Aadhaar authentication for new goods and services tax (GST) registration has been activated from August 21, which will enhance ease of doing business, a senior official said.

For those opting for Aadhaar authentication, new GST registration will be issued within three working days and would not need to wait for physical verification.

However, those not opting for Aadhaar authentication for GST registration would be granted it only after physical verification of the place of business or documentary verification which may take up to 21 working days or more if notice is issued, a senior official said.

“Aadhaar authentication for new registration would substantially enhance ease of doing businesses for genuine businesses,” he said.

“This measure is expected to facilitate genuine and honest taxpayers while at the same time keeping the fake and fraudulent entities away from GST,” the official added.

Keeping in view the Covid 19 pandemic, the Officer may if the circumstances so warrant opt for asking for additional documents in lieu of the pre-registration for physical verification of the premises.

The facility of quick approval of GST registration through Aadhaar authentication can be availed by all Indian citizens. It is not required for tax deductors, tax collectors, Online Information Database Access and Retrieval services (OIDARs), taxpayers having Unique Identification Number (UIN) and non-resident taxpayers. For more information on this feature, please visit news and update section of GST portal.

In both cases, the officer concerned needs to act within a specified time – 3 days for person opting for Aadhaar authentication and 21 days for those opting not to undergo Aadhaar authentication.

Source : PTI