Introduction of Biometric Verification for GST Registration
On December 8, 2024, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) announced a new initiative for GST registration in Haryana, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura, involving biometric Aadhaar authentication and document verification. This change, under the amendment of Rule 8 of the CGST Rules, 2017, aims to enhance the identification process for GST applicants through data analysis and biometric verification.
How Biometric Authentication Works
The new process allows GST applicants to be identified using biometric-based Aadhaar authentication, along with the verification of original documents uploaded during the registration process. In many cases, applicants may not need to undergo biometric authentication; however, some individuals, as flagged by the system during their application process, will be required to visit a GST Suvidha Kendra to complete the biometric verification.
Who Will Need to Visit a GST Suvidha Kendra?
The requirement for biometric verification will be determined by the system during the GST registration process. Only those applicants who are identified by the system as needing additional verification will be asked to visit a GST Suvidha Kendra. The process is designed to streamline GST registration while ensuring that only legitimate applicants are registered.
Next Steps After Application Submission
Once the GST application (Form GST REG-01) is submitted, applicants will receive an email with links related to their registration process. These links will guide them through the next steps, including booking an appointment for document verification and biometric authentication if required.
This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and security of the GST registration process in these states while reducing the chances of fraudulent registrations.
