Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about proprietorship setup, benefits, legal formalities, and compliance—so you can start your business in India with clarity and confidence.
GST revocation refers to the process of nullifying the cancellation of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration. If a business entity’s GST registration is cancelled—either through a voluntary request by the taxpayer or by action of the tax authorities—there remains an opportunity to apply for revocation. This mechanism enables businesses to reverse the cancellation and reinstate their GST registration, allowing them to resume operations in alignment with GST compliance norms.
At India Company Setup, we simplify the complexities of GST revocation and offer step-by-step assistance to businesses. Our dedicated team of professionals is well-equipped to guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met seamlessly.
The revocation of GST registration involves reactivating a previously cancelled GST Identification Number (GSTIN). Whether the cancellation was initiated voluntarily by the taxpayer or imposed by the tax authorities due to non-compliance, revocation offers a pathway for businesses to restore their legal GST status. Through successful revocation, businesses regain the authority to issue GST-compliant invoices, claim Input Tax Credit (ITC), and collect GST on sales—thereby enabling uninterrupted operations in adherence to the law.
According to Section 2(62) of the Companies Act, 2013, an OPC can be formed with just one member and one director—who may be the same person. Essentially, OPC registration gives a solo entrepreneur the ability to start a limited liability company in India. Below is a detailed explanation of the eligibility and steps involved.
Rule 23 of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Rules, 2017, governs the procedure and eligibility criteria for revocation of GST registration. According to this provision, an application for revocation must be filed within a specified period along with relevant documentation. This rule serves as the legal foundation for reinstating cancelled GST registrations under the GST law framework in India.
GST registration may be terminated either voluntarily by the taxpayer or compulsorily by the GST authorities due to specific reasons.
Voluntary Cancellation by Taxpayers:
Permanent Closure of Business: If a business shuts down its operations permanently, the owner may apply to cancel their GST registration.
Business Transfer or Amalgamation: In the event of a business sale, merger, or transfer, the existing GSTIN may no longer be valid and can be cancelled.
Change in Legal Structure: Alterations in the business’s legal form—such as a partnership becoming a private limited company—necessitate cancellation of the prior GSTIN.
Falling Below Threshold Limits: When a business’s turnover drops below the GST exemption limit (₹40 lakh for goods and ₹20 lakh for services), registration may not be mandatory and can be cancelled.
Voluntary Deregistration: Businesses can also choose to cancel their registration even if they are eligible, depending on operational decisions.
Cancellation by Authorities:
Non-Filing of Returns: If a regular taxpayer fails to file returns for six consecutive months, or a composition taxpayer for three months, their registration can be cancelled.
Fraudulent Registration: GSTINs obtained through misrepresentation or falsified information are subject to cancellation.
Legal Non-Compliance: Persistent breaches of the GST Act or Rules can result in cancellation.
Involvement in Illegal Activities: Engaging in unauthorized or fictitious transactions, such as issuing fake invoices, leads to cancellation.
Non-Commencement of Business: Failing to initiate business within the required timeframe after registration can lead to deactivation.
Incorrect Claim of Input Tax Credit: Wrongfully availing ITC without receiving the underlying goods or services can trigger cancellation.
When a GST registration is voluntarily cancelled by a taxpayer, it cannot be reactivated. In such cases, if the business later requires GST compliance again, it must apply for a fresh registration. The previous GSTIN will remain invalid, and a new application must be initiated through the GST portal.
Operating with a cancelled GST registration exposes a business to various legal, operational, and financial hurdles. Here’s how:
Inability to Issue GST-Compliant Invoices
Legal Restrictions: Without valid GST registration, your business cannot collect GST or issue tax-compliant invoices.
Customer Impact: Businesses that rely on proper documentation to claim ITC may stop transacting with unregistered suppliers.
Loss of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Increased Financial Burden: You cannot claim ITC on purchases, thereby increasing your tax liability and operating costs.
Competitive Disadvantage: Without ITC, your pricing may become uncompetitive compared to GST-registered counterparts.
Risk of Penalties for Unauthorized GST Collection
Legal Repercussions: Collecting GST without a valid GSTIN is considered an offence.
Financial Penalties: Businesses found guilty may face penalties equivalent to the amount unlawfully collected.
Business Disruption and Credibility Loss
Damaged Partnerships: Vendors and clients may hesitate to engage with businesses lacking valid GST credentials.
Reputation Concerns: A revoked GST registration can indicate non-compliance, harming your brand image in the market.
Reinstating GST registration through revocation helps eliminate these risks and allows the business to continue functioning with full legal compliance.
