On February 24, 2023, the Goods and Services Tax Network issued an advisory on geocoding of the principal place of business. Geo-coding is a mandatory process for address verification in India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It includes converting physical addresses into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) and has become a vital tool for ensuring the accuracy of a company’s or the vendor’s location.
Here, we will learn more about geocoding in GST registration, its advantages, procedures, and the need for geo-coding in address verification under GST in India.
STEP 2: Once you log in successfully, your dashboard will display a message stating that the ‘address of the place of business is not geocoded’. To proceed, click on ‘Continue’.
STEP 3: The current registered address for the major place of business will be shown to you. If the address presented is correct, click ‘Accept geocoded address’.
STEP 5: The accepted address will be displayed on the map. Verify it once again before proceeding.
STEP 6: Tick the verification box.
STEP 7: Select the authorized signatory’s name from the drop-down list and enter the location name.
STEP 8: At last, choose from DSC or EVC options whichever is applicable for you in order to submit Geoding. For DSC click on certificate, sign, and proceed. For EVC, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID. Just enter it and your work is done.
Features of Geocoding in GST Registration
These are the features provided by the GST portal to the users to apply for Geocoding in GST registration:- The GST department has included a map with a drop-down feature to help users pinpoint the exact location of their address.
- Once the place is picked on the map, the information is automatically filled in the address entry fields provided by the application’s interface. The user is responsible for reviewing the details and making any necessary changes.
- Also, the authorities ensured that the address fields were interlinked so that subsequent address entry forms would auto-fill based on the user’s information. For example, once the user enters the PIN code, the system will automatically recognize and populate the appropriate State and District.
- Another important feature added by the GST authorities is the ability for users to manually enter their address using suggested address input that appears in dropdown lists. The users can choose the suitable and necessary address fields. This would eliminate errors in address texts while also making it easier for the user to enter the correct address input fields in the GST portal.
- The authorities have also managed to properly separate the address fields in order to prevent user confusion while entering relevant inputs under distinct address categories. According to the address inputs provided by the user, the longitude/latitude of the address will be auto-generated, which is non-editable.
Implementation of Geocoding of Place of Business in GST
The introduction of geocoding of the place of business in GST took place in different phases. Let’s have a look at the various stages of its implementation.| S. No. | Particulars | Month of Implementation |
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Geocoding for new registrants | March, 2022 |
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Geocoding for existing registrants’ principal place of business | February, 2023 |
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Geocoding for extra place of business | September, 2023 |
What Are The Requirements For Geocoding?
There are a few requirements that business owners need to fulfill as they choose to utilize geocoding for GST registration:- A physical address of the business or supplier that is legally valid.
- Capacity to access services for the geocoding procedure.
- A GST system is to be used for updating the verified address.
- Services for geocoding and a stable internet connection to allow smooth access to the GST system.
- Adequate information and knowledge about geocoding and steps to use it.
GSTIN Guidelines for Principal Place of Business Geocoding
The Services/Registration page of the GST portal in the FO Portal includes the option to geocode the principal place of business. Taxpayers might review the geocoded address that the system has produced and decide whether to accept it or make changes based on their needs. The geocoded address information will be stored separately from the current address and kept under the “Principal Geocoded” page on the site. The geocoding link will not be available at the portal upon submission of the geocoding details, and changes to the address will not be allowed anymore. Thus, it is a one-time procedure. General, Formation, SEZ Developers, SEZ Units, Casual Taxpayers, and ISD can all access this service, no matter if their status is active, canceled, or suspended.Legal Aspects of Geocoding in GST
Geocoding in GST registration has a pivotal role to play. While geocoding basically aids in determining the pinpoint location of any business entity, it addresses several legal aspects of GST as well.-
Avoiding Legal Disputes and Penalties:
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Intellectual Property Rights:
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Compliance with Geospatial Regulations:
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Auditing and Record-Keeping:
Step-by-Step Guide to Geocoding in GST Registration
Geocoding or Geolocating the place of business in GST registration is not a difficult task for taxpayers. The following are the steps that need to be taken for the purpose of Geocoding in GST registration: STEP 1: Visit the GST portal using any of your devices. Log in to the portal using your login ID and password.
