The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was rolled out by the government of India in 2017 to streamline the taxation system. Since then, millions of MSMEs have embraced the regime, and it has simplified tax compliance for them by consolidating a number of state and central business-related taxes under one statement. As of March 2024, there are more than 1 crore MSMEs in India with GSTINs. The regime is helping speed up the formalization of the 63 million+ MSMEs in the country, in turn, bringing them into the fold of the formal economy and able to access resources like financing and government benefits.
Whether you’re a new business or an established enterprise, GST registration is mandatory once your annual turnover crosses the prescribed threshold. After applying for GST registration, it is important to track the GST registration status of your application to ensure timely approval and avoid delays. Here’s a guide explaining the entire process of checking your GST registration status, including key details like the ARN number and how to interpret different status results.
The GST Application Reference Number, or GST ARN, is a unique 15-digit code generated when a GST registration application is submitted by a business owner on the government’s GST portal. This number acts as a reference for tracking your application as it moves through the verification stages. Every applicant receives the ARN via SMS and email after submitting their GST registration application. The ARN helps both you as the applicant and GST officials monitor the status of the registration and can also be used for filing amendments or cancellations, if needed.
ARN has been put in place to make it easy to track GST registration status. The ARN registration process is a fairly straightforward one to make it easily navigable for business owners from all backgrounds and levels of tech savviness. However, it can still be a challenge if you don’t know the steps to follow.
After completing and submitting the GST registration form, the GST ARN number is automatically generated by the GST portal. This number is linked to your application, and any correspondence regarding the status or required clarifications will be tied to this reference number. Once the ARN is issued, you can use it to track their ARN GST status or the status of the registration application in real time, ensuring they stay updated on its progress.
The GST portal can provide several different GST registration status updates for your application depending on what part of the review process it is currently in. For instance, if your ARN GST status shows as “Pending for Processing,” it means your registration is still under review. In cases where there is a problem with the processing, the status may show up as “Validation Against Error,” at which point, you will be required to correct and resubmit your application. If the authorities need further clarification, the status will reflect that, and you will be required to provide the additional information requested. Once your registration is approved, the status will be updated to “Approved,” and your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) will be issued. However, if the application is denied, the ARN status will show as “Rejected,” often due to incomplete or incorrect information.
Tracking your GST registration status is critical for several reasons. First, it helps ensure that the application is progressing smoothly and will be approved without delays. If there are issues with your application, such as missing documents or errors, if you regularly check GST registration status, you can address these promptly before they cause any further delays.
If you need to make changes or corrections to your application, or if you need to provide additional documents, the ARN eases the process of accessing your application and making the necessary updates. So, tracking your GST registration status through ARN is essential for ensuring your application goes through the system smoothly, and in turn, staying compliant with tax regulations.
Checking your GST registration status online is a simple process. Start by visiting the official GST portal and navigating to the ‘Services’ menu, where you will find the option to track your application status. After entering your ARN in the provided search field and clicking ‘Submit,’ the current status of your application will be displayed. If you prefer not to log in to the portal, you can still check the status by visiting the homepage of the GST portal, scrolling to the ‘Track Application Status’ section, and entering your ARN to view the status without needing to log in.
It’s possible to check your GST registration status without logging into the GST portal. Begin by visiting the official GST portal. Once in the homepage, navigate to the ‘Track Application Status’ option located under the ‘Services’ section, specifically under ‘Registration.’ You will be prompted to enter your ARN (Application Reference Number), which is the unique 15-digit code generated when you submitted your GST registration application. After entering the ARN, simply click on ‘Search’ to view the current ARN GST status of your application. The portal will display the progress without requiring you to log in, making it convenient for quick status updates.
Each status update reflects specific progress in the GST registration process.
Checking your GST registration status is an important part of ensuring that your business remains compliant under the GST regime. With the ARN number, you can easily track your application and take any necessary steps to resolve issues or provide further clarification. Staying informed through this process ensures your business can operate under GST with minimal disruptions.
1. How many days will it take to get the GST number after the ARN number?
It takes 3 to 7 working days to get the GST number after the ARN is generated, depending on the completeness of your application.
2. What is the full form of ARN?
ARN stands for Application Reference Number.
3. Is there a fee for ARN registration?
There is no fee for generating the ARN during the GST registration process.
4. How long does it take to get GST registration approved?
The GST registration is typically approved within 7 working days if all documents and information are accurate and no problems arise during the verification process.
