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All You Need to Know About GST API Access

By Annapoorna

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Updated on: Feb 4th, 2025

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2 min read

GST API is an application programming interface under GST. An API acts as an intermediary between two applications so that they can interact with each other. API is an essential aspect of easing GST compliance. This article covers all you need to know on GST API.

Ways to Access the GST Portal

GST is a progressive tax reform implemented in India. It has changed how you interact with your vendors and customers and placed control over all business activities. There are two ways to access the GST portal:

  1. G2B: It means the government to business interaction. All businesses can directly access the GST portal to perform various GST compliance-related work.
  2. Using third party applications: A taxpayer can choose to carry out these GST related compliances through third-party applications. These third-party applications can connect with the GST system via secure GST system APIs. These applications may also be developed by third parties known as GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs). These applications can pull the required data from the GST portal and provide beneficial results using GST APIs.

Introduction to GST System APIs

Using a GST API, a taxpayer can connect with the GSTN’s server and perform different functionalities such as filing returns, viewing ledgers, pulling payment information, etc. Restful API is used by the Goods and Services Tax Network in India.

Avail third-party services - A taxpayer can use the services of ASP-GSP for GST return filing and other compliance-related work. For availing these services, a taxpayer needs to give access to their GST portal’s APIs. This is a security feature and helps to avoid any unauthorised access to the taxpayer’s information. This allows the taxpayers to control API access on the GST portal. A taxpayer can also disable or limit this access.

Benefits of using APIs

  1. GST API provides integration with the ERP or accounting system of the taxpayer.
  2. They have a smart system and deliver 80% results even if the GST servers are down. 
  3. Signing up, generating API keys and running requests takes less time. APIs provide a faster response time.
  4. GST API can help one to view/save different GST returns, check GST returns’ status, and make payments.

List of GST APIs

The various GST return filing functions available as APIs are as follows:

A. Registration Module API

  1. New registration
  2. Amendment/cancellation of registration
  3. Opting in/out from composition scheme
  4. Revocation of GST registration
  5. Surrender of GST registration

B. View ledger details API

  1. Cash ITC Balance
  2. Cash Ledger Details
  3. ITC Ledger Details
  4. Liability Ledger Details
  5. For Return Liability
  6. Other than Return Ledger
  7. RetLiab Balance

C. Payment details API

  1. Challan History
  2. Challan Summary

D. File and submit returns APIs

  1. GSTR 1
  2. GSTR 2A
  3. GSTR 3B
  4. GSTR 4
  5. GSTR 5
  6. GSTR 6
  7. GSTR 6A
  8. GSTR 7
  9. GSTR 8
  10. GSTR 9
  11. ITC 03
  12. ITC 04

E. Miscellaneous activities 

  1. HSN/SAC code search
  2. Notification for notices and alerts
  3. Grievance creation

How to enable GST API Access on GST Portal?

Step 1: Log in to the GST portal and navigate to the ‘My profile’ section.

GST API

Step 2: Under the quick-links panel, select ‘Manage API access’.

GST API

Step 3: Click ‘Yes’.

GST APIzo

Step 4: Duration dropdown will be displayed. Select the desired duration and click confirm.

GST API

Duration for Keeping GST API Access Active

A taxpayer can keep the API session active for a minimum of six hours and a maximum of up to 30 days. A taxpayer is not required to enter the OTP during this time frame. A taxpayer can choose a longer session if he wants to allow the GSP/ASP to maintain an active session with the GST portal without entering OTP. A taxpayer can also terminate the session for a longer API session and enable the API access and choose a shorter duration.

Issues While Accessing GST API

Unable to access the portal- The API access on GST Portal is a permission-controlled feature. A taxpayer needs to activate the GST Portal’s API session, as illustrated in the above topic. He is also required to define the period for which his/her session should remain active. After the period lapses, the GSP cannot access the GST portal. Permission is required to be given again.

Technical challenges- An error message may be received, stating, ‘Your connection is terminated. Kindly reconnect to proceed’. This error message is received due to a technical glitch in the API from the GSTN. For this type of error, one needs to enter the OTP again and then continue with GST filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GST API access for?

GST API is an application programming interface under GST. An API acts as an intermediary between two applications so that they can interact with each other. Under GST, API access allows a third-party ERP system or return-filing platform to connect directly to the GST Network (GSTN), allowing data to flow seamlessly and the user to undertake tasks such as registration and return filing. For businesses with high transaction volumes, API access is a game-changer.

What is an API in GST e-invoice?

When it comes to e-invoicing under GST, the API is an intermediary that allows communication between the e-invoicing system and the taxpayer or their GST Suvidha Provider (GSP). This enables businesses to create and validate e-invoices that meet the government’s standards. With these APIs, businesses can generate an invoice that’s instantly verified by the GST system, enhancing invoice accuracy and speeding up the invoicing process.

What is GST verification API?

GST verification API refers to the application programming interface that enables businesses to validate a GSTIN (GST Identification Number) in real-time. Think of it as a quick way to double-check the GSTIN of vendors or customers. By verifying GST numbers, businesses can avoid issues associated with invalid GSTINs or non-compliant vendors.

How to enable API access?

Step 1: Log in to the GST portal and navigate to the ‘My profile’ section.
Step 2: Under the quick-links panel, select ‘Manage API access’.
Step 3: Click ‘Yes’.
Step 4: The duration dropdown will be displayed. Select the desired duration and click confirm.

What is the use of API access in GST?

Using GST APIs, taxpayers can connect with the GSTN's server and perform different functionalities such as filing returns, viewing ledgers, pulling payment information, etc. APIs provide faster response times and make it simpler to handle tax compliance requirements efficiently.

Who Can Use the GST API?

GST API access isn’t just for big corporations—it’s available to small businesses, startups, and anyone registered under GST. However, companies handling a lot of transactions or those who need to file several return forms benefit the most. These taxpayers can choose to carry out these GST-related compliances through third-party applications, saving time and effort.

What are the prerequisites for using GST APIs?

To use GST APIs, make sure you have an active GSTIN and are registered on the GST portal. You will also need compatible software (or an ERP system) or must be registered with a third-party service provider that can work with these APIs. 

What are the key features of GST APIs?

GST APIs offer a host of features that make tax compliance easier:

  • Real-time data exchange: With direct access to GST servers, data exchanges happen instantly.
  • Automation: Processes like e-invoicing and GSTIN verification can be done with a click of a button, reducing manual effort.
  • Security: GST APIs adhere to strict security standards to ensure data protection.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, these APIs can handle increasing transactions smoothly.

Integration: GST APIs integrate with popular ERP and accounting software as well as third-party service providers, making them highly adaptable.

About the Author

I preach the words, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” An aspiring CA and a passionate content writer having 4+ years of hands-on experience in deciphering jargon in Indian GST, Income Tax, off late also into the much larger Indian finance ecosystem, I love curating content in various forms to the interest of tax professionals, and enterprises, both big and small. While not writing, you can catch me singing Shāstriya Sangeetha and tuning my violin ;). Read more

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