Meaning of GST Registration
Definition
1. GST Registration means obtaining a GST Identification Number (GSTIN) from the
Government to carry on taxable business under GST.
When a business crosses the prescribed turnover limit, it must register under GST. After
registration, the business gets a GSTIN, can collect GST from customers, file GST returns,
and claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Example
A garment shop in Bengaluru has annual sales of ₹50 lakh. Since its turnover exceeds the
prescribed limit, it must obtain GST registration.
2. Registration under GST
Registration is compulsory when the aggregate turnover exceeds the prescribed limit.
Aggregate Turnover Means
Aggregate turnover is the total value of:
Taxable supplies
Exempt supplies
Exports
Inter-State supplies
It is It does not include:
GST collected (CGST, SGST, IGST)
Inward supplies
Supplies on which tax is paid under Reverse Charge.
Example
A trader has:
Taxable sales = ₹30 lakh
Exempt sales = ₹8 lakh
Exports = ₹7 lakh
Aggregate Turnover = ₹45 lakh.
3. Advantages of GST Registration
(i) Legal Recognition
A registered business is legally recognized under GST.
(ii) Input Tax Credit (ITC)
The business can claim credit of GST paid on purchases.
(iii) Collection of GST
A registered dealer can collect GST from customers.
(iv) Better Business Image
Registration improves the credibility of the business.
Example
Input Tax Credit (ITC) –
Input Tax Credit (ITC) means the GST paid on purchases can be deducted from the
GST payable on sales.
In simple words:
The GST paid while purchasing goods is called Input Tax. This amount can be adjusted
against the GST collected from customers while selling those goods.
Example
Suppose ABC Mobile Shop purchases 10 mobile phones from Samsung.
Purchase Details
Cost of mobiles = ₹1,00,000
GST @18% = ₹18,000
Total amount paid = ₹1,18,000
Here,
₹18,000 is Input GST because the shop paid GST while purchasing.
Now the shop sells the mobiles.
Sale Details
Selling price = ₹1,50,000
GST @18% = ₹27,000
Total collected from customers = ₹1,77,000
Here,
₹27,000 is Output GST because the shop collected GST from customers.
How ITC Works
Particulars Amount
Output GST collected on sales ₹27,000
Less: Input GST paid on purchases ₹18,000
GST payable to Government ₹9,000
Explanation
The mobile shop has already paid ₹18,000 GST while purchasing the mobiles. Therefore, it
need not pay ₹27,000 again to the Government.
It only pays the balance ₹9,000 after claiming Input Tax Credit.
Formula
GST Payable = Output GST − Input GST (ITC)
Or
₹27,000 − ₹18,000 = ₹9,000
4. Persons Liable for Registration
A person must register under GST if the aggregate turnover exceeds the prescribed limit.
Latest Limits (2026):
Goods: ₹40 lakh (Normal States), ₹20 lakh (Special Category States).
Services: ₹20 lakh (Normal States), ₹10 lakh (Special Category States).
5. Persons Not Liable for Registration
The following persons are not required to register:
1. Persons supplying only exempt goods or services.
2. Agriculturists supplying produce from cultivation of land.
3. Persons making only reverse charge supplies where tax is paid by the recipient.
4. Persons whose turnover is below the prescribed limit.
6. Compulsory Registration
Registration is compulsory for:
Inter-State taxable suppliers (where applicable).
Casual taxable persons.
Non-resident taxable persons.
Input Service Distributors (ISD).
Persons required to deduct TDS.
Electronic Commerce Operators.
Note: Registration is compulsory even if turnover is below the threshold limit in specified
cases.
7. Voluntary Registration
A person whose turnover is below the threshold limit may register voluntarily.
After registration, all GST provisions become applicable.
Example
A new bakery has a turnover of only ₹8 lakh but registers voluntarily to claim ITC and
increase customer confidence.
8. Cancellation of Registration
Registration may be cancelled when:
Business is discontinued.
GST provisions are violated.
Returns are not filed for the prescribed period.
Registration is obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.
Constitution of the business changes.
A voluntarily registered person does not commence business within the prescribed
time.
9. Revocation of Cancellation
If GST registration is cancelled by the proper officer, the registered person may apply for
revocation.
If the officer is satisfied and pending returns are filed, the registration may be restored.
"Remember the sequence:
Registration → Advantages → Persons Liable → Persons Not Liable → Compulsory
Registration → Voluntary Registration → Cancellation → Revocation."
Recommendation: For examinations, ask students to write the latest 2026 turnover limits
if the question is based on current GST law. If your university strictly follows this older
textbook, you may briefly mention the textbook figures in class and explain that the law has
since been amended.
Threshold Limit under GST (Latest – 2026)
A threshold limit is the maximum annual aggregate turnover up to which a business is
not required to obtain GST registration. Once this limit is exceeded, GST registration
becomes compulsory (unless exempt).
Latest Threshold Limits
Type of Supply Normal Special Category States
States
Goods ₹40 lakh ₹20 lakh
Services ₹20 lakh ₹10 lakh
Threshold limit means the minimum turnover limit fixed by the Government for GST
registration.
If the annual turnover is below the threshold limit → GST registration is not
compulsory.
If the annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit → GST registration becomes
mandatory.
Example
A grocery shop selling goods has an annual turnover of ₹35 lakh. Since it is below
₹40 lakh, GST registration is not compulsory.
If the turnover increases to ₹45 lakh, GST registration becomes compulsory.
One-Mark Definition
Threshold limit is the minimum aggregate turnover prescribed under the GST Act beyond
which a person is required to obtain GST registration.
The Government has divided India into Normal States and Special Category States for
GST purposes.
Difference between Normal States and Special Category States
Normal States Special Category States
Economically more developed and Hilly, remote, or less developed regions that require
have larger markets. special support.
Higher GST registration threshold Lower GST registration threshold limit to ensure better
limit. tax administration.
Example: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Example: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal
Pradesh. Pradesh, Uttarakhand.