Comprehensive Guide On How To Use Government GST Portal

The government GST website www.gst.gov.in also, known as GST Portal. It provides various facilities.But, the thought of using a government website without any guidance or prior experience is very scary. To overcome that, we have developed the most comprehensive guide for using the www.gst.gov.in website. The guide is written in simple language with a step-by-step approach for better understanding. The guide covers-

Latest News:

On 18th Dec 2019, 38th GST Council Meeting was held.
The due date for filing Annual return in Form GSTR-9 and reconciliation statement in GSTR-9C for the F.Y. 2017-18 has been extended to . Check highlights.

Overview of the GST Portal :

The GST Portal www.gst.gov.in is the official website of the government for GST filing, GST Registration, GST refund tracking, grievances, notices etc. GST related compliances and informations. It is being developed and maintained by GSTN (an authority constituted to look after the implementation of GST in India). Let’s understand the various facilities provided by this website-

Here’s the homepage of the gst portal-

homepage of the gst portal
Let us understand all the tabs one-by-one:

I. Services tab on GST Portal :

Services tab basically contains the link of the activities you can do with the GST –

Registration : For the registration on the GST Portal, a taxpayer’s needs to select this option. As per law, supplier of goods having aggregate turnover of more than Rs. 40 Lakhs is compulsorily required to register with GST however in case of special category state, this limit is Rs. 20 lakh. Further, in the case of services, compulsory registration is required if aggregate turnover exceeds Rs. 20 lakh and in case of special category state this limit is Rs. 10 lakh. Incase, you have already applied for registration you can also track the status of your application here.

Particular Aggregate Turnover
In case of goods :
Normal state
Special category state

Rs. 40 lakh
Rs. 20 lakh
In case of services
Normal state
Special category state

Rs. 20 lakh
Rs. 10 lakh

Payments : For the payment of taxes, the GST challan can be generated and it’s payment status can be tracked with this option.

User Services : This section contains the very helpful quicks links to –

Refunds: This is the taxpayer’s favourite tab, this helps you to the track the status of your GST refunds application status


II. GST Law Tab:

This section contains the links of the relevant websites like www.cbec.gov.in and state websites where you can find the complete GST Central law, rules, notifications, amendments etc.


III. Downloads Tab:

For filing GST returns & forms you can find the offline return utilities from here. The list of the utilities available here-

  • Returns offline tool
  • TRANS-1 offline tool
  • TRANS-2 offline tool
  • GSTR 3B offline utility
  • ITC 01 offline tool
  • ITC 03 offline tool
  • ITC 04 offline tool
  • GST ARA 01 – Application for advance ruling
  • GSTR 4 offline utility
  • GSTR 11 offline tool

IV. Search Taxpayer tab:

One of the biggest advantages of the GST is the system ITC. For this purpose authentication of the vendors/suppliers become paramount. GST portal helps us with this. Here you can get their details by three ways –

  • By searching through their GSTNIN/UIN
  • By searching through their PAN
  • Search by GSTIN/UIN

V. Help Tab

Looking at the needs of the taxpayer’s to understand the GST law and the processes to be followed, this section contains the youtube tutorial videos, system requirements, user manuals and other information helpful resources.Plus the Site map, this is extremely helpful for quick navigation.


VI. E-Way Bill Systems Tab

This section has the complete details related to E-way bills, beginning from the meaning, modes of generation, FAQ’s to the link of the e-way bill website.


VII. New|Updates|Events

This section helps you to stay updated with all the latest news and events related to GST like amendments, advisory, notifications, updates etc.


VIII. Popular help topics

Quick links of the most popular topics from the Help tab is available on the homepage.


IX. Important Dates

GST has multiple compliances with different due dates. All the important due dates related to GST are housed here.


X. Taxpayers(Normal/TDS/TCS)

This contains a quick link for registration and finding the GST practitioner.


XI. GST Practitioners

This contains a quick link for registration for the GST Practitioner.

How to login www.gst.gov.in GST Government Portal?

For logging in the GST portal, you need to first register with the GST. The steps for registration are covered in later part of the guide.

