Table of Contents
Quick Summary:
- ARN (Application Reference Number) is a 15-digit number generated after GST application submission.
- It is used for GST status check by ARN number.
- You don’t need to log in to track GST registration status.
- GSTIN is issued only after status shows Approved.
- Standard processing time: Up to 7 working days (if no clarification required).
Once you submit your GST application on the GST portal, you get an application reference number (ARN). The ARN is the primary method available to check the status of your GST application. By checking your ARN status you can get details regarding your application, starting from the document verification process to clarification requests related to your application. Hence, it is important that you understand how to check your GST status by ARN number.
What is ARN in GST Registration?
The Application Reference Number (ARN number) is a unique 15-digit code generated after you successfully submit your GST registration form on the official GST portal.
The ARN serves as:
- Acknowledgement of GST application submission
- Tracking number for GST registration status
- Reference ID for clarification and verification
You receive your GST ARN number in three ways:
- On the confirmation page after submission
- Via acknowledgement email or SMS
- Under “View Submitted Applications” on the GST portal
Without the ARN number, you cannot perform a GST application status check.
What is GST ARN, and How is it Different from GSTIN?
As we have discussed before, the GST ARN number is an acknowledgement and shares the real-time progress of your GST registration process. Note that your GST ARN number is different from the GST number.
- The GST ARN status shows the processing stage.
- The GSTIN number is a separate number issued only after all verification’s.
In simple terms, ARN status tells you what action, if any, is required from your side before registration is completed. Monitoring this status helps businesses respond to clarification requests quickly and avoid unnecessary delays in GST approval.
Also read: What is GST, Full Form, Meaning & Key Features
How to Check GST Status by ARN Number
Here’s the process to check GST application status with the ARN number.
Step 1: Go to the GST Portal
You don’t need to log in to your GST portal to check the ARN status. It’s accessible from the homepage of the GST portal.
Step 2: Click on “Track Application Status”
Under the Services tab, navigate to Track Application Status. It will direct you to a window where you will submit the ARN number.
Step 3 – Select “Registration” Option
Before you share the GST ARN track number, the portal will give you two options to choose from, and here select Registration.
Step 4 – Enter ARN Number
In the last step, share your ARN number and hit Search to find out the updated status of your GST application.
Step 5 – View GST Application Status
As you hit Search, the GST portal will provide a detailed report of your GST application status. This includes the current state, action date, and related information to the specific events.
Some Common GST Registration Status Updates
The government of India has a set protocol to issue GST numbers for businesses. As per the proceedings of this process, the GST authority processes every application in multiple stages before issuing the number. Here are the most common updates;
- Application Submitted: The first GST registration status that ensures the application is successfully filed and the ARN is generated.
- Pending Verification: This means the GST application is under review by the GST office and that the concerned authority is checking documents, business details, and declarations.
- Pending Clarification: In case the GST office finds missing information, wrong information, or needs further clarity on any pointer, they will raise a question that the application must answer.
- Clarification Filed: After submitting the required answer or documentation, the application will submit the clarification, the status update is Clarification Filed.
- Site Verification: The concerned GST officer will visit the premises where the business will be conducted.
- Approved: After all verifications are done, the GST officer will approve the application, and the GSTIN will be issued.
- Rejected: If, for any reason, the clarifications provided aren’t up to the satisfaction, the application is rejected.
What Should I Do if My Application Status Says Pending Clarification?
If your application status reads “pending clarification”, something has been identified as needing your input. Here is how to best respond to that identification:
Step 1: Read your clarification notice very carefully
When you log back into the GST portal, read the exact clarification that has been requested. A significant portion of rejections occur when the applicant does not understand what is being requested. Write down which document reference or field requires clarification.
Step 2: Gather any additional documentation needed
If you need to provide additional documents (i.e. Electricity bill, partnership deed, etc.) make sure you get certified copies. Make certain all your documents are readable, legible, and clearly dated. Scanned PDFs work fine for almost all clarification requests.
Step 3: Submit your response prior to deadline
Your deadline will be specified in the GST portal (typically between 7-15 Days after the notice date). Please do not miss your deadline. Once you have provided your clarification response, select ‘submit clarification’ from the options available to you in the GST portal. Missing deadlines may result in automatic rejection of your application.
Step 4: Check the status of your ARN after submission
After submitting your clarification response, continue to monitor the status of your ARN. Typically, processing occurs within three to five working days. Upon successful submission of your clarification, your application status should change from ‘pending clarification’ to ‘clarification filed,’ and then proceed toward either ‘approved’ or ‘site verification.’
How Long Does the GST Registration Status Take After the ARN Number?
The amount of time it takes to register under GST largely depends upon whether you require clarification. Below is a breakdown by status stage:
Submission to pending verification: 1-2 days
This is automated. As soon as you submit your application, it automatically goes into a pending verification status within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
Pending verification: 2-4 Days
In this stage, the GST officer will review your documents, verify your PAN record, and verify your Aadhaar. If everything appears satisfactory and correct, your application will go directly to ‘approved.’ If there appear to be discrepancies, you will be moved to ‘pending clarification.’
