If you’ve applied for GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration or are running a business with GST requirements, knowing how to check your GST registration status is critical. It’s easy to lose track of your GST application, especially when you’re busy. But don’t worry – I’m here to break it down for you step by step so that you can check it yourself without any hassle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about checking your GST registration status and GST application status. We’ll cover:

• What is GST registration and why you need it?
• What happens after you apply for GST registration?
• How to check your GST registration status?
• Common issues and solutions when checking your GST status.

So, let’s jump right into it!

What is GST Registration and Why Do You Need It?

Before we dive into how to check your GST status, it’s essential to understand what GST registration is. GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a type of tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. It has replaced many indirect taxes that were previously levied by both the state and central government.

Who needs to register for GST?

• Any business or individual supplying goods or services whose turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh annually (₹10 lakh for special category states).
• Those involved in inter-state supply of goods and services.
• E-commerce sellers.
• Businesses with voluntary GST registration to enjoy the tax benefits.

Registering for GST makes your business legally recognized by the government and gives you a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number). Once you’ve applied for GST registration, your application is processed, and a status is generated based on its progress.

Why is it important to check your GST registration status?

When you apply for GST registration, it doesn’t get approved instantly. There’s a process, and at each stage, the application status might change. It is crucial to check the status to make sure your business is compliant, and to avoid penalties or legal issues for operating without proper registration.

By regularly checking the status, you can quickly identify if your application is pending, rejected, or approved.

What Happens After You Apply for GST Registration?

Once you submit your application for GST registration, here’s what happens next:

1. Application Submission: Your application is submitted on the GST portal.
2. Verification by GST Authorities: The GST department will verify the information and documents you’ve submitted. This can take anywhere between 7 to 10 working days.
3. Clarification or Additional Information (if needed): Sometimes, the authorities may ask for more information or clarification. Make sure to respond promptly if requested.
4. Approval or Rejection: Based on the verification, the GST officer will either approve or reject your application.
5. GSTIN Issuance: If approved, you’ll receive your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), and you’ll be officially registered.

How to Check Your GST Registration Status?

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s get to the main part—how to check your GST registration status. There are two main ways to check your status:

1. Check GST registration status via ARN (Application Reference Number).
2. Check GST status using your GSTIN (if already assigned).

Let’s break down both methods.

1. Checking GST Registration Status Using ARN

The Application Reference Number (ARN) is provided to you after you submit your GST registration application. You can use this number to track the progress of your application.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Step 1: Go to the GST official portal: https://www.gst.gov.in.
2. Step 2: Click on the “Services” tab from the top menu and then choose Registration > Track Application Status.
3. Step 3: Enter your ARN in the field provided.
4. Step 4: Click Search.

Once you’ve done that, the current status of your GST registration will be displayed on the screen. The status could be any of the following:

• Pending for Verification: Your application is submitted and is under verification.
• Approved: Your registration is approved, and your GSTIN will be issued soon.
• Rejected: Your application has been rejected due to missing documents or incorrect information.
• Clarification Required: The authorities need additional information or clarification.

If it says “Clarification Required,” make sure you address it promptly to avoid delays.

2. Checking GST Status Using GSTIN

If you already have a GSTIN, you can use it to check your GST registration status. Here’s how you do it:

1. Step 1: Go to the GST portal at https://www.gst.gov.in.
2. Step 2: From the top menu, select Search Taxpayer > Search by GSTIN/UIN.
3. Step 3: Enter your GSTIN number in the box and click Search.

You’ll be shown the current status of your GSTIN, including the legal name of the business, the type of taxpayer, and the status of the registration (active, cancelled, or suspended).

What If You Don’t Have ARN or GSTIN?

If you don’t have your ARN or GSTIN, you can still check the status of your application by using your SRN (Service Request Number) if you’ve applied through a facilitation center or service provider.

1. Go to the Track Application Status page on the GST portal.
2. Enter your SRN.
3. Hit Search to get your current application status.

Common GST Registration Statuses Explained

When you check your status, you’ll encounter a variety of results. Here’s what they mean and what action (if any) you should take:

• Pending for Processing: Your application is still being reviewed by the tax authorities.
• Approved: Congratulations, your application has been accepted, and you’ll receive your GSTIN soon.
• Clarification Required: You need to submit additional documents or information. Be prompt in your response to avoid rejection.
• Rejected: Your application has been rejected due to incorrect or incomplete information. You will need to reapply after addressing the issues mentioned.

How to Resolve Common Issues When Checking Your GST Registration Status

Sometimes, you may face problems when checking your status, such as not finding your application or receiving an error message. Let’s go over some common issues and how to fix them.

1. ARN Not Found

If the portal says your ARN is not found, double-check that you’ve entered the correct number. Sometimes, there might be a typo. If you’ve confirmed that your ARN is correct, wait for 24-48 hours, as it may take time for the system to update your status.

2. Error Message on Portal

If you receive an error message while trying to check your GST status, clear your browser cache and cookies, or try using a different browser. GST portal technical issues are not uncommon, but they are often resolved quickly.

3. Status Stuck at “Pending for Verification”

If your status has been stuck at “Pending for Verification” for more than 10 days, you can contact your jurisdictional GST officer to get an update. Sometimes, the delay is due to additional verifications, but it’s good to follow up to ensure there are no other issues.

Tips for a Smooth GST Registration Process

1. Submit Accurate Information: Double-check your documents and information before submitting your application to avoid rejection.
2. Respond to Clarifications Quickly: If authorities request additional documents or information, respond immediately to avoid delays.
3. Keep Track of Your ARN: After applying, note down your ARN and store it somewhere safe. You’ll need it to track your status.
4. Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your application status. It helps you stay informed about where your application stands.

Conclusion

Checking your GST registration status doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re using your ARN or GSTIN, the GST portal offers an easy and reliable way to stay updated. Make sure you regularly check the status and promptly respond to any requests for clarification. This will ensure a smooth registration process, and soon, you’ll be running your GST-compliant business without any hitches.

If your application faces any issues or delays, don’t hesitate to reach out to the GST helpline or your jurisdictional GST officer for further assistance.

Remember, having a GSTIN not only keeps your business legally compliant but also opens up new opportunities to expand, especially in India’s booming e-commerce sector. Stay compliant, stay ahead!