A Full Guide: How to Register for GST and MSME in India?

Starting a business in India?
Then you've probably come across two important registrations: GST (Goods and Services Tax) and MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).
Both are essential for formalising your business and unlocking major benefits like tax credits, government schemes, easier loan approvals, and more.

Let’s break it down, step by step.

What is GST Registration?

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a unified tax that replaced many indirect taxes in India. If you're running a business and your annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for service providers), GST registration is mandatory. Even if your turnover is lower, registering for GST has many benefits.

Benefits of GST Registration

• Legal recognition as a supplier of goods/services
• Ability to collect GST from customers
• Claim Input Tax Credit on purchases
• Eligibility to sell on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
• Avoid penalties and legal troubles
  

Documents Required for GST Registration

• PAN Card of the business or applicant
• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of business registration (if applicable)
• Address proof of the business place
• Bank account details
• Digital Signature (for companies/LLPS)
• Photograph of the owner or partners

How to Register for GST (Step-by-Step)

• Visit the official GST portal:
  👉 https://www.gst.gov.in
• Click on “Services” → Registration → New Registration
  

1. Fill Part A:
2. Select taxpayer
3. The State, district, name, PAN, email & mobile
4. Receive OTP and validate

• Get a Temporary Reference Number (TRN)
  
• Fill Part B using TRN:

1. Enter business details, promoters, place of business, bank info, and upload documents
2. Submit application with DSC or EVC

• Get ARN (Application Reference Number) and track your status online
• Once verified, you’ll receive your GSTIN and GST Certificate via email

What is MSME Registration?

MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
It’s a government-recognised certification that helps small businesses avail benefits like subsidies, priority lending, tax exemptions, and government tenders.

This is now known as Udyam Registration.

Benefits of MSME (Udyam) Registration

• Easier access to bank loans with lower interest rates
• Subsidies on trademarks, patents, and ISO certification
• Protection against delayed payments
• Access to government tenders
• Eligibility for Credit Guarantee Scheme, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required for MSME Registration

• Aadhaar number of the applicant (mandatory)
• PAN number
• Business name and address
• Bank account details
• Investment and turnover details (self-declared)

How to Register for MSME (Udyam)

1. Visit the Udyam portal:
   👉 https://udyamregistration.gov.in
2. Click on “For New Entrepreneurs who are not Registered yet as MSME”
3. Enter Aadhaar number and OTP
4. Fill in:

• PAN card and business details
• Investment and turnover (self-declared)
  
• Submit and verify with OTP
• Your Udyam Registration Certificate will be sent to your email

No need to upload any documents — everything is Aadhaar and PAN verified.

Tip from NectarKnots:

If you're planning to register your business and then start selling products (offline or online), getting both GST and MSME registrations is a powerful combo.

And if you’re a supplier, don’t forget, NectarKnots is soon allowing FREE supplier listings for 2 months to help you grow faster and reach new buyers. 🌟

Final Words

Starting a business is great. But formalising it with GST and MSME registration gives you: ✅ Trust
✅ Legal safety
✅ More opportunities
✅ Access to government benefits

Don’t wait. Take this step and watch your business go to the next level!