1. Type gst.gov.in on google, and click on GST website. You will be redirected to the following page- GST home page 2.Just Click on ‘Login’ Button on the home page: GST Portal 3. After click on Login button, you need to enter the Username, Password and Captcha code. After this, Click on 'LOGIN' button. Login GST portal 4. On successful login, next screen will be showing the dashboard : GST portal login

The Procedure for GST Registration

The Registration Application for Normal Taxpayer/ Composition/ Casual Taxable Person/ Input Service Distributor (ISD)/ SEZ Developer/ SEZ Unit is same.

GST Home page

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Home page will be displayed:

2. Click on the tab Services > Registration > New Registration option.

Alternatively, direct link for Registration is:https://reg.gst.gov.in/registration/

Registration process will be completed in the following two parts –

PART A

link for GST Registration

3. After Click on New Registration the following page will be Displayed

GST New Registration

4. After you enters all the Information, click on Proceed Button, you will be redirected to OTP page, then you have to enter the OTP received on both Mobile as well as e-Mail:

GST registration portal

5. After successful submission of Part A, Temporary Reference Number (TRN) will be Generated for filling Part B:

GST TRN generation

Note:- TRN can be accessible upto 15 days from the day it has been generated.


Part B-

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Home page will be displayed.

2. Click on the tab Services > Registration > New Registration option.

3. Select “Temporary Reference Number (TRN)”. Enter TRN generated above and Captcha code:

Enter TRN under GST

4. After entering the above details click on proceed button, next screen will appear for OTP Verification (Mobile / Email OTP)

GST OTP verification

5. After click on the proceed button , On Dashboard, My Saved Application page will be displayed, you have to click on Action Button to proceed further:

GST portal login

On the top of the page, ten tabs will appear name as Business Details, Promoter/ Partners, Authorized Signatory, Authorized Representative, Principal Place of Business, Additional Places of Business, Goods and Services, Bank Accounts, State Specific Information and Verification. Click on each tab to fill the information:

GST portal login details

6. After filing all the Relevant Details, you need to click on Proceed Button. You can submit the Application via following Options-

  • A- With DSC
  • B– With E-Signature
  • C- With EVC

Note:– DSC is compulsory for Companies & LLP.

Application via DSC

After successfully submission of Part B, ARN no. will be generated for tracking the status.

How to Track Registration Application Status?

How to Track Registration Application Status

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Home page will be displayed.

2. Go to the services tab >Select Registration >click on track Application Status

Track Registration Application Status- GST
Track Registration Application Status- GST

3. Enter the ARN received on your e-mail address when you submitted the registration application.

4. Enter the captcha as shown on the screen.

5. Click the SEARCH button.

The Application status will be displayed:

GST registration application

How to file for cancellation of GST Registration?

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

1. Visit the URL: https://www.gst.gov.in/ Home Page will display.

2. Login to the GST Portal with your relevant user-ID and password.

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

3. After login navigate to the Services > Registration > Application for Cancellation of Registration option.

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

4. Either fill your Address for Future Correspondence manually, or check the option of Address same as above to copy the same address as in the Address of Principal Place of Business field . After filing all the required Information Click on Save & Continue Button

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

Select a suitable reason from the Reason for Cancellation drop-down list and click on Save and continue Button.

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration? How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

5. Check the Verification statement box to declare that the information given in this form is true and correct, and that nothing has been concealed therefrom.

6. Select the name of the authorized signatory from the Name of Authorized Signatory drop-down.

7. Enter the Place of making this declaration.

8. Verify the details filled by you by using either your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), or the EVC option

9. After successfully submission of the form, ARN no will be generated for future reference.

10. To view the ARN, navigate to the Services > Registration > Track Application Status option.

How to apply for cancellation of GST Registration?

Payment Services (How to Make Payment)

To create and generate a Challan without logging onto the GST Portal,just follow these steps:`

Tutorial- https://www.gst.gov.in/help/payments

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Home page will be displayed.

