Key takeaways
What this article covers, in order:
- How to register for GST in Puducherry
- Key dates and limits to remember
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How HelloBooks helps
- Frequently asked questions
GST registration in Puducherry follows the national online process, with your jurisdiction set to Puducherry. Follow these steps.
How to register for GST in Puducherry
- Open gst.gov.in and start a new registration (Part A) with PAN, mobile and email.
- Select Puducherry and complete the OTP verification.
- Fill Part B with business, promoter and bank details and upload address proof.
- Complete Aadhaar or biometric authentication if prompted.
- Submit with DSC or EVC and track the ARN until REG-06 is issued.
Key dates and limits to remember
- Registration becomes mandatory once your aggregate annual turnover crosses ₹40 lakh for goods or ₹20 lakh for services (₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh respectively in the special-category states). You can also register voluntarily below those limits to claim input tax credit and sell to GST-registered buyers.
- Registration on the GST portal is free of government charge.
- Your GSTIN will map to a Puducherry jurisdiction.
Filing late costs a late fee of ₹50 per day (₹20 per day for a nil return), subject to a cap, plus interest at 18% per annum on any tax paid late — which is exactly why a reminder-driven filing routine pays for itself.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping reconciliation against GSTR-2B before claiming input tax credit.
- Forgetting to file a nil return — it is still mandatory and still attracts a late fee.
- Entering the wrong place of supply, which sends CGST/SGST where IGST was due.
How HelloBooks helps
HelloBooks turns the compliance steps above into a few clicks. HelloBooks is free GST accounting software for Indian businesses: you can raise GST-compliant invoices with the correct HSN or SAC code, track input tax credit against your GSTR-2B, and file unlimited GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B returns from one dashboard.
- GST-ready invoicing with automatic CGST / SGST / IGST split and HSN or SAC codes.
- GSTR-2B reconciliation so you only claim the input tax credit you are actually entitled to.
- GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing free, with GSTR-9 generated ready to file and e-invoicing on higher plans.
- Due-date reminders so a late fee never catches you by surprise.
Thousands of founders, freelancers and accountants in India run their books on HelloBooks — you can start free, with no credit card.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register for GST in Puducherry myself without a CA?
Yes. The process is online and self-service, and software like HelloBooks guides you through it. Many small businesses do it themselves; a CA is optional for complex cases.
What does it cost?
The government charges no fee for registration or return filing on the portal. You only pay if you use a professional or paid software — and GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing is free in HelloBooks.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Filing late costs a late fee of ₹50 per day (₹20 per day for a nil return), subject to a cap, plus interest at 18% per annum on any tax paid late — which is exactly why a reminder-driven filing routine pays for itself.
