Accessing the GST Portal: System Requirements for Businesses
This article outlines the essential system requirements for businesses to access the GST Common Portal and comply with the revised GST laws, which mandate online invoice uploads for input tax credit. It details specific desktop browser versions and enabled features like CSS, JavaScript, and cookies, along with prerequisites for utilizing Digital Signature Certificates. Emphasizing the need for technological readiness, the guide aims to facilitate a smooth transition for businesses into the GST regime.
The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is nearing completion, yet trade bodies express concern regarding the readiness of Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). Many associations are advocating for a delay in GST rollout to allow SMBs sufficient time to acquire the necessary technological infrastructure for integrating with the new GST framework.
The revised GST law mandates that businesses must upload all purchase and sales invoices electronically to the GST Network portal. Input tax credit (Input credit) under GST will only be accessible through these invoices via a structured online system. Consequently, businesses of all sizes need to establish the required infrastructure to access the common GST portal. The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) and various trade associations are conducting awareness programs to educate small businesses about these changes.
Essential System Requirements for the GST Common Portal
To effectively access the GST Common Portal, users need specific system configurations:
- Desktop Browser: Compatible browsers include Internet Explorer 10+, Chrome 49+, or Firefox 45+.
- Additionally, the following features must be enabled:
- Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): This is crucial for rendering the portal's user interface. Disabling CSS will result in a suboptimal user experience.
- JavaScript: This enables enhanced interactivity and functionality of the user interface controls. Disabling JavaScript will prevent users from performing any transactions on the portal.
- Cookies: These store personalized user information. If cookies are disabled, users will not be able to log in or conduct transactions on the portal.
Requirements for Using a Digital Signature Certificate
For the proper functioning of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the GST portal, ensure these requirements are met:
- Desktop Browser: Internet Explorer 10+, Chrome 49+, or Firefox 45+ are required.
- A valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) must be obtained from an authorized provider.
- Important Notes:
- The GST Common Portal exclusively supports Crypto Tokens installed in Hard Tokens for DSC registration.
- For certificates based on Hard Tokens, users should consult the user manual supplied by the Certifying Authority for guidance on certificate download, enrollment, and usage.
- Digital Signature Certificates are not supported on mobile devices or through mobile browsers.
Businesses with access to these specified systems should experience a smooth transition to the GST regime. If a business has traditionally relied on manual record-keeping, it is advisable to embrace digital technology and align with the Digital India initiative.
The system specifications are sourced from GSTN.