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Understanding the Role of GST Suvidha Providers

Updated on: 03 Feb, 2025 07:25 PM

While the Goods and Services Tax (GST) transformed India's indirect tax system, making it easy, GST compliance still remains the most complex process for small businesses. Small Businesses often find it difficult to understand the aspects of GST and be compliant with it. GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs) help simplify this process for businesses of all sizes. They provide end-to-end GST solutions to businesses and facilitate GST compliance by taxpayers. This guide explores GSP services, operational benefits, the difference between GSP and ASP, and the process of GST providers.

Who is a GST Suvidha Provider?

GSP stands for GST Suvidha Provider, a platform that helps taxpayers comply with GST regulations seamlessly. It enables businesses to complete GST-related processes such as registration, invoicing, and return filing through an interactive web-based system. ClearTax, an online tax filing platform, has been granted GSP status.

Here’s an example:

ABC Ltd, a multinational company, manages its operations using SAP ERP, where all purchase and sales records are maintained. At the end of each month, reports are generated and used for tax return preparation. These returns are then uploaded manually to the government’s GST portal.

To streamline this process, the government aims to create a single, automated workflow where ERP systems can directly integrate with the GST portal. This integration will enable businesses to handle all GST compliance tasks seamlessly through their existing software, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.


Who is Eligible for a GST Suvidha Provider License?

To obtain a GST Service Provider (GSP) license, a company must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be registered under banking.
  • It must be registered under IT services.
  • It must be registered under insurance services.
  • It must provide IT-enabled services.

Once these requirements are met, the company enters into a contract with GSTN. After the contract is established, a license key is generated, granting access to GST data.

The license key is issued in two batches, based on the following three factors:

Criteria of eligibility The financial strength of the company Technical Capabilities Demonstration of Capabilities
GSP License Batch 1
  1. Company with paid-up capital of Rs.5 crore
  2. Company with a turnover of Rs.10 crore for 3 previous financial years
  1. UI/UX
  2. Invoices should be uploaded by taxpayers
  3. Security design
  4. Mobile interface
  5. Multiple mapping of roles to a single GSTIN
  6. GSTR 2 reconciliation with register
  7. E-sign/DSC integration for the signing of returns
  8. Generation of alerts to taxpayers
  9. Technically capable of handling large traffic and infrastructure to do the same
  10. Capable of handling GST returns, preparation, and filing
  1. Backend IT infra work that is required for backends such as servers and databases, are required to be set up and maintained in India.
  2. Policy of privacy related to data
  3. It should show data security and measures capability as per the recommendations of the IT Act.
GSP License Batch 2
  1. Company with paid-up or raised capital of Rs.2 crore
  2. Company with a turnover of Rs.5 crore for 3 previous financial years
  1. UI/UX
  2. Invoices should be uploaded by taxpayers
  3. Security design
  4. Mobile interface
  5. Multiple mapping of roles to a single GSTIN
  6. GSTR 2 reconciliation with register
  7. E-sign/DSC integration for the signing of returns
  8. Generation of alerts to taxpayers
  9. Technically capable of handling large traffic and infrastructure to do the same
  10. Capable of handling GST return, preparation, and filing
  1. Backend IT infra work that is required for backends such as servers and databases are required to be set up and maintained in India.
  2. Policy of privacy related to data
  3. It should show data security and measures capability as per the recommendations of the IT Act.

Why are GSP Services Required?

GST compliance system requires a high level of data synchronization. The GSP serves all the needs of the process, such as registration, uploading the details of invoices, etc.


Functions of a GST Suvidha Provider?

From filing returns to making payments, the GST compliance processes can be very lengthy and time-consuming. The taxpayer might have to file as many as 37 returns every year to be compliant with GST. Some of the major functions of GST Suvidha Providers are -

  • It offers a complete view of the clients
  • GSPs allow taxpayers to reconcile the sales and purchase invoices and provide the option to upload them.
  • Each taxpayer gets a GSP gateway which lets them interact on the GSTN, for the purpose of filing returns.
  • It provides for the error-free maintenance of records at the same time and also provides real-time highlighting of errors.
  • The users can get easy access to Management Information Services whenever required.
  • Regular updates about the taxpayers from the GST system.

Who is an ASP?

An Application Service Provider (ASP) is a platform that helps taxpayers file their GST returns with the support of ASP partners. It offers end-to-end solutions for managing the purchase and sale of goods and services.

How Does an ASP Work?

  1. Businesses share their purchase and sales data with the ASP.
  2. The ASP prepares the GST returns based on the provided data.
  3. Once prepared, the GST returns are filed through a GST Suvidha Provider (GSP).

Need help with GST compliance or have any tax-related queries? Get in touch with our tax experts, who can make the process seamless for you, ensuring you can focus on your business operations. Book an online CA now!


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is a GST Suvidha Provider (GSP)?

A GST Suvidha Provider (GSP) is an authorized entity that helps taxpayers comply with GST regulations through specialized software solutions. GSPs offer services such as GST return filing, reconciliation, e-way bill generation, and other compliance-related tasks, making the process more efficient and user-friendly.


Q- How does a GSP help in GST compliance?

GSPs offer software solutions that streamline GST compliance by automating tasks like return filing, invoice generation, ITC reconciliation, and e-way bill management. These solutions help businesses maintain accuracy, reduce manual work, and stay compliant with GST regulations.


Q- What services do GSPs offer?

GSPs offers the following services:

  • GST return filing
  • Invoice generation and management
  • Reconciliation of Input Tax Credit (ITC)
  • Generation and Tracking of E-way bill
  • E-invoicing
  • GST audit
  • Integration with ERP and accounting systems

Q- Who can become a GSP?

The following companies must apply to become a GSP -

  • The company must be registered under banking
  • The company must be registered under IT
  • The company must be registered under Insurance Services
  • The company must have IT-enabled services

Q- Is it mandatory to use a GSP for GST compliance?

No, using a GSP for GST compliance is not mandatory. However, it can greatly simplify the process by ensuring accuracy, reducing manual effort, and improving efficiency in managing GST-related tasks.


Q- What are the benefits of using a GSP?

Benefits of using a GSP include:

  • Automation of GST compliance
  • Reduction in manual errors
  • Savings of Time and cost
  • Improved accuracy and consistency of data
  • Real-time notifications and updates
  • Enhanced data security
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Q- What is the difference between a GSP and an ASP?

A GSP (GST Suvidha Provider) provides the APIs and infrastructure to connect with the GSTN, while an ASP (Application Service Provider) develops user-friendly applications that utilize these APIs for GST compliance services. In many cases, a single entity can function as both a GSP and an ASP.


CA Abhishek Soni

CA Abhishek Soni
Founder & CEO at Tax2win

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and an entrepreneur by passion. He has wide industry experience in telecom, retail, manufacturing, and entertainment and has handled various national and international assignments. He is the co-founder and CEO of Tax2win.in. Tax2win, an online tax filing platform, provides the easiest way to e-file your Income Tax Return in India. Through Tax2win.in, Abhishek endeavors to revolutionize how individuals file their income tax returns, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.