A GST registration certificate is issued by the government as a valid document proof of being registered under the GST law in India. Any business in India whose turnover exceeds the threshold limit for GST registration (Rs.40 lakh or Rs.20 lakh for special category states) or otherwise mandated, must get registered under GST and display GST registration certificate at their place of business. Key TakeawaysTo download the certificate, login to GST Portal, go to Services > User Services > View/Download Certificates, and click Download for Form GST REG-06GST Registration Certificate (Form GST REG-06) is downloadable exclusively from the GST Portal; no physical copies are issued by the government.The certificate Includes GSTIN, legal/trade name, business constitution, principal/additional places of business, validity period, and annexures for additional sites and persons-in-charge.Registered businesses must prominently display the printed certificate at all places of business in the state or UT.The certificate remains Permanently valid for regular taxpayers unless cancelled; validity limited to 90 days for casual/non-resident taxable persons, with option to extend.What is a GST Registration Certificate?Every taxpayer who has successfully registered under GST is issued a GST registration certificate in Form GST REG-06. It contains the GST Identification Number (GSTIN), the principal and additional places of business. The registration certificate is available for downloading only on the GST Portal, and the government does not issue any physical certificate. The type of taxpayers includes regular, TDS and TCS applicants under GST, those who are liable to obtain unique Identity Number under Section 25(9) of the CGST Act, non-residents including those that are providing OIDAR services, and the taxpayers who migrated from the pre-GST laws. The certificate is signed or verified using EVC by the verifying tax officer before sending it to the taxpayer.How to Download GST Certificate from GST PortalIf you are an existing registered taxpayer, you may also download the certificate in Form GST REG-06 from the GST portal.

Have you ever faced errors while uploading a return in the GST portal or tired of entering invoices manually to file GST returns? Here is why the JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) utility can come to your rescue. This utility can help you file a large number of invoices at a time. Let us break down how to upload a JSON file in the GST portal step by step.Key TakeawaysGST Portal uses JSON to upload and exchange data smoothly. JSON makes it easier to file GST Returns, helping businesses submit their tax information accurately and on time.To download JSON for GSTR-1 filing in the GST Portal, go to Returns Dashboard, select the return period and click on Prepare Offline, Download JSON.To download JSON for GSTR-3B filing, in the GST Portal, go to Returns Dashboard, select the return period and click on Prepare Online, download Draft GSTR-3B.To upload JSON in the GST Portal, in the GST Portal, under returns dashboard, select the return period and choose prepare Offline/Online for GSTR-1 or 3B. How to Download JSON File for GST Return Filing?For GSTR-1The following steps guide you through how to download a JSON file for GST Filing:STEP 1:  Head to the GST portal and log in with your username and password.STEP 2: Scroll down to get returns dashboard - select Financial Year - Select Return period - Click Search. STEP 3: Click on Prepare Offline - Download JSON.The JSON File will now be downloaded to your system.This JSON is primarily used for uploading to the GST Offline Tool and for importing data into Tally or other GST software.For GSTR-3BTo download a JSON File from the GST Portal, you are required to follow the following steps:STEP 1: Go to the GST portal www.gst.gov.in and log in with your username and password.STEP 2: Go to Services - Returns - Returns Dashboard.STEP 3: Select the period in which you are filing return - Prepare Online - Click on Download Draft GSTR-3B.The JSON File will now be downloaded to your system.How to Upload JSON File in GST PortalSTEP 1: Go to the GST portal and log in with your username and password STEP 2: Scroll down to get returns dashboard – select the Financial Year - Select ‘Return period’ - Click Search. STEP 3: Choose the return which you are filing:For GSTR-1 ------ click Prepare Offline.For GSTR-3B ------ click Prepare Offline (if available) or Prepare Online.STEP 4: Click Upload JSON - Choose File – Select the JSON File generated from GST Offline Utility/Tally/Zoho/other accounting software - Click Open. The upload will start automatically as you click open.STEP 5: After uploading the file, click on View Uploaded File. The status will show In Progress/Processed/Processed with Errors.If status is Processed, proceed to file the return. Before Submitting and filing the return, make sure to verify all invoice data.If status is Processed with Errors, Click Error Report > download  the error JSON > Correct the errors.

