An Alumnus of IIM and DU with almost a decade of experience in the banking and finance sectors. I had the opportunity to work with all types of institutions in BFSI ecosystem like Bank, NBFC, Fintech, Consulting and Auditor. I started my professional journey at KPMG and subsequently worked in leading names of the BFSI sector including Ujjivan Bank, Vistaar Finance. Currently building a fintech startup ( PICE) by handling alliances, compliance and creation of GTM strategy for payments and credit product.
Provisional GSTIN is a temporary GST number ending with “P” that allows businesses to operate legally until their original GSTIN is issued.
You can know your GST provisional ID online by enrolling on the official GST portal with PAN, email, and mobile verification.
Provisional GSTIN enables businesses to generate invoices, e-way bills, and file GSTR-1, but not claim ITC until the final GSTIN is allotted.
Company and GST registration enhance brand credibility, legal recognition, and allow claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC).
Required documents for GST registration include PAN, business registration proof, KYC, bank details, and address proof.
A provisional GSTIN is a temporary GST identification number that businesses can easily access and use to continue their business operations for a minimum 30-day period, while they get their original GSTIN. Now, a GSTIN number is an alphanumeric code of 15 characters. Every business in India that has a GST registration has to have a GSTIN number.
This temporary GSTIN number or provisional GST number offers time to taxpayers to complete their GST registration process. Further in this blog, we are going to learn how to know your GST provisional ID and how it helps business persons in India.
What is a Provisional GST Identification Number?
A provisional GSTIN number is a temporary GST number for businesses to continue their business operations hassle-free while their GST registration process is still pending with the tax officer. This provisional GSTIN provides companies the opportunity to run their operation lawfully for a time period before they receive their GSTIN.
The structure of a provisional GSTIN is the same as the original GSTIN number. However, there is a difference between them in the last digit. A provisional GSTIN number will always end with the letter “P”, whereas an original GSTIN number always ends with the letter “Z”.
A provisional GSTIN will enable a taxpayer to generate tax invoices and e-way bills. You can also file GSTR-1 returns with it. However, it forbids them to file GSTR-2 returns and claim input tax credit until they receive their original GSTIN.
Here are more things to know about a provisional GSTIN
State Code: The first 2 digits of a provisional GSTIN number represent your state code according to the Indian Census 2011.
PAN: The next 10 letters represent the taxpayer’s PAN number.
Number of Registrations: The 13th character represents the number of registrations a taxpayer has within one PAN number. It ranges from 1 to 9 and then A to Z to keep a count of them.
Unused Digit: “Z“ is the universal 14th character for all GSTIN numbers. As of now, this does not have any purpose.
Numeric Code: The last digit is a numeric code, which is used to identify errors through summation.
What Do You Mean by GST and GSTIN?
GST, short for Goods & Services Tax, is a new tax regime in India that has changed the face of indirect taxes in India. Previously, taxpayers were levied with multiple indirect taxes, and all of them had different obligations and implications.
However, now, GST has replaced all other indirect taxes from the old regime, such as Excise Duty, Customs Duty and Sales Tax, Services Tax and more. This made it easier for taxpayers to understand their tax obligations and comply with them with ease.
Whereas, GSTIN is a unique identification number for all taxable persons and businesses in India that are registered under GST. The Indian Government also offers a provisional GSTIN number for businesses to continue their operations while they get their GSTIN.
Importance of Company Registration and GST Registration
Both company registrations and GST registrations have considerable importance for businesses in India. Registering your company for GST generates brand authority and offers a solid legal entity to your business. This helps to boost your operations in future as people tend to trust a GST-registered company more than a non-registered company.
Now, a basic GST registration online enables businesses with an annual turnover of ₹40 lakh or in some states above ₹20 lakh to comply with their tax obligations and be a part of the unique taxation system in India. It also allows businesses to claim ITC (Input Tax Credits) for their business purchases and gain some tax benefits out of it.
