The CBIC has issued Circular No. 257/03/2026-GST dated 26 October 2026 on how GST registration applications must be handled. It tells officers to ask only for the prescribed documents, and it tells applicants exactly what to upload. The aim is to register genuine businesses quickly while keeping fake registrations out.
Key Points at a Glance
1. Queries only in limited cases
A notice in FORM GST REG-03 can be issued only where a document is incomplete or not legible, where the address does not match the uploaded proof, or where the address is incomplete or vague (para 5.4).
2. What officers should not ask for
- Udyam certificate
- Proof that the applicant or director lives in the same city or State
- Objections that your business activity cannot be run from that premises
- Comments on a domestic electricity connection or the bill amount (para 6)
An electricity bill, water bill or property tax receipt is checked only for the name and address.
3. Fixed timelines
| Stage | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Application with successful Aadhaar authentication | 7 working days |
| Application needing physical verification | 30 days |
| Simplified registration (Rule 14A / Rule 9A) | 3 working days, granted by the system |
| Your reply to REG-03 in REG-04 | 7 working days |
| Officer’s decision after your reply | 7 working days |
If the officer takes no action within the time limit, the registration is deemed to be approved (para 5.7).
4. Property in a family member’s name
If the premises belong to your father, mother, spouse or another relative, do not select “Own”. Select “Consent” and upload a consent letter in the Annexure-VI format along with one property document in the owner’s name. You can make the letter with our free Consent Letter Generator.
5. Complaint for delay or unwarranted queries
If your application is delayed or you receive an unwarranted query, you can file a grievance with the jurisdictional Chief Commissioner of Central Tax or Commissioner of State Tax, on the special e-mail ID notified for this purpose (para 8).
Read the Full Explanation
The complete explanation of the circular, with FAQs and the official PDF, is here: Circular No. 257/03/2026-GST — Full Explanation and PDF →
Useful free tools: GST Registration Documents Checklist | REG-03 Reply Generator
Reference: Circular No. 257/03/2026-GST dated 26.10.2026, CBIC. This update is for general information only.