GST registration overhaul: Businesses may soon apply for multiple states at once

New Delhi: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is set to discuss proposals aimed at simplifying the registration process for businesses. These reforms are expected to allow businesses to apply for GST registration in multiple states using a single application. Moreover, a unified set of documents required by tax officers will be listed out, ensuring uniformity across states.

At the council's October 7 meeting, there will be deliberations on a streamlined GST registration form for large businesses, along with guidance at each stage of the application process. Currently, there are over 1.68 crore businesses registered under GST. This new system will carry over existing details when businesses apply for registration in other states.

The GST system will determine the relevant jurisdiction based on the location provided during the application. Additionally, guidelines for tax officers will be established, specifying the documents required and the circumstances under which they are sufficient. This move aims to provide consistency in the GST registration process across different states.

The GST Council approved a simplified GST registration scheme for small and low-risk businesses in September 2025, which went into effect on November 1. Under this scheme, eligible businesses can obtain registration within three days. The proposed changes will now cover the remaining businesses, with the existing state-wise registrations remaining intact.

The administrative process is being transitioned to a common technology-driven platform, which could eventually lead to a fully integrated national registration framework.