‍How to Add Additional Trade Name in GST: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Trade Name in GST?

Trade name under GST is the name of a business or firm with which it normally operates. The business name is actually what customers call a business — it may be the same as, or different from the legal name of the entity. For example, ABC Pvt Ltd., as per its name of trade is perhaps ABC Furniture. The trade name is necessary for branding to be seen on the market.

If a business registers for GST, they give both their legal name and trade name. The legal name is what must be used for all formal/legal communications, while the trade name only relates to customer-facing elements you use, such as on invoices, advertising and branding materials.

Why Add an Additional Trade Name in GST?

As part of the course of doing business, a company might have to branch out into new divisions or launch new products/services with a fresh brand identity. For example, a consumer electronics company might release a new product line in the kitchen appliance category and they need an original brand name to go with it. The business may like to add one more trade name to its GST registration declaring a new identity in such cases.

OR you could just add one more trade name in GST with multiple brand identities for the same entity but a care of maintaining compliance under law. So doing this not only serves to decrease customer confusion but also conveys that the business has the same output under their brand and the company will not lose much input tax credit (ITC) by keeping multiple brands.

How to Add an Additional Trade Name in GST?

To add a trade name to your GST registration, the process involves modifying your existing GST registration certificate. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to add a trade name in GST:

Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal

Visit the official GST portal at https://www.gst.gov.in.
Log in using your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), username, and password.

Step 2: Access the Amendment Form

After logging in, navigate to the ‘Services’ tab.
Under the 'Services' tab, go to 'Registration' and click on ‘Amendment of Registration Non-Core Fields.’

Non-core fields in GST refer to fields that are not related to changes in the constitution or PAN but are related to business details like trade name, address, and contact information.

Step 3: Navigate to the Business Details Section

Once you open the ‘Amendment of Registration Non-Core Fields,’ select the option that reads ‘Business Details.’
In this section, you will find the option to add or change the ‘Trade Name’ of your business.

Step 4: Add the New Trade Name

You will find a box labelled ‘Trade Name,’ where you can add your additional trade name.
If you are adding a new trade name, carefully enter the new name you wish to register.
Review your entry to ensure there are no spelling mistakes or errors.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

In some cases, you may be required to submit supporting documents to substantiate the addition of a trade name. The necessary documents typically include:

A copy of the incorporation certificate or business registration certificate (if relevant).
Any legal document supporting the ownership or right to use the additional trade name.

Upload these documents as instructed on the portal. Make sure all uploaded files are legible and in the prescribed format (PDF or JPEG).

Step 6: Submit and Verify with OTP

Once you have entered the new trade name and uploaded the required documents, click ‘Save.’
Proceed to the verification section and complete the process using an OTP (One-Time Password) that is sent to your registered mobile number or email.
Apply for amendment after completing the OTP verification.

Step 7: Track Application Status

Once the additional trade name application is submitted you can track its possession by visiting 'Track Application Status' under the `Registration` Tab.

Following the Approval, It can be used for the GST certificate and all your business-related works like making an invoice in that new Trade name or using it as a formal way of exhibiting your new trade name.

Documents Required to Add Additional Trade Name in GST

To effectively incorporate an extra trade name in your GST, you will have to furnish specific documents. These typically include:

Business Constitution Proof(Optional): Partnership deed, Certificate of Incorporation etc
New Trade Name Authorized: Any document that shows who is the recognized owner/consent holder of the new trade name (such as a brand registration certificate, business agreement, etc.)
ID Proof: PAN card of business/firm or directly of Prop.
Address Proof: Newly generated address proof for the new business segment or Unit (if any).

Ensure that all documentation is current and corresponds to the new trade name that you are requesting.

How to Add Trade Name in GST for a New Registration?

For new GST registrations, who want to register a Trade name, it is quite simple:

Under the GST registration form (Form GST REG-01) you will be asked to provide your Legal name and Trade Name.
Type your trade name if it does not match your legal name.
After the registration approval, your GST registration will show up in the trade name.

Best used if you are starting a new business with a different trade name to the legal entity or registering for GST for the first time.

‍

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Trade Name in GST

How to Add a New Trade Name in GST? — Posted on under GST Mistake in Adding trade nameGST is available circular the clock over the internet, yet I see people make simple mistakes while filing their GST returns.

Spelling Mistakes: Confirm the spelling of your trade name before you submit the application, any mistakes can differ all your business records.
Partial Documentation: Timely provision of all necessary supportive documents to avoid any delays in processing.
Overlooking Notifications: Post-submission, one should monitor notifications or requests from the GST authorities in case they require additional information or documents.
Distinct Trade Names under Different GSTINs: So, if you are working in different states with multiple GSTINs (Goods and Services Tax Identification Numbers), then make sure to appropriately register additional trade names for every associated GSTIN.

Benefits of Adding Trade Name in GST

Brand differentiation: Businesses usually work with another brand name with the same product, or service. Having another trade name aids in better segregation of brands without going through the effort of setting up a different legal entity.
Compliance: Registering all your trade names under GST will keep you away from getting penalized by the Tax Regulation Act.
Unified Operations: When all business names are shown in one GST Certificate it adds to the waste of time kind of work and separate billing can be applied under each Business Name

Additional place of trade also requires a new license, which is better explain in our other blog on What is Trade License? Benefits and Compliance Requirements

Conclusion

There is a simple procedure to add another trade name in GST which may be done online without much effort. Above are the manual steps which if followed by businesses can ensure to register new trade names as per GST guidelines. While at the same time for increasing and diversifying your product line, whether creating a new brand or keeping an old one, updating a few pieces of information here and there of your business GST details reflecting the correct trade name is always building a compliant structure in an organized format for you to handle.

To sum it up, when you learn how to add trade name in GST, besides being tax compliant, and operate under multiple brand identities without any hassle. The process is easier, and more nuanced than it may seem so if you are in any doubt, seek tax advice from a professional to avoid any pitfalls.

Are you ready to uncomplicate your GST processes? You can register your GST at Swipe even more easily and manage multiple trade names on a single bill. Our tools allow you to keep a new brand, or modify existing information effortlessly. You focus on business growth and we will manage the papers. Get started today!