STEP 2: Once you log in successfully, your dashboard will display a message stating that the ‘address of the place of business is not geocoded’. To proceed, click on ‘Continue’.
STEP 3: The current registered address for the major place of business will be shown to you. If the address presented is correct, click ‘Accept geocoded address’.
STEP 5: The accepted address will be displayed on the map. Verify it once again before proceeding.
STEP 6: Tick the verification box.
STEP 7: Select the authorized signatory’s name from the drop-down list and enter the location name.
STEP 8: At last, choose from DSC or EVC options whichever is applicable for you in order to submit Geoding. For DSC click on certificate, sign, and proceed. For EVC, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number and email ID. Just enter it and your work is done.
Steps to Update Geocoded Addresses
If the geocoded address does not appear on the screen or if you wish to make any changes, click the ‘Update geocoded address’ button and follow the steps mentioned below: STEP 1: After clicking ‘Update geocoded address’, the data of the existing major place of business as per the Registration details will be displayed to you with the map. STEP 2: Move the “pin” available on the map to mark the correct location, and click on “Confirm” to proceed. If you can’t locate your address on the map, manually type the address in the “Locate your address” field and choose from all the available options. STEP 3: The address fields will be automatically filled after the second step. If there are any empty fields on the displayed screen, fill them manually STEP 5: Tick the verification box, select the authorized signatory’s name from the drop-down list, and provide the filing location. STEP 6: Based on your eligibility, choose ‘Submit with DSC’ or ‘Submit with EVC.’ If you wish to finish this later, use the ‘Remind me later’ option. STEP 7: For DSC, pick and sign the certificate, and for EVC, input the OTP issued to your registered email and phone number. STEP 8: A notice confirming the update will appear on the screen, and an email and SMS will be sent to the registered contacts. Keep in mind that changing the geocoded location does not affect the principal place of business address listed on the Registration Certificate. If you are willing to change the principal location, you will have to file an amendment application.Benefits of Geocoding Beyond GST Registration
There are a variety of benefits of Geocoding for address registration under the GST system in India. A few of the benefits of Geocoding in GST registration include:-
Enhanced Accuracy:
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Optimized Procedure:
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Higher Compliance:
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Reduced Errors:
Challenges And Solutions in Geocoding For GST Registration
The process of converting addresses as geographical coordinates for GST registration can be challenging due to certain factors. However, these challenges have solutions to them as well. Let’s have a look at these challenges and solutions:Challenges
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Standardization of Addresses
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Rural and Remote Areas
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Multi-unit Buildings and Complexes
Solutions
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Address Parsing and Standardization
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Geocoding Service Integration
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Multi-unit Buildings and Complex Handling
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Regular Data Updates
Tools for Geocoding in GST Registration
There is a high importance of accurate geocoding in GST and to provide accurate Geocoding for GST registration and other business purposes, there are multiple tools and APIs are available. These resources and tools can help you easily obtain latitude and longitude coordinates, verify addresses, and add geocoding features to your business. Read about the below-mentioned Geocoding tools for business to simplify your day-to-day operations:- Google Maps Geocoding API
- Mapbox Geocoding API
- Bing Maps Geocoding API
- ArcGIS World Geocoding Service
- OpenCage Geocoder API
- SmartyStreets Geocoding API
- HERE Geocoding API
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The importance of Geocoding as a crucial tool for verification of address under the Goods and Service Tax in India cannot be emphasized enough. Geocoding can significantly mitigate the risk of errors, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance accuracy as well. Use of Geocoding for verification of business address simply requires a physical valid address and knowledge to access and use a geocoding service. Following the right steps of the procedures for geocoding can assist businesses and suppliers in making sure that they fulfill GST requirements and avoid any kind of penalties.Master GST geocoding requirements for your business location with CaptainBiz.
