How to Change Firm Name in GST Registration Certificate?

A firm name represents market reputation and brand identity. However, due to various circumstances, a business may want to change the name of its firm. This can be due to merger, rebranding, or something else. In such cases, it is vital to change the firm name in the GST registration certificate. Failure to do so can lead to compliance issues and penalties by tax authorities.

In this blog, we will discuss how to change the firm name in the GST registration certificate, along with eligibility criteria, types of amendments and other requisites.

What are the Types of Amendments You Can Make in GST Registration?

Following are the three types of amendments that you can make in GST Registration:

1. Amendment in Core Field

The core field includes the principal place of business's address, the legal name of business and any additional place of business. A proper office takes 15 days to send approval to amend the Core Fields. These changes are essential to the business's GST registration profile.

Some of the Core-Field details are as follows:

• Primary and secondary business locations, provided there is no change in the state.
• Changes which involve key stakeholders like deletion or addition of stakeholders like CEO, partners, promoters, the managing committee, etc.
• Legal name of the business considering there is no change in PAN 

2. Amendment in Non-Core Field

Some fields in a registration application do not require any kind of approval from a tax official for amendments. These come under the category of Non-Core Fields. These can be edited and the amendments are auto-populated in a taxpayer's registration.

Some of the Non-Core Field details that can be changed are as follows:

• Changes to bank account details
• Revisions to business details
• Updates in the list of services that the business offers
• Alterations of representatives or authorised signatories
• Updates or changes to the information of existing stakeholders such as promoters, partners, or Karta
• Modifications to state-specific details without changing the state
• Minor adjustments to the current primary or secondary business locations

3. Amendment in Phone Number or Email Address

To change a phone number or email address, one needs verification by an OTP or One-Time Password. You will receive the OTP after completion of online verification on the official GST portal.

What are the Particulars Which Can Not be Amended in GST Registration?

Following are the details that cannot be amended in GST registration:

1. Switching to a Different Type of Business: Since changing the business type involves a change in PAN, you can not apply for a change in the type of business.
2. Change in the State of the Primary  Business Place: You cannot file an application of amendment of registration for change in the state in which your business is based. In case you want to change your business to another place, you need to file a registration for that state as GST registrations are specific to states.
3. Amendment in Permanent Account Number (PAN): You cannot apply for an amendment of GST registration because the registration itself is based on your PAN. In this case, you will be required to make a fresh registration.

Who can File an Amendment Application in GST Registration Particulars?

You can apply for an amendment of registration if you fall under the following category of taxpayers:

• Normal taxpayers and fresh GST registrants
• Non-Resident Foreign Taxable Person ( NRTP)
• UIN holders, UN bodies, TDS/TCS registrants
• GST Practitioners (GSTP)
• Online Information Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) Service Provider

How to Make Changes in the Name of Firm in GST Registration Certificate?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make changes in the name of the firm in the GST registration certificate:

Step 1: Go to the official portal of GST.

Step 2: Log in to your account using your user ID and password. Then enter the 'Captcha' code and tap 'Login'.

Step 3: On your home page, click on 'Services', which displays a list of services.

Step 4: From the drop-down list select the ‘Registration’ option and then click on the ‘Amendment of Registration Core Fields.’

Step 5: Under the ‘Business Details’ tab, choose the field which requires amendments.

Step 6: To change the name of the firm, select the 'edit' option on the 'Trade Name.'

Step 7: Mention the new name of the firm, and the 'Date of Amendment'. You must also give valid reasons for the amendment.

Step 8: Upon completion of the above steps, tap on the ‘Save' button.

Step 9: Confirm other details provided in ‘Business details’ and if they are correct, select ‘Continue.’

Step 10: Navigate to the verification tab and click on the checkbox.

Step 11: Proceed to input the name of the authorised signatory and the place name under the 'Place' field.

Step 12: Finally, sign the form with your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)/EVC to conclude the procedure.

How Much Time It Will Take After Submitting the Amendment Application?

Upon submission of the amendment application, the tax official is likely to pass the order within 15 working days for a change in the name of the firm.

If the tax officials are not satisfied with your application, they will pass a notice in the FORM GST REG-03 within 15 working days for a proper justification or let you know the requirement of any further legal documents to process your application. You have to reply to the notice in FORM GST REG-04, within 7 days.

The authority has the right to reject your amendment application if they are not satisfied with the reasons for the amendment or the documents you have provided to support your application. In this case, they will pass an order in FORM GST REG-05.

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Conclusion

Understanding how to change firm names in the GST registration certificate, helps you navigate the process smoothly and ensure compliance with GST regulations. Moreover, it prevents issues related to mismatched records, which can affect your business’s credibility, invoicing, and tax filing.

By submitting the application along with the necessary documents and following up on the approval status, you can change your firm name in the GST registration certificate seamlessly.

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