PAYMENT SERVICES (How to Make Payment)

2. Click on Services > Payments > Create Challan option.

PAYMENT SERVICES (How to Make Payment)

3. After Click on the Create Challan Button following screen will be displayed:

PAYMENT SERVICES (How to Make Payment)

4. Enter the GSTIN and CAPTCHA code and click on proceed Button then following page will be displayed:

PAYMENT SERVICES (How to Make Payment) online steps

You need to fill details like Tax amount/Interest/penalty in Appropriate column:

After filing all details you have 3 Options to pay amount
  • A- E- Payment
  • B- Over the Counter
  • C- NEFT/RTGS

You can choose any one option for making the payment and after making the payment, you can download the challan.

PAYMENT SERVICES (How to Make Payment) online steps

How to Track Your Payment Status?

Tutorial – https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/userguide/payments/#t=Track_Payment_Status_(Pre_Login).htm

How to Track Your Payment Status

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Home page will be displayed.

2.Click on Services > Payments > Track Payment Status option.

How to Track Your Payment Status

3. Enter the required details like Enter GSTIN, Enter CPIN and captcha as shown on the screen.

After entering all the details, click on the TRACK STATUS button.

How to Track Your Payment Status

4. The payment status will be displayed. To see the challan, click on the VIEW CHALLAN button.

How to Track Your Payment Status

The Process to Download Offline GST Tool

How to Download Offline GST Tools

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Homepage will be displayed.

2. Click on Downloads > Offline Tools

You can Download Various Offline Tool To Prepare Your Return Offline.

How to Download Offline GST Tools?

How To Search Office Addresses of GST?

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Homepage will be displayed.

How To Search Office Addresses of GST

2. Click on Services > User Services > Search office Addresses option.

3. Enter the mandatory field as shown in the below screen and click on search button, office address will be displayed:

How To Search Office Addresses of GST

How to find GST Practitioner (GSTP)

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Homepage will be displayed.

How to find GST Practitioner (GSTP)

2. Click onServices > User Services > Locate GST Practitioner option.

3. After click on the Button Locate GST Practitioner, you will be redirected to the following page:

How to find GST Practitioner (GSTP) You have 2 options for search
  • 1- Enrolment number/GSTP ID
  • 2- Name/Area

Enter Enrolment number to find any GSTP, but if you do not remember any Enrolment number then do not worry, the second option ie. Name/Area is available. Fill required column and you can get your result in below format :

How to find GST Practitioner (GSTP)

How to apply for Refund?

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed. Login on GST portal.

How to apply for GST Refund How to apply for GST Refund

2. Click theServices > Refunds > Application for Refund button:

How to apply for GST Refund

3. After Click on the Application For Refund , you will Find various Reasons for Refund:

How to apply for GST Refund

As per your requirement, you can select the option from the list.

After filling all the requirement fields, you need to upload Supporting documents:

How to apply for GST Refund After Uploading documents, you have to file your Declaration; you can File your declaration through 2 options –
  • (A)- File With DSC
  • (B)- File with EVC
How to apply for GST Refund

After submitting the application, you will get ARN receipt for tracking the status:

How to apply for GST Refund

HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER?

1. Go to the link https://www.gst.gov.in/ The GST Home page will be displayed. Login on GST portal.

HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER

2. Then click on Search Taxpayer Tab.

HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER

3. There are 3 options to search Taxpayers:

A- Search By GSTIN/UIN and click on search button HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER B- Search By PAN click on search button: HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER C- Search Composition Taxpayer click on search button: HOW TO SEARCH TAXPAYER

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers?

(A)- Electronic Cash Ledger

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers

2. Login to the GST Portal with the relevant credentials.

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

3. Now, Click on the Services > Ledgers > Electronic Cash Ledger command:

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

4. The Electronic Cash Ledger page will be displayed. Under the Cash Balance as on date column, the cash balance will be displayed.

5. Click the Electronic Cash Ledger

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

6. Select the “From” and “To” date using the calendar to select the period for which you want to view the Electronic Cash Ledger.

7. Click on the GO button.

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

The Electronic Cash Ledger details will be displayed:

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

(B) – Electronic Credit Ledger

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

2. Login to the GST Portal with relevant credentials.

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

3.Click theServices > Ledgers > Electronic Credit Ledger command.

How to See Electronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

4. Click the Electronic Credit Ledger link.

5. Select the From and To date using the calendar to select the period for which you want to view the transactions of Electronic Credit Ledger.

