Starting a new business is an exciting venture — but it also comes with several legal obligations. One of the most important early steps is registering under GST (Goods and Services Tax). Whether you're setting up a retail shop, launching a digital product, or offering professional services, GST registration not only keeps you compliant but also opens doors to growth.

This guide walks you through the documents required for GST registration, the applicable GST registration threshold limit, and tips to avoid common mistakes made by new founders.

Why GST Registration Is Crucial for Startups

Startups often focus on funding, product development, and marketing — but compliance is the backbone of a scalable and investor-friendly venture. GST registration:

1. Makes your business legally compliant

2. Lets you issue tax invoices

3. Enables B2B transactions

4. Allows you to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)

5. Builds credibility with clients and partners

Before jumping into the application, make sure you’ve collected all the documents required for GST registration. For a first-time founder, having a clear checklist of what’s needed can save you days of back-and-forth.

GST Registration Threshold Limit: Are You Eligible or Exempt?

If you’re unsure whether your startup needs to register for GST, it’s important to understand the GST registration threshold limit defined by the government:

1. ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers in most states

2. ₹20 lakh for service providers

3. ₹10 lakh for businesses in special category states

Even if your turnover is below the threshold, GST registration may be mandatory if:

1. You sell online via Amazon, Flipkart, or your own website

2. You make inter-state sales

3. You deal in reverse charge transactions

4. You provide services to GST-registered companies

Startups planning rapid growth should register early to avoid compliance bottlenecks later.

Complete List: Documents Required for GST Registration

To ensure a smooth registration process, here’s a checklist based on business structure:

For Proprietorship Startups:

1. PAN and Aadhaar of owner

2. Photograph

3. Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement)

4. Bank account details (passbook or cancelled cheque)

For Private Limited Companies:

1. PAN of company and directors

2. Certificate of Incorporation

3. Board Resolution

4. MOA & AOA

5. Bank account proof

6. Registered office proof

7. Photos and ID proofs of directors

For LLPs and Partnerships:

1. LLP Agreement or Partnership Deed

2. PAN & Aadhaar of all partners

3. Authorization letter

4. Bank and address proof

Get a complete, structured checklist for each business type directly from Finodha’s

Common Startup Mistakes in GST Registration

Many first-time entrepreneurs face delays or penalties due to avoidable mistakes, such as:

1. Providing mismatched details in PAN and Aadhaar

2. Using residential address without proper utility bills

3. Not linking the correct bank account

4. Missing the GST threshold limit when income scales quickly

5. Delaying registration after onboarding clients

This is where Finodha’s GST experts step in to ensure your application is error-free and your startup avoids non-compliance issues from day one.

How Early GST Registration Benefits Startups

Even if not mandatory yet, early GST registration helps startups:

1. Join e-commerce and B2B marketplaces

2. Raise invoices that are GST compliant

3. Claim refunds and ITC on purchases

4. Appear compliant to investors and partners

5. Easily scale to interstate markets

It also prepares your business to file returns, manage books accurately, and stay audit-ready — which are key for growth and funding rounds.

Cost of GST Registration for Startups

There is no government fee for GST registration, but many startups prefer hiring professionals to avoid errors that may lead to delays or penalties.

Professional GST Registration Packages (via Finodha):

Service TypeEstimated CostBasic GST Registration₹499 – ₹999Registration + Return Filing₹1,499 – ₹2,499GST + Business Setup PackageCustom pricing

You can compare plans and select one that suits your needs after reviewing the GST registration threshold limit and document checklist.

Final Tips for Startup Founders

✅ Keep your business details consistent across PAN, Aadhaar, and address proofs
✅ Maintain digital copies of all documents
✅ Track revenue and register before crossing thresholds
✅ Understand your tax responsibilities post-registration (filing, ITC, invoicing)
✅ Use professional help to ensure correct category selection and return compliance

Finodha makes GST registration for startups fast, affordable, and accurate with dedicated compliance support.

Get Started Today

Don’t let paperwork or confusion delay your startup's growth. Ensure you're compliant from day one with the right guidance and support.

👉 Access the full documents required for GST registration
👉 Understand your GST registration threshold limit and when to apply

Have a startup idea or already launched? Let Finodha handle your compliance while you focus on building your business.