Each year, at the time of the Union Budget presentation, fiscal deficit emerges as an important economic measure under focus. The word fiscal originates from Latin word fiscus, which means a public basket of money. In simple terms, fiscal relates to government money.Key TakeawaysCurrently, India’s fiscal deficit is 4.8%. In numbers, it is Rs 15.77 lakh crore. The government plans to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.4% in FY 2025-26.A higher fiscal deficit is a bad sign. It affects the loan rates, pushes up the price of goods and services, increases government debt, and slows down private investment.By March 31, 2031, the government wants the central government’s debt-to-GDP ratio to be about 50%(+ or - 1%).What is Fiscal Deficit?Fiscal Deficit refers to a gap in government’s budget; a gap that arises in any financial year when the government’s total expenditure exceeds its total income in that year and consequently it borrows money to cover that gap.Now let us understand it this way, in the 2024 Union Budget, the government estimated total receipts at about ₹30.8 lakh crore and total spending at around ₹47.7 lakh crore.

Section 206C(1H) of the Income Tax Act mandated certain high-turnover sellers to collect TCS on the sale of certain other goods, between 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2025. What's interesting is this provision also had impacted the e-invoicing under GST. Continue reading to learn the threshold limits, applicability fo this provision on current date and procedure to follow under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act. Key TakeawaysSection 206C of the Income Tax Act mandates certain high-turnover sellers to collect TCS on the sale of certain goods between 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2025.This provision would apply where a seller's turnover is above Rs 10 crore when he receives more than Rs 50 lakh from one buyer during a financial year.However, the Union Budget 2025 removed the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on the Sale of Goods u/s 206C(1H), effective from April 1, 2025. Since it is omitted from the law, Section 206C(1H) of the Income Tax Act no longer applies to taxpayers.What is Section 206C(1H) of the Income Tax Act?The government introduced Section 206C(1H) through Finance Act 2020 to extend the TCS provisions to the seller of goods. As per this provision, a seller whose turnover is above Rs 10 crore was required to collect tax, when he receives more than Rs 50 lakh from one buyer during a financial year. It is to be noted that the TCS should have been collected at the time of receipt of the amount.

Various television types are liable for Goods and Services Tax (GST). The implementation of GST and the subsequent subsuming of all other tax regimes have impacted the television industry and its components in different ways. GST on TV has impacted both manufacturers as well as consumers in India.Key TakeawaysThe 56th GST Council meeting has announced important updates with changes effective from 22nd September 2025:GST on all TVs, including those 32 inches or smaller, has been reduced from 28% to 18%.GST on the sale of TVUnder GST, sale of television or sale of TV is taxed as any other electronic item. Section 7 states that any supply will be covered under the scope of GST unless specifically exempted. Hence, sale or leasing of TV is subject to GST at rates discussed in the next section.

The Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every GST-registered business. It serves as a digital identity for taxpayers, facilitating seamless tax compliance, Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims, and transparent transactions. Understanding GSTIN is essential for legal compliance and smooth business operations across all business sizes.Key TakeawaysGSTIN is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code that serves as the digital identity for all GST compliance requirements in India.The GSTIN format reveals vital information, including the state code, PAN, registration sequence, and a checksum for verification.GSTIN can be verified using the GST portal, ensuring safe and compliant transactions.There are several benefits of obtaining a GSTIN, from mandatory compliance and ITC benefits to enhanced credibility and access to financing.GSTIN is a tax registration number under GST. Whereas, GSTN is an organisation that manages the entire IT system of the GST portal.What is GSTIN?GSTIN is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every business that registers for GST in India, serving as the digital identity for all GST compliance requirements. Commonly known as the GST number, it plays a crucial role in tasks such as invoicing, tax filing, claiming ITC, and ensuring overall regulatory compliance.Who needs GSTIN?Every individual who is mandatorily required to undergo GST registration must complete the process and obtain a GSTIN.