6. Click the GO button.

How to See ElHow to See Electronic Credit Ledgers in GST portalectronic Cash/Credit/Liability Ledgers in GST portal

The Electronic Credit Ledger details will be displayed:

How to See Electronic Credit Ledgers in GST portal

(C) Electronic Liability Ledger:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to See Electronic liability  Ledgers in GST portal

2.Login to the GST Portal with valid credentials

How to See Electronic liability  Ledgers in GST portal

3.Click theServices > Ledgers > Electronic Liability Register command.

How to See Electronic liability  Ledgers in GST portal Select the Part – 1 Return related liabilities GST Return Related Liabilities

i- The Electronic Liability Register page will be displayed. From the Financial Year and Month drop-down list, select the financial year and month for which you want to view the Electronic liability register.

ii- Click the GO button:

GST Return Related Liabilities

The Electronic Liability register details will be displayed:

GST Electronic Liability register details (b) – Other than return related liabilities

Select the Part – II: Other than return related liabilities link:

Electronic Liability register details

iii. The Electronic Liability Register page will be displayed.

iv. Select the search criteria from the choices available. You can select the Stay Status from the drop-down list.

Electronic Liability register details

v. Click the GO button.

Electronic Liability register details

The Electronic Liability Register details will be displayed:

Electronic Liability register details

My Account- View User Profile

Where you can see your complete profile

Below step can be performed for viewing your complete profile on the GST Portal:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed:

My Account- View user Profile

2. Login to the GST Portal with Login credentials

My Account- View user Profile u nder gst portal

3. On the top right corner of the page displayed, click the down arrow appearing next to your username,click on the My Profile option.

\My Account- View user Profile u nder gst portal

The complete details provided at the time of registration will be displayed on the page

My Account- View user Profile u nder gst portal

Retrieve the Username

Below step can be performed to Retrieve the Username on the GST Portal:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed:

Retrieve the Username under GST

2. The Login page will be displayed. Click the Forgot Username link, as given below:

Retrieve the Username under GST Retrieve the Username under GST

3. The User Credentials page will be displayed. Mention the required details like : the Provisional ID / UIN field, and captcha code as provided in the screen:

4. Click the GENERATE OTP button. The One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered email and mobile number:

5. In the OTP Verification Screen, enter the OTP that was sent to your registered e-mail address and mobile phone number and click on submit button.

Note: In case your OTP is expired and you want to receive the OTP again on your email address and mobile phone number, click the RESEND OTP link.

Retrieve the Username under GST

After successfully submission of OTP. One message will be displayed as mentioned in below screen i.e.“Username has been emailed to your registered Email address. Kindly check your email”. Check your registered e-mail to retrieve the username:

Retrieve the Username under GST

How to Retrieve Password

Below steps can be performed to Retrieve the Password on the GST Portal:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/ . The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to Retrieve Password

2. Click the Forgot Password link.

How to Retrieve GST Password

3. After clicking on forgot password link New screen will appears and enter the required details like Username and captcha code as mentioned in the screen.

4. Click the GENERATE OTP button. The One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered e-mail address and mobile number.

How to Retrieve GST Password

5. In the OTP Verification Screen, enter the OTP that was sent to your registered e-mail address and mobile phone number and click on Continue button.

Note: In case your OTP is expired and you want to receive the OTP again on your email address and mobile phone number, click the RESEND OTP link.

How to Retrieve GST Password

6. The New Credentials page will be shown in the New Password field, enter a password which you want to use for login of GST portal and Re-enter the password for confirming the details.

Note: Password should be of 8 to 15 characters which should comprise of at least one number, one special character, one upper case and one lower case letter.

7. Click the SUBMIT button.

How to Retrieve GST Password

After successfully click on the Submit button. One message will be displayed as mentioned in below screen i.e. “Your password has been successfully reset. Kindly login to the website using the new password.” You can login to the GST Portal using the new password from next time.

How to Retrieve GST Password

How to Change the Password

Below step can be performed to change the Password on the GST Portal:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to Change the Password

2. Login to the GST Portal using valid credentials.

3. The Dashboard is displayed. Click the link of change password, on the top right-hand corner of the page.

How to Change the Password

4. In the next screen Enter the Required details like- Old Password, New Password as per your choice and reconfirm the password. & Click the CHANGE PASSWORD button.

