For the first time under any act, rules have been framed for registration along with other rules for the invoice, payment, refund and returns. These rules are in public domain and feedback or comments can be given by 28th of Sep 2017.
The Draft Goods and Service Tax Registration Rules is similar to the provisions given in the Model GST law in various sections including the transactional provisions. Here it additionally provides the forms under which the applicant has to file for registration or providing further information or form to be used by the department for communicating to the applicant.
There are 17 Rules for Registration under GST based on the Draft Rules
Rule 1 – Application for registration
Rule 2 – Verification of the application
Rule 3 – Issue of registration certificate
Rule 4 – Separate Registrations for multiple business verticals within a State
Rule 5 – Grant of Registration to persons required to deduct tax at source or collect tax at source
Rule 6 – Assignment of unique identity number to certain special entities
Rule 7 – Display of registration certificate and GSTIN in name board
Rule 8 – Grant of registration to non-resident taxable person
Rule 9 – Amendment to Registration
Rule 10 – Suo moto registration
Rule 11 – Application for cancellation of registration
Rule 12 – Cancellation of registration
Rule 13 – Revocation of cancellation of registration
Rule 14 – Migration of persons registered under Earlier Law
Rule 15 – Method of authentication
Rule 16 – Extension in period of operation by casual taxable person and non-resident taxable person
Rule 17 – Physical verification of business premises in certain cases
Rule 1 – Application for registration
This rule lays down provisions for a person applying for registration for the first time directly under GST. The rule defines an applicant under Sub-Rule 1 as a “Every person, other than a non-resident taxable person, a person required to deduct tax at source under section 37 and a person required to collect tax at source under section 43C, who is liable to be registered under sub-section (1) of section 19 and every person seeking registration under sub-section (3) of section 19”.
The applicant has to provide PAN Number, Mobile Number and email id. All these three will be authenticated by one-time password (OTP) and all the further communication with the department will be through email and mobile through SMS.
Once all the three are authenticated, the applicant has to submit / enter data online for registration and also submit a self-attested copy of Part B of FORM GST REG-01.
Once the documents are received, an acknowledgement is issued in FORM GST REG-02 electronically.
A person applying for registration as a casual tax person will be given a temporary identification number by the common portal for depositing tax under Section 19 (A) of Model GST Law. The amount of tax to be deposited is based on estimated tax liability for the business intended to be carried under this registration for the given period.
Rule 2 – Verification of the application
Once the application is filed, it is forwarded to the concerned officer and if he is satisfied with the information provided, the registration will be accepted and issued within a period of 3 working days from the date of submission of the application.
In case if there is any discrepancy observed by the concerned officer, the applicant will be intimated about the same in FORM GST REG-03 and the applicant is required to provide the feedback within 7 working days from the receipt of the intimation in FORM GST REG-04. The clarification to be provided can also include modification of PAN, Mobile or Email id.
If the concerned office is satisfied with the information provided by the applicant, the registration may be granted within 7 working days’ receipt of intimation. In case if the office is not satisfied, the application may be rejected and same will be informed to the applicant in writing in FORM GST REG-05 electronically.
The application is deemed to be accepted and registration is deemed to be granted in case if the concerned officer does not raise any question
- Within 3 working days from filing of the application
- Within 7 working days from the date of filing / providing additional information.
Rule 3 – Issue of registration certificate
Based on the provision of sub-section 11 of Section 19 of the Model GST Law, if the application is accepted and registration is granted under Rule 2, certificate of registration is issued in FORM GST REG-06 for the principal place of business and for the additional place of business based on the information provided in the common portal.
The registration shall be effective from the date on which the person becomes liable to registration where the application for registration has been submitted within thirty days from such date.
Where an application for registration has been submitted by the applicant after thirty days from the date of his becoming liable to registration, the effective date of registration shall be the date of grant of registration under sub-rules (1), (4) or (6) of rule 2.
Rule 4 – Separate Registrations for multiple business verticals within a State
Any person willing or desiring to take registration based on their business verticals can obtain the same based on the provisions provided in Sub-Section 2 of Section 19 of Model GST Law.
The registration will be issued for each business vertical and the taxes have to be paid for each vertical for the supplies made in the respective verticals.
In case if the person is willing to have registration based on business vertical a separate application has to be filed in FORM GST REG-01 for each business vertical.
The provisions of Rule 1, 2 and 3 will also apply for the registrations under each business vertical.
Rule 5 – Grant of Registration to persons required to deduct tax at source or collect tax at source
GST Registration is required to be obtained if the person is required to deduct tax under GST based on the provisions of sub-section 1 of section 37 or required to recover tax under the provision of Section 43C. The applicant has to file FORM GST REG-07 for obtaining registration either on the common portal or facilitation centers.
The concerned officer may grant registration after due verification within 3 working days in FORM GST REG-06 on submission of application.
