GST Registration : Filing or responding to a notice received from tax officials for deficiencies

The taxpayer has to take sufficient care to enter details at the time of GST registration since it will form a part of his permanent record. There is, however, always a possibility of human error leading to mistakes in entering data. The taxpayer might also receive a notice as a result of such mistakes. However, this should not be a cause for worry. There is an option to clarify registration details as a response to such a notice.

General mistakes made while registering for GST

• Entering wrong jurisdiction details 
• Taking registration on the basis of a cancelled PAN
• Entering personal PAN instead of business PAN
• A mismatch between details of promoters and their PAN data
• A mismatch between details of promoters and Director Identification Number (DIN) details from MCA database
• A mismatch between details of promoters and UIDAI (Aadhaar) database
• Incorrect Company Identification Number (CIN)
• Missing/insufficient/out-of-date supporting documents
• Transcription errors while entering the required data in the registration form
• Attaching incorrect documents

How to give reply to notice received from tax officials for deficiencies?

Step 1: In the case of new registrations, click on ‘Register Now’ and select the ‘Temporary Reference Number (TRN)’ option. Proceed by entering the TRN. The mobile/email OTP may be required at the next stage. In the case of existing registrations, log in to the GST portal by entering the relevant credentials.

Step 2: Go to Services > Registration and click on ‘Application for Filing Clarifications’

Step 3: To file a reply, look-up the notice by using the reference no. of the notice or by using the Application Reference No. (ARN).

Step 4: In order to respond to specific queries raised by the department, the following steps may be followed in case of a new registration application:

• If ‘Yes’ is selected under the ‘Modification in the Registration Application filed’, the original registration application will appear with the option to edit all those fields for which notice had been issued. The necessary changes can be made and requisite documents can be uploaded.
• If  ‘No’ is selected, an application will be made available along with various ‘Queries’ to which our ‘Query Response’ will have to be submitted. 

Step 5: Additional information along with supporting documents should be submitted.

Step 6: Carry out the verification process by selecting the name of the authorised signatory from the drop-down list and the place. Depending on the authentication method available, either ‘Submit with DSC’ or ‘Submit with EVC’ can be chosen to submit the application.

Precautions to be taken to avoid notice

The following precautions may be taken to ensure that mistakes at the time registration are eliminated:

• Ensure that details like PAN, name of the business, the constitution of business, etc. are matching with the details appearing as per PAN records since GST registration is PAN-based. Further, check the status of PAN to ensure that it is not cancelled.
• Verify the e-mail address and phone number provided so that the OTP and the TRN can be received on the correct e-mail address/phone number.
• Submit the registration application within 15 days to avoid automatic purging of the same from the system.
• Ensure that promoter/authorised signatory details like DIN, PAN, Aadhaar, etc. are matching with their respective databases (MCA, NSDL, UIDAI, etc.).
• Enter a valid address since an on-site visit may be made by the relevant authorities.
• Check that updated and valid supporting documents are uploaded for every detail required.