How to Get GST Number for Online Selling: Quick Guide for Sellers If you’ve just started selling online whether on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho or your own store, you’ve probably wondered, “Do I need a GST number to sell online?”
As you are selling online, the answer is yes, every online seller in India should have a GST number. It is not complicated as it sounds. In this quick and easy guide by Swipe Billing App, we’ll explain what GST is, why you need it and how you can get your GST number step by step, without any confusion.
What Is GST and Why Does It Matter? Goods and Services Tax(GST) is basically a tax that you pay when selling goods or services in India. Before GST, there were different taxes. It was very difficult to keep track of everything. Now, everything is under one system called GST.
If your annual sales are above ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in some states), you must register for GST. But even if your sales are less, you still need GST if you’re selling online.
Why Do Online Sellers Need GST? •Online marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho make GST mandatory.
•Without GST, you can’t list products on most platforms.
•It allows you to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). It means you can reduce the tax you pay.
•It makes your business look professional and trustworthy.
Who Should Get a GST Number? Type of Seller or Business GST Needed? Online sellers Yes Offline businesses with turnover above ₹20 lakh Yes Freelancers offering digital services Yes Importers and exporters Yes Small shops earning below ₹20 lakh (local sales only) Not required
Documents Required Before you apply, keep these ready:
PAN Card of your business or yourself
Aadhaar Card
Business Address Proof (rent agreement, electricity bill, etc)
Bank Account Details (cancelled cheque or statement)
Business Registration Proof (if you have a company or partnership)
Passport-size Photo of the owner or authorised person
These are basic documents you already have, no extra work needed.
How to Get a GST Number Online You don’t need an agent or middleman. You can apply for GST yourself on the official website.
Step 1 : Visit the GST Portal
Go to the official GST website and
click on Services → Registration → New Registration.
Step 2 : Fill Basic Details
Select ‘Taxpayer’, enter your State, PAN, Email and Mobile Number.
You’ll get an OTP on your phone and email to verify. It’s just like confirming your account online.
Step 3 : Complete the application form
After verification, you’ll receive a Temporary Reference Number (TRN).
Log in again with the help of TRN and fill out the rest of the form. Add your business details, bank info and what type of product/service you sell, etc.
Step 4 : Upload your documents
Next, upload all your required documents. Aadhaar, PAN, address proof and bank details.
Step 5 : Verify and Submit
Check everything, then verify using your Aadhaar OTP or Digital Signature (DSC). Submit the form.
Step 6 : Get Your GST Number
Within 7 working days, you’ll receive your GSTIN (GST Identification Number) on your registered email and mobile number.
You can also download the certificate directly from the GST portal.
HSN and SAC Codes You Should Know Type Code Name Example HSN Code For Goods 6109 for Cotton T-shirts SAC Code For Services 9983 for Marketing or advertising services
Use the right code for your product or service when uploading it online. It helps in correct tax calculation.
For more details check Types of GST applicable on E-commerce sales
Benefits of Getting a GST Number Still thinking if it’s worth it? Here’s what you gain:
Legal identity for your business
Eligibility to sell on major e-commerce platforms
Claim Input Tax Credit (save tax on purchases)
Easier access to loans and funding
Builds trust with customers
Basically, GST = growth + credibility for your online business.
For more details check Is GST registration mandatory for e-commerce
Avoid these mistakes Entering the wrong PAN or Aadhaar number
Uploading unclear or incomplete documents
Selecting the wrong business type (individual, company, etc)
Forgetting to verify using OTP or DSC
Not checking HSN/SAC codes properly
Double-check everything before submitting. One small mistake can delay your approval.
How Swipe Billing App Makes GST Easy Getting a GST number is just the beginning. The real challenge starts later, managing invoices, tracking taxe, and filing returns. That’s where Swipe Billing App comes to the rescue.
With Swipe, you can:
Create GST invoices instantly
Track sales and expenses automatically
Get GST reports ready for filing
Manage everything from your phone or laptop
It’s built for busy sellers who don’t have time to handle paperwork.
Swipe takes care of your billing. So you can focus on growing your business.
Conclusion Getting your GST number is the first real step toward building a legal and successful online business. Once you’ve got it, you can sell freely across platforms like Amazon, Flipkart or your own website without worrying about compliance.
But handling invoices and returns manually can eat up your time and energy. That’s why smart sellers use Swipe Billing App , a simple and reliable tool for GST.
Generate GST bills in seconds
Track your sales and expenses
File returns easily. All from one app
Start your free Swipe trial today and make your online business 100% GST ready.
No stress, no confusion. Just smooth and smart billing.
FAQs 1. Can I start selling online without a GST number? Nope.Online platform won’t let you list products without it.
2. Is GST registration free? Yes! It’s completely free on the official GST portal.
3. How long will it take to get my GST number? If all your documents are correct, you’ll get your GST number in 5-7 working days.
4. What if I earn lessthan ₹20 lakh a year? Even if your yearly earning is below ₹20 lakh, you still need a GST if you’re selling online.
5. Can I apply for GST without a registered company? Yes! Even if you don’t have a registered company, you can still register using your personal PAN and Aadhaar.
6. Do I need a GST number if I’m just selling offline? Only if your yearly sales go over ₹ 20 lakh (₹ 10 lakh in some states). For small, local offline sales, you don’t need a GST number.
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