Process of Aadhaar Authentication under GST

About

Aadhaar authentication under GST is a process by which the Aadhaar number along with other biometric details of the Aadhaar holder are submitted to the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) for verifying the user for his desired action or we can say for verifying its correctness. The CIDR verifies the correctness of data on the basis of information available with it. This step has been  taken in order to validate the identity of Aadhaar holders easily from anywhere with a purpose to reduce frauds.

In the 39th GST Council Meeting held on March 14, 2020, the idea of Aadhaar Authentication for new taxpayers was approved but its implementation was kept on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis. Later on CBIC issued notifications about Aadhaar authentication for GST registration from 1st April 2020 which was later changed & was made optional. Currently, Aadhaar authentication is not mandatory for already registered people, non-residents,

Aadhaar authentication for new GST registrations is a simple process. Any person opting for it  will get it done within a few days if all the verification is done appropriately. The new GST registration process is done along with it.

Mandatory Cases & Exception of Aadhaar Authentication

In order to become eligible for the GST registration, the Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for some classes of individuals as per the CGST Act. Classes of persons to whom the proof of possession of Aadhaar Number are mandatory are :

➤ Authorised signatory of all types

➤ Department or establishment of Central/State Government

➤ Managing or Authorised partners of a partnership firm

➤ Karta of a Hindu Undivided Family

Exceptions

If an individual is not a citizen of India or he is a person other than the one mentioned above are exempted. We can say that only authorized partners and signatory are mandatorily required to go for Aadhar authentication, not all the partners, directors, committee members etc. Managing director, whole-time director or other directors who are not authorized signatories, partners of the firm who are neither managing partners nor authorized signatories, members of managing committees or board of trustees who are not authorized signatories need not go for aadhar authentication.

Process GST Registration through Aadhar Authentication

At the time of applying for GST registration by logging on to www.gst.gov.in and navigating to Services > Registration > New Registration option, the applicant is given an option to select if he wishes to authenticate Aadhaar. You can either select a YES or a NO for Aadhaar Authentication.

On selecting ‘No’, a window appears asking to upload e-KYC documents of the signatory and one promoter/partner. Proceed with the verification to complete the filing of the application.

If you select YES, the authentication link will be sent to the registered mobile number and email ID mentioned in the application of both the primary authorised signatory and the particular promoter or partner, as the case may be. The link will be valid for the next 15 days only. Upon clicking the authentication link, a screen will come with a declaration where the applicant needs to enter an Aadhaar number and click on “validate".

On successful matching of the details in registration form with the UIDAI, an OTP will be sent on their email and mobile registered with the Aadhaar that has been entered by the applicant. On entering the OTP in the box provided on the screen, validation will be complete and a message of successful e-KYC authentication will be shown.

A person opting for Aadhaar authentication for new GST registration would get it within just 3 working days from the date of submitting an application.

Rejection of Application

As per sub-rule 4 of rule 9 CGST rules, where no reply is furnished by the applicant in response to the notice issued under sub-rule (2)9 or where the proper officer is not satisfied with the clarification, information or documents furnished, he may reject such application ciliting valid reasons and inform the applicant electronically in FORM GST REG-05.

Time limit for completion of procedures

Cessation

The key purpose behind Authentication of Aadhaar is to create an online platform where the identity of Aadhaar holders can be validated anytime and anywhere in case of any concerns. This step will keep a check on the malpractices happening under the Goods and Services Tax law, like cases of fake bills, dummy address registrations and multiple registrations in the same places and to lay down ease of registering the business.

Now it’s a simple and easy procedure for new and existing GST taxpayers to get their aadhaar authentication done as per the guidelines.