The government of Odisha recently released an advisory on Biometric-Based Aadhaar Authentication and Document Verification for applicants under the Goods and Services Tax. From now onwards, this is going to be a very important factor for every business and individual who wants to take advantage of goods and services tax registration. This new directive will serve the purpose of simplifying the process, ensuring authentic registrations, and checking fraudulent activities. Here below is the detailed clarification, explaining to the applicants what it entails and what they need to do to come up to the mark.
Biometric-Based Aadhaar Authentication: Game Changer
Biometric-based Aadhaar authentication has marked the GST registration process with a big shift. So far, applicants have mostly relied on OTP-based Aadhaar authentication. Now the new system adds one more layer of security with biometric data so that the person who is actually applying for GST registration is who he or she claims to be.
This is part and parcel of Rule 8 of the Central Goods and Services Tax, 2017. The aforementioned rule has been amended. Under the new rule, the applicant gets identified on the GST portal with a number of risk parameters, and during the verification process of original documents, biometric information along with a photograph will be collected. Thus, no misuse is done with fake or forged documents in the registration process.
The Document Verification Procedure: An Application Guide
When an applicant submits a GST registration application using Form GST REG-01, two events may happen. One of the following will happen to them:
Receive a Link for OTP-Based Aadhaar Authentication:
If the applicant receives this link, then this process, Aadhaar OTP authentication used previously also, can be followed. It is fast and effortless, and the applicant needs to file his OTP received on his registered mobile number tied to his Aadhaar.
Acquire a link to schedule an appointment for biometric-based Aadhaar authentication:
The link for scheduling an appointment at a local GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) would be shared with the applicants in case they require biometric-based authentication. The intimation e-mail should contain information on jurisdiction as well as GSK’s address to which the applicant should move to finalize.
What Applicants Need to Carry to GSK:
Applicants who must visit a GSK in person for biometric verification are required to get their documents ready in advance. Here is what they need to take along:
- Appointment Confirmation E-mail: This will indicate the date and time of the appointment to be held at the respective GSK.
- Jurisdiction Details: These details shall be intimated through the mentioned email.
- Original Aadhaar and PAN Cards: The applicant should bring both Aadhaar and PAN cards in original.
- All other original documents: All the original documents that one had uploaded during the application will be brought with him.
It will be very strictly verified and cross-checked at the time of biometric authentication.
Why Does This Change Matter to Odisha’s GST System?
This advisory will have extensive impacts on the correctness and security of the GST registrations in Odisha. Second, biometric data ensures validity as each applicant is authentic, which does away with fake or misrepresented applicants. Besides these, demanding verification of the original document rather adds more scrutiny so that submitted documents are valid and not tampered with.
Time-Specific Appointment for Biometric Verification
The advisory further says an applicant seeking an appointment for biometric verification shall make the request within the specified time frame given by the advisory through the intimation email. An applicant, therefore, has to ensure that he does not delay within the stipulated time to avoid an application’s rejection or delay.
Each GSK’s days and hours of operation will differ by jurisdiction, so booking an appointment in advance is always helpful to get through the process without hassle.
How Saptax Hub Can Help You with GST Registration?
Registration of GST is very cumbersome sometimes, especially with new rules such as biometric-based Aadhaar authentication and document verification. In the State of Odisha, business houses and individuals stake will be much higher, as a delay resulting from noncompliance with these new regulations may cost them quite heavily in delay.
This is where Saptax Hub, the best CA firm in Delhi, comes in. On Saptax Hub, we offer all-around services for helping you through every stride of the GST registration process. Be it a query about the new biometric authentication processes or getting an appointment scheduled under GSK, our team is here to help you through.
We’ll make sure that your documents are submitted correctly and help you prepare for visiting GSK. We’ll make the process of GST registration in Delhi as seamless as possible from initiation to completion. Our team is well-informed about the guidelines pertaining to the process so that your application is free from errors and can pass through the necessary regulations.