India is preparing for GST reforms in September-October 2025, with a significant reform expected to simplify the tax structure and make compliance easier. The GST changes indicate reducing GST slabs to fewer, fixing inverted tax structures, and lowering GST rates on daily essentials, packaged food, electronics and insurance. It was launched on 22nd September 2025, as highlighted in the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address.These changes aim to reduce  the tax burden, empower MSMEs, and boost economic growth.Key TakeawaysThe government announced three pillars of focus for new-gen GST reforms on 15th August 2025- structural reforms, rate rationalisation and ease of doing business.56th GST Council meeting held on 3rd September 2025 paved way for implementing GST 2.0 reforms. Major highlight was simplification of tax rates into two main slabs (5% & 18%) by removing 12% and 28%. Sin goods will be taxed at a new 40% GST.These changes are now live with notifications by the CBIC passed on 17th September 2025.In the coming days, compliance will ease with pre-filled GST returns, faster refunds, and smoother MSME registrations.GST reforms aim to lower costs for essentials, boost consumption, and enhance industry competitiveness.What are the GST Reforms?On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised GST as an important reform.

e-Invoicing under GST denotes electronic invoicing. Just like a GST-registered business use an e-way bill for transporting goods, certain GST-registered businesses must also generate an e invoice in India. Once a GST invoice or credit-debit note is authenticated by the GSTN-authorised Invoice Registration Portal, it becomes e-invoice. Learn all about the e-invoicing system, steps to generate e-invoices, and seamless way to manage with Clear e-Invoicing.Key Takeaways-e-Invoice Threshold Limit: The limit for mandatory e-invoicing is for businesses with an annual turnover of over Rs.5 crore. This rule has been effective since August 1, 2023, as per GST Notification 10/2023.e-Invoice Time Limit: From April 1, 2025, businesses with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) of Rs.10 crore+ must upload e-invoices to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) within 30 days.It reduces the chances of fake GST invoices, allowing only genuine input tax credit claims.What is e-Invoicing under GST?‘e-Invoicing’ or ‘electronic invoicing’ is a system in which B2B invoices and a few other documents are authenticated electronically by GSTN for further use on the common e-invoicing portal.

Hotels can provide room accommodation and restaurant services. Accordingly, they can choose to designate their property as a “Specified Premises” under the GST law, affecting taxation. Notification No. 05/2025 dt. 16th January 2025 details the conditions and process for categorising a hotel as specified premises. Once classified, they must make a specified premises declaration on the GST portal. Let’s understand the complete details. Key TakeawaysA hotel becomes a specified premise if the room tariff charged was above INR 7,500 per day in the previous financial year.Annexure VII for registered hotels and Annexure VIII for new registrations must be filed online on the GST portal.The declaration as a specified premise shall apply for the entire financial year and continue to apply for subsequent financial years unless opted out.For a first-time declaration, taxpayers must file Annexure VII for FY 2026-27 from 1st January 2026 to 31st March 2026.Up to 10 premises can be declared in a single filing of Annexure VII or Annexure VIII.What is ‘Specified Premises’ Under GST?'Specified premises' refers to hotel premises that meet either of the following conditions:The room tariff per day received in the previous financial year exceeded INR 7,500 per day, orThe hotel itself opts to declare the premises as specified premises for the current financial year by filing the prescribed declaration.A specified premises declaration ensures certainty in the application of GST rates for each service, reducing unnecessary disputes with the GST department and ensuring GST liabilities are correctly calculated for hotels.GST Rates for Hotels and Restaurant Services in Specified PremisesHotel accommodation, i.e., room tariffs of above INR 7,500, will attract GST at a rate of 18%.

In the modern world, free trade policy states the absence of any trade restrictions between two or more nations implemented by a formal and mutual agreement. It’s completely the opposite of trade protectionism or economic isolationism. Many countries enter into free trade agreements for the betterment of trade across industries. Let’s dive deeper. Key takeawaysFree trade agreements are international legal pacts between two or more countries to minimise any barriers that impede international imports and exports. There are 16+ FTA that India has entered into which are active.Bilateral trade agreement is signed between the two nations, unlike multilateral trade agreements that involve more than two countries.What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?Free trade agreements are international legal pacts between two or more countries to minimise any barriers that impede international imports and exports. The free trade policy allows merchants to make transactions across international borders by removing government-imposed barriers which include tariffs and quotas and subsidies.