Prior to submitting a revocation request, it is important to evaluate and fulfill the following:
Outstanding Liabilities: Clear all pending taxes, interest, penalties, and late fees. Incomplete payments may result in rejection or further legal implications.
Pending GST Returns: Ensure that all GST returns up to the date of cancellation have been filed accurately.
Input Tax Credit Adjustments: Reverse or repay any unutilized ITC on stock or capital assets, as mandated.
Compliance Responsibilities: Filing for revocation does not eliminate your legal obligations for the active period of your GSTIN. Maintain proper documentation for audits or future references.
Revised Time Limit for GST Revocation Requests
Effective October 1, 2023, businesses now have a 90-day window from the date of the cancellation order to apply for revocation of GST registration. This extension from the earlier 30-day period provides ample time to meet compliance obligations and gather all the necessary documents.
To reinstate a cancelled GSTIN—especially after a prolonged period like three years—ensure the following documents are available and accurate:
GSTIN and Portal Access Credentials: Necessary to log into the GST portal. Lost passwords can be recovered using the “Forgot Password” tool.
PAN Card: Required for business identity verification. It should match the one used in the initial registration.
Business Address Proof: Acceptable documents include-
– Latest electricity bill
– Lease or rental agreement
– Municipal property tax receipt
– Ownership certificate
Bank Details: Submit a recent bank statement, a cancelled cheque, or a copy of the passbook with business name.
Previously Filed Returns: Submit evidence of all GST returns filed during the inactive period for compliance validation.
Form GST REG-21: This is the official application form for revocation. It must be accurately filled and uploaded via the GST portal, along with the supporting documentation.
Take advantage of India Company Setup’s GST Revocation Services to effortlessly reactivate your GST registration. Our team of experienced professionals manages the end-to-end process, from documentation to electronic submission, ensuring a smooth and compliant experience.
India Company Setup’s Step-by-Step GST Revocation Process
Initial Consultation: We begin with a comprehensive consultation to evaluate your eligibility and explain the complete revocation procedure.
Document Collection: Our specialists assist you in assembling essential paperwork, including tax returns, registration certificates, and financial reports.
Application Preparation: We meticulously prepare your application to ensure accuracy, which helps in avoiding delays or rejections.
Electronic Filing: We file your application through the GST portal, including necessary attachments and declarations.
Application Monitoring: Our team tracks the application status and keeps you informed about any queries or updates from GST authorities.
Issuance of Revocation Order: Upon approval, we promptly share the revocation order and ensure your documentation is updated accordingly.
Restore your GST registration quickly and effectively. Get in touch with India Company Setup for expert guidance on your GST revocation process today.
Explore Our Related GST Guides:
– Revocation of Cancelled GST Registration: Eligibility and Process
– CBIC’s Extended Timelines for GST Revocation Applications
– Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for GST Revocation and Refunds
– Latest GST Revocation Compliance Measures and Circulars
At India Company Setup, we deliver a complete suite of business services to help you start, grow, and manage your company with ease. From registration to regulatory compliance, our expert support ensures your business stays legally sound and financially organized.
Our expert bookkeeping ensures every transaction is correctly recorded, reducing compliance errors and giving you a clear picture of your company’s financial health — crucial for GST, Income Tax, and MCA filings.
Focus on growing your business while we manage your books. By outsourcing to us, you eliminate the burden of paperwork, reconciliations, and regulatory upkeep — saving you both time and effort.
We help you monitor income and expenses in real time, so you maintain a healthy cash position, make informed decisions, and avoid last-minute cash crunches or missed tax deadlines.
GST Revocation refers to the process of reinstating a cancelled GST registration. This can be done only when the GST registration was cancelled by the department (suo moto) and not voluntarily by the taxpayer. The taxpayer must apply to reverse the cancellation and resume business operations legally under GST.
You must apply for revocation within 30 days (or extended period, if allowed) from the date of service of cancellation order. The application must be made through Form GST REG-21 on the GST portal.
The reason for cancellation must be rectified (e.g., non-filing of returns should be cleared).
All pending returns and taxes must be filed and paid.
A justified reason for the failure to comply must be provided.
Login to the GST portal
Go to Services > Registration > Application for Revocation of Cancelled Registration
Fill Form REG-21 with reasons and required documents
Submit with DSC or EVC
The officer may approve (via REG-22) or issue a show-cause notice (via REG-23)
If the revocation application is rejected, you’ll receive a rejection order in Form REG-05. You can respond to any show-cause notice using Form REG-24, or appeal the decision through the GST Appellate Authority.
Get clear answers to frequently asked questions about proprietorship setup, benefits, legal formalities, and compliance—so you can start your business in India with clarity and confidence.
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