The certificate of registration issued can be cancelled subsequently if the concerned officer or any other officer feels that the applicant is no longer required to recover tax under section 37 (tax deducted at source) or section 43 C (tax collection at source) intimating it in FORM GST REG-08. The concerned officer has to provide an opportunity for the applicant to be heard before cancelling the registration.
Rule 6 – Assignment of unique identity number to certain special entities
Entities falling under Sub-Section 6 of Section 19 of the Model GST Law, as given below are required to take
- any specialized agency of the United Nations Organization or
- any Multilateral Financial Institution and Organization notified under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 (46 of 1947),
- Consulate or Embassy of foreign countries and any other person or class of persons as
- may be notified by the Board / Commissioner
to take registration under GST by filing of FORM GST REG-06, the concerned officer on receipt of the same, if satisfied will issue the unique identification number within 3 working days from the date of receipt of application.
Rule 7 – Display of registration certificate and GSTIN in name board
For every taxable person to whom registration certificate is issued under GST is required to display the registration certificate in a prominent location at the principal place of business and additional place of business’s registered under GST.
GSTIN is also required to be displayed on the name board exhibited at the entry of the principal place of business and additional place of business.
Rule 8 – Grant of registration to non-resident taxable person
Every person carrying on business in India is required to have a registration under GST based on the provisions specified in Section 19 of the Model GST Law, the same is applicable in the case of non-resident person also. A non-resident tax payer is also required to be registered under GST by filing in FORM GST REG-10. The FORM GST REG-10, has to be filed by the non-resident tax payers at least before 5 days of commencement of business.
The non-resident person will be given a temporary identification number and based on that the tax has to be deposited by him, the amount of tax to be deposited is based on the estimated turnover of his business during the said period in India.
The issue of registration certificate process under GST for the non-resident tax payer is also same as specified in Rule 1 and Rule 2
Rule 9 – Amendment to Registration
This rule provides provisions for amendment to registration obtained under GST. The amendment to registration can be for one of the following reasons
- Where the change relates to
- the Name of Business,
- Principal Place of Business,
- and details of partners or directors, karta, Managing Committee, Board of Trustees, Chief Executive Officer or equivalent, responsible for day to day
- for any other reasons not mentioned above
in all such cases, the tax payer has to file in FORM GST REG-11 within fifteen days from the change.
The concerned officer within 15 days of the receipt of FORM GST REG-11, if satisfied will issue the FORM GST REG-12 electronically for change of details. The date for change of the details will be from the date requested in the form.
If there is a requirement to change the mobile number or email id, then the process given in Rule 1 will be followed.
In the case of change of the constitution of the business, which results in the change of PAN Number, then a fresh application for registration has to be filed in FORM GST REG-01.
The concerned officer on receipt of FORM GST REG-11 is not satisfied for the request for change within 15 working days shall issue Form GST REG-03 asking for further information for change of the details.
The taxable person within 7 working days on receipt of the Form GST REG-03 has to file FORM GST REG-04 submit his reply.
The certificate of registration is deemed to be amended in the following conditions
- If the concerned officer does not take any action within 15 working days from the receipt of the FORM GST REG-11
- If the concerned officer does not take any action within 7 working days from the receipt of the GST REG-04
Rule 10 – Suo moto registration
If an officer during the course of any survey, inspection, search, inquiry or any other proceedings under the act finds that a person is liable for registration but has not obtained registration under GST shall issue a temporary registration number based on the order in FORM GST REG 13.
The date of registration is valid from the day on which the order is issued.
Every person to whom temporary registration issued under Sub-Rule 1 of Rule 10 shall file for registration under Rule 1 within 30 days from the date of issue of temporary registration. Alternatively, the person can also file an appeal against the temporary registration number within 30 days.
The provisions of Rule 2 and 3 will be applicable for issue of certificate.
Rule 11 – Application for cancellation of registration
There is a provision for cancellation of registration under GST in Model law vide sub-section 1 of section 21. In case if a taxable person wants to apply for cancellation of registration, he has to file FORM GST REG-14 including the details of the closing stock along with liability on it along with other required documents.
The application for cancellation will be considered only after one year of issue of registration under GST on a voluntarily basis and the same condition is not applicable in the case of migration of registration from VAT / Excise / Service Tax.
Every taxable person, other than a person paying tax under section 8, seeking cancellation of registration under sub-rule (1) shall furnish a final return under rule Return.19.
Rule 12 – Cancellation of registration
The concerned officer on receipt of FORM GST REG-14 for cancellation of registration can issue a notice calling for why the registration has to be cancelled within a 15 days on receipt of the FORM GST REG-14.
The taxable person within 7 days of receipt of FORM GST REG-15 has to file a reply and if the officer is satisfied, will issue an order for cancellation of registration FORM GST REG-16 within 30 days. The officer will also direct the taxpayer to pay all the arrears of tax, penalty, interest if any liable to paid to the department.
