Unveiling the Basics of GEO-Coding
Geocoding stands as a requisite step in the address verification process within the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework in India. This procedure entails the transformation of physical addresses into geographic coordinates, specifically latitude and longitude. It has evolved into a crucial instrument for validating the precision of a business or supplier’s location.
On February 24, 2023, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) issued guidance about the geo-coding of the principal place of business. This article will delve into the advantages, methodology, and prerequisites associated with geo-coding for address verification under GST in India.
GSTIN Guidance on Geocoding for Principal Place of Business
The capability to geocode the principal place of business is now available on the GST Portal within the Services/Registration tab in the FO Portal. Taxpayers have the option to review the geocoded address generated by the system and can choose to either accept it or make updates according to their requirements. The geocoded address specifics will be stored independently under the “Principal Geocoded” tab on the portal, without modifying the existing address.
After the submission of geocoding details, the geocoding link will no longer be visible on the portal, and any modifications to the address will not be permitted. This activity is a one-time process. The feature is accessible for General, Formation, SEZ Units, SEZ Developers, ISD, and Casual Taxpayers, regardless of their status being Active, Canceled, or Suspended.
- Note: At present, the same functionality is available to only the assessees registered in Delhi and Haryana.
Benefits of Geo-Coding for Address Verification in GST
Geocoding offers numerous benefits for address verification within the GST framework in India. Some of these advantages include:
- Enhanced Precision: It rectifies the accuracy of the address verification by identifying the precise location of the business or the supplier.
- Accelerated Procedure: The verification process with the geocoding could finish faster since the same removes the requirement for manual verification.
- Reducing Errors: Geo-coding supports diminishing the errors that may emerge at the time of verification of address because of human error.
- Enhanced Compliance: Geo-coding assures that the businesses as well as the suppliers comply with the GST rules which rectifies the whole compliance.
Understanding the Geo-Coding Process for Address Verification in GST
The geo-coding process for the verification of address under GST in India consists of the below-mentioned steps-
- Step 1: GST Portal Login: Go to https://services.gst.gov.in/services/login Enter the User ID (PAN / AADHAR / Other USER ID) and password. Tap on login now.
- Step 2: Utilize Geocoding Services: If you haven’t provided the updated address for your primary business location in the GST Address with geo-coding, a notification will appear asking you to do so. To update the GST address with geo-coding, you can simply click on the “Continue” button on the dashboard.
- Step 3: The Present Geo-Coded Address: Please review and confirm the current information about the geo-coded address of your main business location. If you need to update it with a new geocoding, click on the “Update Geocoded Address” button.
- Step 4: Establish a New Geo-Coded Address: To provide the new geo-coded address, you can indicate the location on the map provided and then click the “Confirm” button. By doing so, the system will automatically capture the latitude and longitude information associated with the specified location.
Read Also: Easy to Change GST Registered Business Address on Portal
Requirements for Geo-Coding in Address Verification
To utilize the geo-coding for address verification under Goods & Service Tax in India, you should fulfil the following requirements:
Closure
Geocoding plays a vital role in verifying addresses within the Goods & Service Tax system in India. Its utilization effectively minimizes errors, enhances compliance, and boosts accuracy. The process of employing geo-coding for address verification involves having a valid physical address, accessing a geo-coding service, and possessing the necessary know-how to utilize it. By adhering to these prerequisites and following the prescribed procedure, businesses and suppliers can ensure their adherence to GST regulations and prevent penalties.
