Indian techPolicy & regulation
GST registration in India — 2026 playbook
A step-by-step guide to GST registration for Indian founders, with the 2026 rule changes, common rejection reasons, and the documents you actually need.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- 01GST registration is mandatory for inter-state supply, e-commerce, and turnover above ₹40 lakh (goods) / ₹20 lakh (services).
- 02Approval typically takes 3–7 working days with all documents in order; Aadhaar-based e-sign is the standard filing path.
- 03E-invoicing is now mandatory for businesses with ₹5 crore+ aggregate turnover since April 2025.
- 04Penalties for non-registration are the higher of ₹10,000 or the tax amount due, plus loss of input tax credit.
- 05Common rejection reasons: address proof mismatch, signatory Aadhaar not linked to mobile, bank account name mismatch.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who needs GST registration in India in 2026? | Any business with aggregate turnover above the state-wise threshold (₹40 lakh for goods, ₹20 lakh for services, ₹10 lakh for special category states), any inter-state supplier regardless of turnover, any e-commerce operator, any casual taxable person, and any non-resident taxable person. |
| How long does GST registration take in 2026? | For straightforward cases with all documents in order, GST registration is typically approved within 3–7 working days via the GSTN portal, per CBIC guidance. Cases with verification queries can take 15–30 days. |
| What documents are required for GST registration? | PAN of the entity, Aadhaar of the authorised signatory, photo of the proprietor/partners/directors, business address proof (rent agreement + electricity bill or property tax receipt), bank account statement or cancelled cheque, and incorporation certificate for companies and LLPs. |
| What is the penalty for not registering under GST when required? | Penalty under Section 122 of the CGST Act is the higher of ₹10,000 or the tax amount due. Additionally, the assessee loses input tax credit and may face registration cancellation for fraudulent non-registration. |
| Has the e-invoicing threshold changed in 2026? | Per CBIC notification 13/2020 and subsequent amendments, the e-invoicing threshold was reduced to ₹5 crore aggregate turnover from April 2025 onwards. Businesses crossing this threshold must generate e-invoices via the IRP. |
References
Sources
- GST Council— GST Council
- CBIC Notification 13/2020 — E-invoicing mandate— Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
- GSTN portal — New registration— Government of India
Fact-checked by Renish Mithanion 13 July 2026
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