Are you looking for a job that combines a passion for taxes with the potential to assist businesses in navigating complex regulations? Consider becoming a GST (Goods and Services Tax) practitioner. This blog will train you through the necessary stages to become a successful GST practitioner and begin a rewarding professional career.
What is a GST Practitioner?
A GST practitioner is a tax specialist authorize to advise businesses on GST issues. GST practitioners play an essential role in easing the tax process for businesses, from registration and compliance to submitting returns and conducting audits. By becoming a GST practitioner, you may use your knowledge to assist companies to prosper while also ensuring that they comply with GST requirements.
Who is a GST practitioner?
A GST practitioner is someone who has been authorized by the Central Government or a State Government to execute one or more of the following actions on behalf of taxpayers:
- Registration: A GST practitioner can assist a taxpayer in applying for or making changes to/canceling GST registration.
- Returns: A GST practitioner can help you prepare monthly/quarterly/annual GST returns like GSTR-3B, GSTR-1, GSTR-9, etc.
- Refunds/Payment: GST practitioners can file refund claims or pay taxes on behalf of registered people.
- Authorized representative: GST practitioners will be permitted to appear as approved representatives before any official of the GST Department, Appellate Authority, or Tribunal.
How to Become a GST Practitioner:
1.Complete the Eligibility Criteria: To become a GST practitioner, you must complete the following eligibility requirements:
Be an Indian citizen.
A bachelor’s degree from a reputable university is require.
Professional certification such as CA (Chartered Accountant), CS (Company Secretary), or CMA (Cost and Management Accountant) is required.
Have at least five years of professional taxes or similar experience.
2.Sign up for the GST Portal:
If you fulfill the qualifying requirements, go to the official GST portal and register as a practitioner. Fill complete the blanks and attach any essential documents, such as your educational credentials and experience certifications.
3. Successfully finish the GST Practitioner Certification Exam:
Enroll in the GST Practitioner Certification Course when you have successfully registered. This training will provide the information and also skills to handle GST-related responsibilities properly. GST legislation, registration procedures, GST return filing, and other subjects are cover throughout the course. To become a GST practitioner, you must complete the gst certification course.
4. Pass the GST Practitioner Exam:
After finishing the certification course, you must pass the GST Practitioner Exam administered by the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN). The test assesses your comprehension of GST rules, processes, and practical issues. Hence, clearing this test is critical to becoming a registered GST practitioner.
5. Obtain a GST Practitioner Certificate:
So, if you pass the exam, NACIN will provide you with a GST Practitioner Certificate. Thus this certificate proves your authorization to represent businesses in GST concerns.
The Importance of GSTP Exam Certification
After becoming a GST practitioner, the individual must pass the GSTP test within two years of enrollment. One exception is that if a person enrolls as a GSTP before July 1, 2018, he would have an additional year to complete the test.
A GST practitioner submits essential data/information on the taxpayer’s behalf. Given the significance of the GST practitioner’s profession, he must first register on the GST Portal and pass an exam to receive a certificate before beginning his practice.
Obtaining GST Practitioner (GSTP) accreditation helps strengthen the practitioner’s reputation and confidence in the taxpayer’s eyes.
The steps required to become a certified GST practitioner.
To become a qualified GST practitioner, an individual must complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Register as a GST practitioner on the GST point using Form PCT- 01 and acquire a Registration certification using Form PCT- 02.
Hence, upload the required information for registration as a ‘GST practitioner’ on the site. GSTN will produce a TRN and validate these details using an OTP delivered to the registered cellphone number. Hence, upload supporting documentation and submit your application via DSC or EVC. Then within fifteen days, an acknowledgment containing the GSTP Enrollment number is sent to the register email address.
- Step 2: For certification, take the GSTP Exam, administered by NACIN. Attend the GSTP test, held by NACIN, within two years of enrolling on the GST portal. To be accredited as a GSTP, candidates must receive at least 50% of the total marks. The list of enroll GSTPs will be made accessible on the GST common platform for taxpayers to select from
GSTP examination prerequisites
If the candidate meets the basic requirements, he must register on the GST site as a GST practitioner in Form PCT-01 and get the enrollment number in Form PCT-02 from the appropriate officer after a thorough investigation. He must next complete the GSTP test to get certified.
Procedure for GST Practitioner Examination
NACIN (The National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics) would administer the test for enrollment as a GST practitioner. https://nacen.gov.in/
Hence,the examinations are held twice yearly at various locations across India. The applicant may select the center of their choosing. NACIN announces the exam date, published on the GST web, the GST Council Secretariat, and primary English and regional publications.
This test may be registered for at nacin.onlineregistrationform.org. Then Candidates must use their GST enrollment number (user id) and PAN (password) to log in.
Thus the candidate must pay examination costs at the time of enrollment. The applicable fees, as well as the method of payment, will be stated on the NACIN website.
- Examinable characteristics:
Eventually, it is a computer-based examination with mainly multiple-choice questions.
NACIN will announce the results within one month of the examination and notify the candidates via email/post.
To become a GSTP, a person must receive at least 50% of the total marks. Thus, the individual must pass the test within two years of enrollment. Hence, there is no restriction to the number of tries made by the candidate over the two-year term.
The following is the examination syllabus:
The following legislation will be cover in the ‘GST law and process’ paper:
- 2017 Central Goods and Services Tax Act;
- 2017 Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act
- All 2017 State Goods and Services Tax Acts
- The 2017 Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act
- 2017 Goods and Services Tax (State Compensation) Act
- 2017 Central Goods and Services Tax Regulations
- The 2017 Integrated Goods and Services Tax Rules
- 2017 Goods and Services Tax Rules for All States
Notifications, circulars, and instructions are issue from time to time by the Acts mentioned above and Rules.