Rule 13 – Revocation of cancellation of registration
A taxable person who has voluntarily cancelled his registration can apply for revocation of cancellation of registration by filing FORM GST REG-17 within 30 days of the issue of the cancellation order by the concerned officer.
The officer if satisfied with the reasons for revocation of cancellation of registration within 30 days of receipt of FORM GST REG-17, shall revoke the cancellation of registration by issue of an order in FORM GST REG-18 and communicate the same to the applicant.
The officer can also reject the FORM GST REG-17 for revocation of cancellation of registration if he is not satisfied with reasons given by the tax payer will be communicated in FORM GST REG- 05.
In case if the officer wants additional information from the tax payer then FORM GST REG–03 will be issued and the tax payer has to file his reply in within 7 working days in FORM GST REG-04.
The officer on receipt of FORM GST REG-04 will dispose of the same based on provisions of Rule 2.
Provided that the application shall not be rejected without affording the applicant an opportunity of being heard by issue of a notice in FORM GST REG-19 within thirty days from the date of receipt of such application.
Rule 14 – Migration of persons registered under Earlier Law
All the tax payers registered under the earlier law and are having a valid PAN number issued under Income Tax Act, 1961 (Act 43 of 1961) shall be issued a provisional registration for GST and issued GSTIN wide FORM GST REG- 21.
As per the transition provisions provided under Model GST Act under section 142, all the required additional information has to be submitted by the tax payer within 6 months from the date of issue of provisional registration number or if the officer is satisfied for some reason can grant an extension of additional two months for submission of additional information.
The additional information has to be filed in FORM GST REG–20 and submitted duly signed by the tax payer.
If the information provided by the tax payer is correct, the concerned officer may issue final registration certificate of registration under FORM GST REG-06.
The provisional certificate issued can be cancelled if the tax payer has not provided additional information or the tax payer has not provided correct information. The same will be communicated in FORM GST REG-23.
The provisional certificate will be cancelled if the information provided is not correct or incomplete and the same will be communicated wide FORM GST REG-22.
In case if a tax payer who is migrated from the existing tax registration can have an option to cancel the provisional registration under GST by filing GST REG-24. The concerned officer if satisfied on the hearing can issue the order for cancellation of provisional registration issued to him.
Rule 15 – Method of authentication
All applications, replies, additional information, notices, appeals submitted online have to be authenticated by the tax payer or his authorized representative. The authentication can be done through a digital signature or through e-signature as specified under Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000) or through any other mode of signature notified by the Board/Commissioner in this behalf.
The documents filed online will also have to be signed manually and submitted by the tax payer or by his representative.
(a) in the case of an individual, by the individual himself or by some person duly authorized by him in this behalf and where the individual is mentally incapacitated from attending to his affairs, by his guardian or by any other person competent to act on his behalf;
(b) in the case of a Hindu Undivided Family, by a Karta and where the Karta is absent from India or is mentally incapacitated from attending to his affairs, by any other adult member of such family or by the authorized signatory of such Karta;
(c) in the case of a company, by the chief executive officer or authorized signatory thereof;
(d) in the case of a Government or any Governmental agency or local authority, by an officer authorized in this behalf;
(e) in the case of a firm, by any partner thereof, not being a minor or authorized signatory;
(f) in the case of any other association, by any member of the association or persons or authorized signatory;
(g) in the case of a trust, by the trustee or any trustee or authorized signatory; and
(h) in the case of any other person, by some person competent to act on his behalf.
All the orders / notices issued by the officers electronically will be digitally signed.
Rule 16 – Extension in period of operation by casual taxable person and non-resident taxable person
A non-resident taxable person who has taken registration under Rule 8 can seek for extension of validation of the registration period by filing of Form GST REG-25. It will be filed before the end of the registration period granted to him.
The application under sub-rule (1) shall be acknowledged only on payment of the amount specified in sub-section (2) of section 19A.
Rule 17 – Physical verification of business premises in certain cases
Physical verification of the place of business can be carried on by the concerned officer only after the issue of the registration certificate. If the concerned officer who is satisfied on the verification of the place of business of the tax payer will upload Form GST REG-26 along with the date of verification and other documents if any.
Items which need clarification
- It is a known rule that for a tax payer there will be one registration number per state. As per the rules, it is clear that all places of business should be registered at the time of registration. In case if the tax payer does not register one place of his business and does transfer of material to that place of business, will tax invoice has to be issued for such transactions?
- In Form GST REG-24, Provisional ID is mentioned, does it mean it is a temporary registration number till the GSTIN is issued? If yes, there is no mention of the same in the GSTR Return Formats, there it talks about only GSTIN. What is the usage of this provisional ID, does it needs to be printed as GSTIN on the tax invoice and other documents till GSTIN is issued?
- Only 3 working days is provided in case of queries raised for fresh application but in the case of cancellation, revocation of cancellation or updating any other information 7 working days is provided. What is the rationale for such a differentiation ?
Registration Forms under GST
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