Struggling with GST Registration? CBIC’s Latest Directive Offers Faster Resolution
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued Instruction No. 04/2025-GST to streamline and enhance the grievance redressal process for applicants facing issues in obtaining GST registration under the Central jurisdiction. This step is a follow-up to the earlier Instruction No. 03/2025, which focused on standardizing the processing of GST registration applications.
🔍 Objective of the Instruction
The instruction aims to:
- Address grievances of applicants related to queries raised, unjustified rejections, or delays in GST registration.
- Provide a direct mechanism for applicants to escalate their concerns.
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and timely resolution of issues during the registration process.
📬 Who Can Use This Mechanism?
Any applicant whose GST registration Application Reference Number (ARN) falls under Central jurisdiction, and who has a grievance regarding:
- Improper or irrelevant queries raised,
- Delays or silence from the department,
- Rejection of application in violation of previous instructions,
can approach the concerned Zonal Principal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioner of CGST.
⚙️ Mechanism for Grievance Redressal
The CBIC has laid out the following steps:
1. Dedicated Email Address
Each CGST Zone must publicize an official email ID to receive GST registration grievances. This email must be made widely known through various communication channels.
2. Grievance Submission Format
Applicants should send emails including:
- ARN details,
- Jurisdiction (Centre/State),
- A brief description of the issue.
3. Forwarding State Jurisdiction Grievances
If the grievance pertains to a State jurisdiction, the CGST office must:
- Forward the grievance to the concerned State authority,
- Endorse a copy to the GST Council Secretariat.
4. Timely Resolution
The concerned CGST Commissioner must:
- Ensure prompt resolution,
- Communicate the outcome to the applicant,
- In cases where the officer’s queries are valid, advise the applicant accordingly.
5. Monthly Reporting
Each CGST Zone must submit a monthly report to the Directorate General of GST (DGGST), who will consolidate the data for review by the CBIC Board.
🏛️ Coordination with Other Authorities
The instruction also directs:
- GST Council Secretariat to share this framework with all States/UTs for implementing a similar grievance redressal mechanism on their end.
- Director General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) to support publicity efforts.
🚨 Escalation of Issues
If there are any implementation difficulties, these should be brought directly to the notice of the Board for resolution.
✉️ Issued By
Gaurav Singh,
Commissioner (GST),
CBIC
📝 Conclusion
Instruction No. 04/2025-GST is a proactive measure to bridge the communication gap between GST applicants and authorities. By ensuring a clear, structured, and timely grievance redressal mechanism, the CBIC seeks to make GST registration more efficient and applicant-friendly.
This initiative reflects CBIC’s commitment to Ease of Doing Business and strengthens trust in the GST framework.