers and returns.
2. GST Law: All acts and rules related to Central GST, State GST as well as other relevant notices, circulars and material are available for download.
3. Downloads: This tab consists of offline tools relating to GST forms and returns.
4. Help and Taxpayer Facilities: FAQ’s and guidelines related to the system can be found under this tab
5. E-way Bill System: The E-Way bill portal can be accessed from here.
6. E-Invoice: Taxpayers can access the e-invoice portal through the GST portal for generating and managing invoices.

The GST web offers various tools and resources to streamline compliance:

1. Search Tax Payer: This option allows the user to search for taxpayers via the GSTIN or PAN ID details.
2. News | Updates | Events: This scroll board on the bottom of the page provides any and all details related to pertinent events and updates in connection to G ST.
3. Popular Help Topics: Find FAQs on refunds, composition schemes, and more to simplify the GST procedures. 
4. Important Dates: Information regarding upcoming important GST return deadlines can be found here.

GST portal login procedure (for first-time users & existing users)

Navigating the GST portal login process, whether you’re a first-time user or returning, is pivotal for seamless tax management. For first-timers, initiating access involves visiting the GST portal (gst portal.gov.in) and selecting ‘New User Login.’ Complete the necessary details, follow the authentication steps, and generate a password to gain entry.

Existing users can access the GST portal online by entering their credentials—the registered email or username along with the GST portal login password. In cases of forgotten passwords, the ‘Forgot Password’ option aids in resetting it via OTP authentication.

For GST registration portal assistance, the portal offers guides, FAQs, and helpline support for a smoother experience. Staying updated with GST portal updates ensures compliance and efficiency in tax-related affairs. Efficient navigation of the GST portal login is fundamental for businesses to uphold regulatory obligations.

How can you file your GST returns through the GST portal?

Filing your GST returns has never been easier and here’s how. All you need to do is the following –

• Follow the registration guide as mentioned earlier and make sure that you are registered under GST. You should now have a 15-digit GST identification number.
• Log into the GST portal and click on the ‘Services’ button.
• Click on the ‘Returns dashboard’ and from the drop-down menu fill in the details for the financial year and return filing period.
• Further, select the return you want to file and click on ‘Prepare online’.
• Enter the required information and fill in the details.
• Once done, click on the ‘Save’ option and will be notified on your screen with a success message.
•  Click the ‘Submit’ button on the bottom in order to file your return.
• Click on the ‘Payment of tax’ option once the status of your return changes to ‘Submitted’.  Once done, click on ‘Check balance’ in order to view your cash/credit balance to know about the payments for the respective minor heads. Next you must mention the amount of credit you wish to use from that which is already available. Then click on ‘Offset liability’ and make the payment. Click on ‘OK’ once a confirmation is displayed on your screen.
• Last but not the least, remember to check the box against the declaration and select an authorised signatory from the drop-down list.
• Click on ‘File form with DSC’ or ‘File form with EVC’, click ‘Proceed’ and make the payment for your respective GST form.

What is the advantage of the GST portal? Indirect tax payments made online.

The ability to pay GST online, which is mandatory for businesses with turnovers exceeding the threshold of 40 lakh rupees (10 lakh for Northeast), makes the lives of taxpayers easier.

Using the GST portal saves time, effort, and unnecessary bureaucratic delays, allowing you as a taxpayer to concentrate on your business better and eliminate the burden of having to waste days in paying your GST via administrative offices.

Which documents will I need for GST registration?

The following documents are needed in order to register –

• Photograph of the applicant
  • ID Proof (Any two) –
    PAN CARD (Compulsory)
    Aadhaar Card or Election Card or Passport
• Constitution document –
  • Proprietor: Shop Act Registration/Intimation (If applicable).
  • Partnership Firm: Partnership Deed or Certificate of Incorporation in case of LLP.
  • Company (Private Ltd/OPC, Public Company): Certificate of Incorporation.
• Proof of Principal Place of Business-
  • Owned: Property Tax paid receipt, Electricity Bill, Sale deed, Index II (Any one).
  • Rented: Registered rent Agreement, Electricity Bill
• Bank Account of Business (Any one) –
  • Cancelled Cheque
  • Copy of Bank Statement
  • The first page of Pass Book
• Address Proof of Residence (Any one)-
  • Electricity  Bill
  • Telephone Bill
  • Property Tax paid receipt
• Digital Signature (if available)

What other benefits can I get from the GST Portal?

Not just e-filing, you can also avail other related services such as :

1. Application for GST Practitioner
2. Claim Refund of excess GST paid
3. Transition Forms
4. Viewing E-Ledgers
5. Furnish Letter of Undertaking
6. and many more.

Services Available After GST Login

Once you successfully do the goods and service tax portal login, a host of services becomes available to streamline your GST-related tasks. The GST portal login dashboard acts as a central hub for these activities.

• Dashboard Overview: After logging into the GST portal, the dashboard displays important details, such as the filing status of your last five GST returns and any pending notices or orders. You can also view your profile and manage your account from here. 
• Ledger Balance: Under the “Dashboard” tab, you can check balances in your cash, credit, and liability ledgers. This feature provides insights into your available funds and liabilities for seamless tax management. 
• Returns Management: The “Returns” tab on the GST portal login dashboard enables users to file GST returns, amend previous submissions, and track their return filing status.
• Payment Services: Generate challans for GST payments, view past payments, or settle liabilities directly from the login page. 
• User Services: Modify non-core registration fields, apply for refunds, or track grievance applications under this section. 
• Refund Management: Access the refund section to file refund claims or check the status of existing applications. 

How to Cancel GST Registration?

Cancelling your GST registration is necessary if your business ceases operations or falls below the taxable turnover threshold. Follow these steps via the GST portal home page:

1. Log in to the Goods and Services Tax login portal using your credentials.
2. Under the “Services” tab, select “Registration” and then “Application for Cancellation of Registration.”
3. Provide the required details, such as your address and reason for cancellation, and click “Save and Proceed.”
4. Verify the details in the confirmation section using either your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
5. Submit the application, after which the system will generate an ARN for future reference. 

By logging in, users can easily track their cancellation application status through the dashboard. 

Conclusion

The goods and services tax portal simplifies GST compliance by providing a user-friendly interface for tasks like registration, return filing, and payment management. From the dashboard, businesses can effectively track their filings and access essential services. Whether you are a first-time user or managing ongoing compliance, the portal ensures transparency and ease of use. Companies like Lendingkart further empower businesses by offering seamless access to financial solutions, helping you stay compliant and focused on growth. 

GST Portal FAQ’s: