The GST e-invoice system has been updated, mandating two-factor authentication for all taxpayers with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) above Rs. 20 crores. It will be effective from November 20th, 2023.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has released a similar updation of the requirement for two-factor authentication, applying to taxpayers with an AATO above 100 crores, commencing from July 15, 2023.
Here are the three methods you can follow for receiving the OTP (One-Time Password):
- SMS: An OTP will be delivered to your registered mobile number as an SMS.
- ‘Sandes’ App: The government provides a messaging application called ‘Sandes’ for sending and receiving messages. You can download and install the ‘Sandes’ app on your registered mobile number to receive the OTP there.
- ‘NIC-GST-Shield’ App: The e-Way Bill/e-Invoice System offers a mobile app called “NIC-GST-Shield” for generating OTPs. You can download this app exclusively from the e-Waybill/e-Invoice portal via the link or by navigating to ‘Main Menu, 2-Factor Authentication, and Install NIC-GST-Shield.
On May 29, 2023, the NIC brought a new facility to the E-way bill system, allowing users to de-register or cancel common enrolment by themselves. These enhancements will improve functionality and user experience for enrolled transporters and regularly enrolled taxpayers.
Furthermore, the GST E-way bill system has released an update, reminding GST taxpayers to incorporate 6-digit or 4-digit HSN Codes soon to be obligatory.
As per Notification No. 78/2020 dated October 15, 2020, taxpayers with an Aggregate Annual Turnover (AATO) of more than Rs 5 Crore must use a minimum of a 6-digit HSN code in e-Invoices and e-Way Bills, while others must use at least a 4-digit HSN code. Most taxpayers are already compliant with this requirement, and those who are not are urged to adapt to the modification by the specified date. This will become mandatory from October 1, 2023, in the e-Waybill and e-Invoice Systems.
A two-factor authentication will be mandatory for taxpayers with AATOs over Rs 20 crore on 20th November 2023.