Pending clarification response timeframe: 7-15 Days (authority set by authority)
Upon receipt of the clarification notice, you generally have seven to fifteen days to provide a response. Because this timeframe is determined based on how fast you respond and submit the documents, this stage can be somewhat subjective.
Clarification filed to final Decision-making: 3-5 days
Following the submission of your clarification response, the authority will assess your response. The typical duration of processing is three to five working days.
Site visit (if required): 5-10 days
Coordination regarding a site visit takes time. Generally speaking, the visit itself occurs within five to ten days of notification. Following the visit, approval generally occurs within two to three days.
Total timeline (optimal scenario, no clarifications):
One to two days (submission) + two to four days (verification) + one day (approval) = four to seven working days total. This corresponds to the standard “seven working days” mentioned by the GST authority.
Total timeline (with only one round of clarifications):
Four to seven days (initial) + ten days (your response deadline) + three to five days (review) = seventeen to twenty-two working days. This is why a timely response to clarification requests is very important.
Please note that the timelines given above are indicative and may differ based on various factors.
What Can Lead to Delays in the GST Registration Process?
Mistakes most likely to result in clarification
Recognizing potential pitfalls allows you to sidestep potential obstacles:
- Business name mismatch: your business name on your PAN record differes from your Aadhaar or actual trading name
- Address discrepancy: registered office address differs from operational address without proper explanation
- Missing supporting docs: electricity bill, rent agreement or partnership deed not uploaded or illegible
- Consistent business activity: NIC code does not match stated business activity
- Signature issues: signature(s) on document(s) do(es)n’t match Aadhaar or is(are) illegible
What are Some of the Most Frequent Reasons for Rejecting a GST Application?
Some of the most common reasons for GST application rejection include:
- Fraudulent/false information provided
- Applicant business does not meet eligibility standards for registration
- Applicant fails to respond to official clarification requests by deadline
- Official unable to verify applicant’s address
- A duplicate registration currently exists.
The majority of rejections can be resolved by submitting an appeal along with the appropriate information.
What Should I do if My Application Status Says ‘Pending for Clarification’?
If your application status says, ‘pending for clarification’ you should do the following:
- Step 1: Review the specific clarification request displayed on the GST portal.
- Step 2: Collect any required documentation (electricity bill, rent agreement etc).
- Step 3: Provide your response prior to the designated deadline (generally within 7-15 days).
- Step 4: Continuously monitor your ARN status for subsequent updates. Prompt response is key to preventing automatic rejection of your application.
What to Do if your GST Application is Rejected
You have 90 days (three months) to submit an appeal if your application has been rejected. Follow these steps to prepare your appeal:
Step 1: Access your rejection notice
Access your rejection notice online through the GST portal. Carefully read it so you can clearly see why your application was rejected.
Step 2: Collect all relevant documents
Collect all relevant documents needed to resolve the reason(s) for rejection. For example, if your application was rejected because of an incorrect address, obtain a notarized document confirming your current residence. If your application was rejected due to a discrepancy in your submitted information, collect corrected versions of your PAN card or Aadhar card.
Step 3: Submit your appeal
Using the GST Portal, complete your appeal with any supporting documents and submit them under “Services > User Services > My Applications > Appeal to Appellate Authority”.
Step 4: Wait for authority review
Once received by the applicable authority, they will review the appeal. If accepted, you will be issued a GSTIN. However, if rejected again, you may then appeal to the GST Appellate Authority.
Note: Most times rejections are overturned once you provide the missing or correct information.
How to Download GST Registration Certificate After Approval?
Once status shows “Approved”:
- Log in to GST portal (www.gst.gov.in)
- Go to Services
- Click User Services
- Select View/Download Certificates
Download your GST registration certificate in PDF format.
Final Thoughts
Regular and on-time tracking of your GST ARN status is essential to get clarity at every stage of the registration process. Instead of waiting for that one SMS with your GST number, the GST ARN track system helps you stay on top of any new developments with your GST registration status.
With your GST number finalized, you can run your business smoothly while staying compliant with the law. To stay compliant also means taking care of your payments, collections, and settlements. This is where a GST-enabled Cashfree payments provider helps businesses transition smoothly to a larger enterprise.
Get in touch with us to know more about the GST registration process and how Cashfree can help you stay compliant, track your payments, and maintain a healthy cash flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ARN number in GST registration?
ARN (Application Reference Number) is a 15-digit number generated after GST registration form submission. It is used for GST status check by ARN and tracking application progress.
How can I check GST status using ARN?
Visit the GST portal → Track Application Status → Select Registration → Enter ARN number → Click Search.
You do not need login credentials for GST ARN status check.
Is GST ARN status the same as GST registration status?
ARN is just an identification number and an acknowledgement about your GST registration process initiation. The ARN status is not the same as the GST status.
How many days after ARN generation will I get GSTIN?
If no clarifications are required by the officials, you will get your GSTIN within 7 working days from the date of successful form submissions. Delays can occur if further checks and clarifications are required.
What does “Pending for Clarification” mean in GST status?
Pending for clarification means when there’s more documents, answers, or clarifications required to be shared by the application. Subject to the approval of the given evidence or documentation, the authorities will process the application further.
Can I track GST application status without ARN?
No. ARN number is mandatory for GST application status tracking.
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