  • Password should be of 8 to 15 characters (where the minimum length is 8 characters and maximum length is 15 characters) which should comprise of at least one number, special character and letters (at least one upper and one lower case).
  • New Password can not be same as previous 5 passwords.

Here you can see the message “Password has been successfully changed” is displayed. You can login to the GST Portal by using the new password from the next time.

Grievance Submission Process

There are 2 types of Grievance :

(1) FILING PAYMENT RELATED GRIEVANCE

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

Grievance Submission Process

2. Login with your credentials

Grievance Submission Process under GSt

GST Portal has given option to submit grievance either before or after logging-in to its Portal. However, payment related grievances can only be submitted after login.

3. Follow the steps-Click on the Services Tab > Select the User Services > Click on Grievance / Complaints command.

Grievance Submission Process under GSt Grievance Submission Process under GSt

The Grievance / Complaints page will be displayed. The Submit Grievance section will open by default.

  • In case you have already filed a grievance and you are filing the grievance again, enter the previous grievance id in the Previous Grievance Number field.
  • Under”Grievance Type”,option select the Grievance Against Payment (GST PMT 07) option.
  • In the Grievance Related drop-down list, select one of the available two options:

Amount debited from the bank account, Cash ledger not updated
NEFT/ RTGS related issue

Grievance Submission Process under GSt

After selecting option, you need to fill required details. After filling details, you can submit grievance through DSC or EVC:

(2) FILING LEDGER RELATED GRIEVANCE

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

Grievance Submission Process under GSt

2. Login with your credentials.

Grievance Submission Process under GSt

GST Portal has given the option to submit grievance both before and after logging in to the GST Portal.

3. Follow the option selection -Click the Services >Then User Services option >Thereafter click on the Grievance / Complaints command.

Grievance Submission Process under GSt Grievance Submission Process under GSt

The Grievance / Complaints page will be displayed. The “Submit Grievance” section will open by default

4. In case you have already filed a grievance and you are filing the grievance again, enter the previous grievance id in the Previous Grievance Number field.

5. Under the Grievance Type drop-down list, you need to select the Grievance against Ledgers/Register option.

6. In the Grievance Related To drop-down list, select one of the available three options:

Grievance Submission Process under GSt

After selecting the option you need to fill required details, after filing details you can submit grievance through DSC or EVC:

Check Status of submitted Grievance

The status of your submitted grievances/complaints can be monitored on the GST Portal, by performing the following steps:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

Check Status of submitted Grievance

2. Login with your credentials.

Check Status of submitted Grievance

GST Portal has given an option to enquire the Status of a Grievances before or after logging in.

3. Click on the Services Tab >Select the User Services > Click on Grievance / Complaints option.

Check Status of submitted Grievance The Grievance / Complaints page is displayed.

4. Click the Enquire Status section

5. Enter either your Grievance Number or Date Range. In case you have not logged in you can only search the Grievance Number.

6. Click the Search button.

Check Status of submitted Grievance

Now, the status of your submitted grievance result will be displayed.

Check Status of submitted Grievance

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

To download or view the notices and demand orders issued by the GST tax authorities,follow these steps-

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

2. Login with your credentials.

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

3. Go to the Services tab > Select User Services > Click on View Notices and Orders option.

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

4. Now, you can see the list of All the notices and demands issued to the taxpayer during the period of last one year in chronological order (Descending), with an option to download the notices & demand file.

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

How to view /download certificates issued by GST tax authority

To view or download the certificates issued by the GST tax authorities, perform the following steps:

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

2. Login with your credentials.

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

3. Click the Services > User Services > View/Download Certificates command

How to view /download certificates issued by GST tax authority

How to view the application and responses to the queries submitted at the GST portal?

Just follow the simple steps –

1. Access the https://www.gst.gov.in/.The GST Homepage will be displayed:

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

2. Login with your credentials.

How to view and download any notice and demand orders

3. Go to the Services tab > Select the User Services > Click on the View My Submissions option.

How to view the application and responses to the queries submitted at the GST portal