How to Check Your GST Registration and ARN Status: A Detailed Guide

Introduction

After applying for Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration in India, it’s natural to want to know the progress of your application. The GST portal provides a convenient way to track the status of your application using either the Application Reference Number (ARN) or the Temporary Reference Number (TRN). This detailed article will guide you step-by-step on how to check the status of your GST registration and understand the different statuses you might encounter.

Understanding the Application Reference Number (ARN)

Once you successfully submit Part B of your GST registration application on the GST portal, an Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated. This unique number is crucial for tracking the progress of your application with the GST authorities. You will receive the ARN via email and SMS on your registered email ID and mobile number. Keep this number safe as it will be your primary reference point for checking the status.

Methods to Check GST Registration Status

There are primarily three ways to check the status of your GST registration application:

• Using the ARN on the GST Portal: This is the most common and direct method once you have received your ARN.
• Using the TRN on the GST Portal (Before ARN Generation): If you have only completed Part A of the registration process and have a Temporary Reference Number (TRN), you can use that to check the initial status before the ARN is generated.
• Checking Status After Login (For Existing GST Users): If you are an existing GST registered user and have applied for a new registration (e.g., for an additional place of business), you can track the status after logging into your account.

Step-by-Step Guide: Checking GST Registration Status Using ARN

This method is applicable once you have received your ARN after submitting the complete GST registration application (Part B).

1. Visit the GST Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official GST portal: www.gst.gov.in.
2. Navigate to “Services”: On the homepage, locate the “Services” tab in the main menu and click on it.
3. Select “Registration”: Under the “Services” dropdown, find and click on the “Registration” option.
4. Click on “Track Application Status”: On the “Registration” page, you will find a link labeled “Track Application Status.” Click on this link.
5. Select “ARN”: You will see two options to track your application: “ARN” and “TRN.” Select the “ARN” option by clicking on the radio button next to it.
6. Enter Your ARN: In the designated field, carefully enter the 15-digit Application Reference Number that you received on your registered email ID and mobile number.
7. Click on “Search”: After entering the ARN, click on the “Search” button.
8. View Your Application Status: The portal will display the current status of your GST registration application along with other relevant details.

Step-by-Step Guide: Checking GST Registration Status Using TRN

This method is useful if you have only completed Part A of the GST registration process and have a Temporary Reference Number (TRN). Once you complete Part B, an ARN will be generated, and you should use that for future tracking.

1. Visit the GST Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official GST portal: www.gst.gov.in.
2. Navigate to “Services”: On the homepage, locate the “Services” tab in the main menu and click on it.
3. Select “Registration”: Under the “Services” dropdown, find and click on the “Registration” option.
4. Click on “Track Application Status”: On the “Registration” page, you will find a link labeled “Track Application Status.” Click on this link.
5. Select “TRN”: You will see two options to track your application: “ARN” and “TRN.” Select the “TRN” option by clicking on the radio button next to it.
6. Enter Your TRN: In the designated field, carefully enter the Temporary Reference Number (TRN) that was generated after you completed Part A of the registration process.
7. Click on “Search”: After entering the TRN, click on the “Search” button.
8. View Your Initial Application Status: The portal will display the initial status of your application, which usually indicates that Part B needs to be completed.

Step-by-Step Guide: Checking Status After Login (For Existing GST Users)

1. Visit the GST Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official GST portal: www.gst.gov.in.
2. Log In: Click on the “Login” button on the top right corner of the homepage. Enter your username, password, and the captcha code, and then click on “Login.”
3. Navigate to “Dashboard”: Once you are logged in, you will be directed to your GST dashboard.
4. Go to “My Applications”: On the dashboard, look for the “My Applications” link or tile and click on it.
5. Find Your Application: You will see a list of all applications filed by you. Look for the application for the new GST registration based on the date of filing or other relevant details.
6. View the Status: The status of each application will be displayed in the list. You can click on the ARN or the application to view more details.

Understanding Different GST Registration Statuses

When you check your GST registration status, you might encounter various messages. Here’s a brief explanation of some common statuses:

• Submitted: Your application has been successfully submitted to the GST portal.
• Pending for Verification: The GST officer is yet to review your application and documents.
• Validation Error: There are some discrepancies or errors found in your application. You will usually receive an email or notification detailing the errors and the steps required to rectify them. You will need to edit your application and resubmit it.
• Approved: Your GST registration application has been approved by the GST officer. You can now download your registration certificate (Form GST REG-06) from the portal.
• Rejected: Your GST registration application has been rejected by the GST officer. The reason for rejection will usually be mentioned. You can review the reasons and consider applying again if you meet the eligibility criteria and can address the reasons for rejection.
• Provisional: In some cases, a provisional GSTIN might be issued initially, pending further verification.
• Show Cause Notice Issued: The GST officer has issued a notice asking for further clarification or justification regarding your application. You will need to respond to this notice within the given timeframe.
• Reply to Show Cause Notice Pending: You have submitted a reply to the show cause notice, and it is currently under review by the GST officer.

What to Do Based on the Status

Based on the status of your GST registration application:

• Submitted/Pending for Verification: You generally need to wait for the GST officer to take action. Keep checking the status periodically.
• Validation Error: Carefully review the errors mentioned and edit your application accordingly. Ensure all mandatory fields are correctly filled and all required documents are uploaded. Resubmit the application after making the necessary corrections.
• Approved: Congratulations! Download your GST registration certificate and start complying with GST regulations.
• Rejected: Understand the reasons for rejection. If you believe the rejection was incorrect or you can rectify the issues, you may consider submitting a fresh application.
• Show Cause Notice Issued: Read the notice carefully and prepare a comprehensive and timely response with all the necessary supporting documents. Submit your reply through the GST portal.
• Reply to Show Cause Notice Pending: Continue to monitor the status for the officer’s decision.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Incorrect ARN/TRN: Double-check the ARN or TRN you have entered. Ensure you have typed it correctly without any typos or extra spaces.
• Portal Issues: Sometimes, the GST portal might experience technical glitches or maintenance. If you are unable to check the status, try again after some time.
• Delay in Status Updates: The processing time for GST registration can vary. If your application has been pending for a significant period, you may consider contacting the GST helpdesk or your jurisdictional GST officer for assistance.

Conclusion

Checking the status of your GST registration application is a simple and essential process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily track the progress of your application using your ARN or TRN. Understanding the different statuses will help you take appropriate action, whether it’s waiting for approval, rectifying errors, or preparing to start your GST-compliant operations. Remember to regularly check the GST portal for updates and ensure you have your ARN readily available for tracking purposes.