GST registration is fast when the documents are clean, and slow when they are not. Most rejections come down to the principal place of business: an old bill, a missing consent letter, a rent agreement in another name, or nobody present during physical verification. These are the problems Ahmedabad businesses and their consultants see most often, and how to clear them.
11 problems solvedFor founders, CAs, CSs and accountantsLast reviewed: 5 October 2026
Aadhaar authentication for GST failed, or the link expired
What you see
The authentication link for a promoter or the authorised signatory was not received, expired, or failed OTP verification.
Why it happens
The mobile number linked with Aadhaar is different from the one in the GST application, or is inactive.
Applications flagged on data analysis and risk parameters, or where the applicant did not opt for Aadhaar authentication, are routed to biometric Aadhaar authentication, a photograph and document verification at a GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) instead of OTP. Gujarat was the first state to use this, and it now applies across India.
How to fix it
Resend the authentication link from the GST portal and complete the OTP within its validity.
If the portal asks for biometric authentication, book an appointment at the GST Suvidha Kendra shown in the intimation, and attend with the original documents.
Without successful authentication, expect physical verification and a longer processing time.
Avoid it next time
Make sure each promoter's Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active before applying.
GST physical verification failed: nobody at the premises, or no name board
What you see
The officer's report says the business was not found or was non-existent at the address.
Why it happens
The premises were locked, there was no signage, or the address was a virtual office with nobody present.
How to fix it
Put up a name board with the legal or trade name. Once registered, display the GSTIN on the name board and the registration certificate prominently.
Keep someone present with the original documents during the verification window.
If the registration was rejected, reapply after the premises are properly set up.
Avoid it next time
Do not apply from an address where you cannot show a functioning place of business.
Law: Rule 25 (verification) and Rule 18 (display of GSTIN), CGST Rules 2017#
Founders & professionals
GSTIN suspended or cancelled for not filing returns
What you see
The status shows "Suspended" or "Cancelled", and customers cannot claim your ITC.
Why it happens
Returns were not filed for the continuous period that allows the officer to cancel registration, or the business was found non-operational.
How to fix it
File all pending returns, with tax, interest and late fees.
Apply for revocation of cancellation in Form REG-21 within 90 days of the date the cancellation order is served. If you show sufficient cause, the Commissioner can extend this by up to a further 180 days. Where the registration was cancelled for not filing returns, file all pending returns and pay the tax, interest, penalty and late fee before you apply.
Reply to any show-cause notice (REG-17 or REG-31) within the time given, so that suspension does not turn into cancellation.
Avoid it next time
File every return, including nil returns, on time. Set reminders for GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.
Law: Sections 29 and 30, CGST Act 2017; Rules 21, 21A, 22 and 23, CGST Rules 2017#
Founders & professionals
Need to change the business name, address or partners in GST
What you see
You need to update GST registration details after a business change.
Why it happens
Changes to "core fields" (legal name, principal place of business, additional places, and adding or removing promoters, partners or directors) need officer approval. Other fields update directly.
How to fix it
File a non-core amendment for simple changes such as contact details.
For core fields, file the core-field amendment with supporting documents, and answer any query promptly.
If the PAN itself changes, for example a proprietorship becoming a company, an amendment will not work. A new registration is needed.
Turnover is below the threshold: do we still need GST?
What you see
Turnover is small, but a buyer, a marketplace or a sale to another state needs a GSTIN.
Why it happens
In Gujarat, the threshold is aggregate turnover of ₹40 lakh if you supply only goods (some notified goods are excluded from the higher limit), and ₹20 lakh if you supply services or both goods and services. Some cases need registration regardless of turnover: inter-state supply of goods, certain e-commerce sales, liability under reverse charge, and casual taxable persons.
How to fix it
Check whether any compulsory registration case applies to your business model, including any current notified exemptions.
If none applies and turnover is below the threshold, registration is optional. Voluntary registration lets you charge GST and pass ITC to business buyers, but brings regular return filing.
Avoid it next time
Decide based on your sales model, not only on turnover.
The business has stopped, but GST returns and late fees keep accruing.
Why it happens
GST registration continues, along with its return obligations, until it is formally cancelled.
How to fix it
File all pending returns.
Apply for cancellation in Form REG-16, giving the stock and tax details.
After the cancellation order, file the final return GSTR-10 within three months.
Avoid it next time
Cancel GST when you close the business, before late fees build up.
Law: Section 29 and Section 45, CGST Act 2017; Rule 20 and Rule 81, CGST Rules 2017#
Founders & professionals
Opening an office or warehouse in another state or city
What you see
You are unsure whether one GSTIN covers a new location.
Why it happens
GST registration is state-wise. A place of business in another state needs a separate registration there, while a new place in the same state is added to the existing registration.
How to fix it
Same state: add the location as an additional place of business through a core-field amendment.
Different state: apply for a new registration in that state under the same PAN.
Avoid it next time
Register or amend before you start supplying from the new location.
Stuck on one of these right now? Send us the SRN, the notice or a screenshot of the error. We will tell you the fix and the deadline, and file it for you if you want.
This library gives general guidance on Indian company, GST and MSME rules as they stood on the review date. Portals and rules change. Check the current form instructions, or ask a professional, before acting on a deadline or a notice. Related: Founder help centre · Gst Registration
Last Note
If your startup could only get one thing right, make it the registration.
That is what we help you decide. Then we file it, register it, and keep it compliant year after year — from Ahmedabad, for Ahmedabad.