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October 31, 2025

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Basics of GST

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.