The Goods and Services Tax (GST) replaced most of the multiple indirect taxes and made the taxation system taxpayer-friendly. The GST Portal is the government’s online platform which enables taxpayers to conduct various GST-based activities.

From GST registration to filing of returns, you can complete the entire process online via the GST Portal. This technological support allows you to avoid queuing up at local tax offices to pay taxes, view credit ledgers or claim tax refunds. You can also cancel your GST registration through this website.

The platform also allows you to carry out all communications about your GST compliance. You can track your registration and tax submission status. Moreover, you can receive intimation on and respond to government notices.

The first step to avail such facilities is to log in to the government’s official GST Portal. Here’s a review on the services you can access, along with the login procedure for first-time as well as existing GST payers.

What are the key services you can access through the GST login portal?

The various facilities that can be accessed through the GST Portal include:

1. Application for GST registration
2. Making online GST payment and tracking payment status
3. Filing of GST Returns including Reconciliation Statement (GSTR-9C)
4. Claiming refunds for excess GST paid
5. Locating and engaging a GST practitioner
6. Joining the Composition Scheme
7. Selecting the option to drop out of the Composition Scheme
8. Filing for Export Refund
9. Viewing E-Cash, E-Liability, and E-Credit Ledgers
10. Downloading Transition Forms
11. Submitting Letter of Undertaking
12. Intimating stock
13. Receiving invoice-wise details of input tax credit
14. Cancelling GST registration
15. Accessing the E-Way Bill portal
16. Browsing through government notices received
17. Submitting GST-related grievances

How to register on the GST services login portal ?

If your business generates a turnover that exceeds ₹40 lakhs for sale of goods, you have to register under GST. You can register on the government’s web portal. Visit www.gst.gov.in, in the “Services” tab you will find “New Registration” tab wherein you have to follow simple steps to get yourself registered.

Once the GST department verifies and approves your application, you will receive your GST Identification Number (GSTIN). You will also get a GST Portal login username (your GSTIN) and a temporary password.

How to check your registration application status?

You can track the status of your GST registration application by following these simple instructions:

• First, visit the GST Portal and go to the top menu by selecting ‘Services’
• Click on ‘Registration’
• Select ‘Track Application Status'
• Choose “Registration”
• Enter the Application Reference Number (ARN) or Service Request Number (SRN), which would have been sent to your registered email address
• Fill in the Captcha code as shown and click on Search

Once submitted, the current status of your registration application will appear on the screen.

How to access the GST portal – login guide ?

Existing and new users can access the GST Portal in different ways, as explained below:

Existing users

Existing users can access the GST portal by following these steps:

• Visit the official GST website at www.gst.gov.in
• Click on the ‘Login’ button located in the top right corner of the homepage
• Enter your username, password and the captcha code displayed on the screen
• Click on the ‘Login’ button

After you successfully login, your dashboard will be displayed.

New users

If you are logging in for the first time, you can follow the steps given below:

• Click on the ‘Login’ link at the top right corner of the GST homepage
• Click on the link that says “First time login: If you are logging in for the first time, click here to login”
• Enter your Provisional ID/ Goods and Services Taxpayer Identification Number (GSTIN) /Unique Identification Number (UIN)
• Enter the temporary password received via your registered email
• Fill in the captcha code and click on ‘Login’
• The system will prompt you to create a new username and password
• Enter the password to confirm
• Click ‘Submit’

You can proceed to log in using your new username and password

What are the various facilities available on the GST portal?

The GST login portal provides a range of services to registered users. After logging in, you can access the following key features:

Registration

You can apply for a new GST registration through the portal. Additionally, registered users can alter fields, such as email addresses or phone numbers in their existing GST registration.

Payments

GST-registered taxpayers can generate a challan and make GST payments online. The portal also provides a ‘Track Payment Status’ facility to help you confirm whether your payment has been successfully processed.

User service

The User Services section offers various useful features, including:

• View official holiday lists
• Access the cause list (details of legal proceedings)
• Generate a user ID if you are not yet registered
• Search Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) Code
• Find a GST Practitioner (GSTP) in your area
• Search for advance rulings
• Verify Reference Numbers (RFNs) of communications from the GST department

Refunds

You can file refund applications directly through the portal, including claims related to exports or excess tax paid. You can also monitor the status of your refund requests for better visibility into your cash flow.

e-Way bill system

The GST login portal links to the e-Way Bill system, where you can generate e-way bills, which are mandatory for transporting goods above a specified value. You can also create e-invoices for recordkeeping and compliance purposes.

Other options on the GST portal

In addition to the services mentioned above, you can track the status of your registration and refund applications directly on the GST login portal. You can also verify the GSTINs of your vendors or customers using their Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) to ensure your transactions are authentic.

Additionally, the portal lets you view and respond to any notices or orders issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). Plus, you have access to your complete filing and payment history, which makes it easier for you to keep your records organised.