Steps to Enroll for GST and Obtain a Provisional ID Online
Obtaining your Provisional GSTIN number is simple. You just have to follow simple steps on the official GST portal. Here is a guide that will help you understand how to know your GST provisional ID:
Access the official GST Portal and then click on the “New User” registration option.
Enter the necessary details as required, such as your PAN number, registered e-mail ID and your linked mobile number.
You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number or your email address for verification.
Finish your registration form by entering all relevant details for a GST registration online, including your business details such as the main bank account details and address, branch and more.
Once you submit your enrollment form with all relevant details, you will get your Provisional ID and password.
What Is An Enrollment Number?
An enrollment number is a unique identification number that is given to businesses in their GST enrollment process. It is a temporary identification number until the GST provides them with their final GSTIN number.
It is imperative for you to have various types of credentials when you are doing government paperwork, such as GST registration. You must keep all your important credentials up to date to avoid any kind of problems during these processes. Here are some documents you should keep handy while registering for GST.
Business’s PAN Card or the owner’s PAN card
Proof of business registration, including the Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed and Certificate of Registration issued
KYC details and address proof of the business owner or an authorised signatory
Business’s bank account details
Business’s utility bills or rent agreement as address proof
You need to provide all these duly updated documents in the GST portal when you apply for a GST registration. Once the tax officer verifies and approves your application, you will receive your GSTIN number as your business’s entity.
Conclusion
Most businesspersons get their GST registration once they cross the threshold of ₹40 lakh of annual turnover (₹20 lakh for some special states). Now, the processing from the application to the approval stage takes time. During this time, they must have a provisional registration ID to operate their business legally.
If you are wondering how to know your GST provisional ID, well, you can simply visit the official GST portal and follow a few simple steps as given in this blog to know your provisional GSTIN.
FAQs
What is a Provisional GSTIN and why is it issued?
A Provisional GSTIN is a temporary GST number provided to businesses when their GST registration is still under process. It helps them continue operations without legal hurdles. With a provisional GSTIN, businesses can issue tax invoices, generate e-way bills, and file GSTR-1 returns. It acts as a legal bridge until the permanent GSTIN is allotted.
How can I find my GST provisional ID online?
You can easily know your GST provisional ID by visiting the official GST portal. Select the “New User” option, then provide your PAN, registered email ID, and mobile number. Once OTP verification is done, complete your business details including bank account and address. After successful submission, you will be allotted a provisional GSTIN and password to access the portal.
What is the difference between Provisional GSTIN and Final GSTIN?
Both provisional and final GSTINs follow the same 15-digit structure. The key difference lies in the last character: Provisional GSTIN ends with “P” while the Final GSTIN ends with “Z.” With a provisional GSTIN, businesses can file GSTR-1 and operate legally but cannot claim ITC or file GSTR-2 until the final GSTIN is issued by the tax department.
What are the benefits of having a Provisional GSTIN?
A Provisional GSTIN ensures that businesses remain compliant while awaiting their final registration. It allows smooth operations by enabling invoice generation, e-way bill creation, and partial return filing. It also builds customer trust since the business is recognized under GST law. Without a provisional GSTIN, operations may face compliance risks and penalties.
What documents are required for GST registration?
For GST registration, businesses must submit essential documents such as the PAN card of the owner, proof of business registration (like incorporation certificate or partnership deed), address proof (utility bill or rental agreement), bank account details, and KYC documents of the owner or authorized signatory. Keeping these documents updated ensures a hassle-free GST application process.
An Alumnus of IIM and DU with almost a decade of experience in the banking and finance sectors. I had the opportunity to work with all types of institutions in BFSI ecosystem like Bank, NBFC, Fintech, Consulting and Auditor. I started my professional journey at KPMG and subsequently worked in leading names of the BFSI sector including Ujjivan Bank, Vistaar Finance. Currently building a fintech startup ( PICE) by handling alliances, compliance and creation of GTM strategy for payments and credit product.
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