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Suo Moto Cancellation of GST Registration

Updated on: 29 Mar, 2025 12:18 PM

Suo moto cancellation of GST registration refers to the cancellation of GST registration under the GST Act by the tax officer on his own motion. However, it is mandatory for the GST officer to provide valid reasons for initiating such suo moto cancellation under section 29(2) of the CGST Act. This guide covers all that you need to know about suo moto cancellation of GST registration.

Under which circumstances can a Tax Official initiate for cancellation of GST registration?

Suo Moto Cancellation of registration may be initiated by the Tax Official for various situations as mentioned in the provisions of GST law like: -

  • Any Taxpayer other than composition taxpayer has not filed returns for a continuous period of six months
  • Supplies any goods and / or services without issue of any invoice, in violation of the provisions of the Act or rules made thereunder, with the intention to evade tax
  • Issues any invoice or bill without supply of goods and/or services in violation of the provisions of this Act, or the rules made thereunder leading to wrongful availment or utilization of input tax credit or refund of tax
  • Collects any amount as representing the tax but fails to pay the same to the account of the Central/State Government beyond a period of three months from the date on which such payment becomes due
  • Fails to pay any amount of tax, interest or penalty to the account of the Central/State Government beyond a period of three months from the date on which such payment becomes due
  • Person is no longer liable to deduct tax at source as per the provisions of GST Law
  • Person is no longer liable to collect tax at source as per the provisions of GST Law
  • Person no longer required to be registered under provisions of GST Law
  • GST Practitioner is found guilty of misconduct in connection with any proceeding under the GST Law.
  • Discontinuation/Closure of Business
  • Change in Constitution leading to change in PAN
  • Ceased to be liable to pay tax
  • Transfer of business on account of amalgamation, merger/demerger, sale, lease or otherwise disposed of etc.
  • Death of Sole Proprietor
  • Composition person has not furnished returns for three consecutive tax periods,
  • Registration has been obtained by means of fraud, willful misstatement or suppression of facts. Etc.

What is the Procedure for Suo Moto Cancellation of GST Registration?

  • As per the GST law, the tax officer has to present a show-cause notice to the taxpayer and provide him/her with the opportunity to be heard. In response to the show-cause notice, the taxpayer has to explain the reason why the GST registration should not be canceled within 7 days of receiving the notice.
  • If the tax officer is satisfied with the taxpayer’s response, he/she can drop the cancellation proceedings and intimate the same to the taxpayer through e-mail or SMS.
  • If the taxpayer fails to respond to the notice within 7 days or the GST officer is not satisfied with the explanation, he/she can proceed with the suo moto cancellation of GST registration.

What will happen once Registration is cancelled?

  • Once registration is cancelled by the Tax Authority, the taxpayer will be intimated about the same via SMS and Email. Order for Cancellation of Registration will be issued and intimated to the Primary Authorized Signatory by Email and SMS.
  • Order will be made available on taxpayer’s dashboard to view, print and download.
  • Status of the GSTIN/UIN/GSTP ID from ‘Proceeding for Cancellation initiated’ to ‘Inactive’ and will be intimated to the other concerned Tax Authority.
  • Taxpayer would not be allowed to file return or upload invoices for the period after date of cancellation mentioned in the cancellation order. Also, GSTP will not be able to carry out GSTP functions for any Taxpayer for the period after the date of cancellation mentioned in the cancellation order.
  • Taxpayer will not be able to amend registration details after issuance of cancellation order. However, email address and mobile number can be updated till dues/ refund are cleared. The facility to file application for revocation (if applicable) will be open for the Cancelled Registration.

How to Activate Cancelled Suo Moto GST Registration?

Given below are the steps that you need to follow to activate the cancellation of Suo Moto GST registration -

  • Go to the GST portal
  • Enter the login credentials in the GST portal.
  • Click on ‘services’ on the dashboard. Then select registration > application for revocation of canceled registration option.
  • Enter the reasons for revocation and attach the necessary documents.
  • Select the authorized signatory and click on ‘submit’ to apply.
  • If the GST officer is satisfied with the justification filed, he/she can withdraw the cancellation order.
  • The GST officer shall do this within 30 days of receiving the application for revocation.
  • After the GST officer signs an order in Form GST REG-22, the assessee will be considered an active assessee and all the accesses provided to the assessees will be enabled.
  • The taxpayer’s profile and the registration certificate will also be updated.

How to Avoid Suo Moto Cancellation of GST

Suo Moto cancellation of GST registration happens when the tax officer cancels your registration on their own due to certain reasons. Here's how you can avoid it:

File Your GST Returns Regularly:

  • Non-filing of returns is a major reason for Suo Moto cancellation. If you're a regular taxpayer, ensure you file GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B monthly. Composition taxpayers should file GSTR-4 annually.
  • Maintain accurate records of your sales and purchases to avoid errors in your returns.

Follow GST Laws and Regulations:

  • Do not engage in activities that violate GST laws, such as issuing fake invoices, tax evasion, or fraudulent activities.
  • Ensure accurate details are provided in your registration application. Any misleading information can lead to cancellation.

Respond to Notices and Communications:

  • If you receive a show cause notice from the tax officer, respond to it promptly and provide all necessary clarifications and documents within the given time frame.
  • Ignoring notices can lead to cancellation of your registration.

Maintain Accurate Records:

  • Keep proper records of all your business transactions, including invoices, bills, and other relevant documents.

What will be the Effect of Suo Moto GST Registration Cancellation?

  • The status of GSTIN will change from ‘proceeding for cancellation initiated’ to ‘inactive’.
  • Once the cancellation date is specified on the cancellation order, the taxpayer will not be able to file a return or issue invoices after that.
  • After issuing the cancellation order, the taxpayer cannot change the registration details. However, details like mobile number and email can still be updated until the payment of debt or refund.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q- What is the remedy for cancellation of GST registration?

A person who wants to cancel GST registration under the GST Act is required to submit an application electronically in FORM GST REG -16 on the GST portal within 30 days of warranting the cancellation.


Q- Can I apply for new GST after suo moto cancellation?

You cannot apply for a new GST under the GST Act after suo moto cancellation. However, a registered person can submit an application for revocation of cancellation in FORM GST REG- 21, if the registration has been cancelled by the proper officer.


Q- Does the cancellation of registration mean the taxpayer has no liability?

Any liabilities before the date of suo moto cancellation will have to be paid by the taxpayer, irrespective of its determination status. Any liability associated with a particular GSTIN has to be paid by the taxpayer.


Q- When does a GST suspension take effect?

If the taxpayer applied for cancellation, the suspension date is the date the revocation application was filed. If the officer initiated the cancellation, the suspension date is the date the show cause notice was issued.


Q- Can taxpayers file returns for prior periods following the cancellation of their registration?

If a taxpayer's registration is cancelled, they can still file returns for periods before the cancellation date. However, they cannot file returns or upload invoices for any period after the cancellation date specified in the cancellation order. Additionally, they must file GSTR-10 within three months of either the cancellation date or the date of the cancellation order, whichever comes first.


Q- Where can I view the Show Cause Notice regarding Suo Moto Cancellation of Registration?

Navigate to Services > User Services > View Notices and Orders to view the Show Cause Notice regarding Suo Moto Cancellation of Registration.

To know more, you can refer the manual https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/userguide/taxpayersdashboard/index.htm#t=View_Notices_and_Demand_Orders.htm


Q- Will I be able to login after suo moto cancellation of registration?

Yes, you can login to the GST Portal after suo moto cancellation of registration.


Q- Can I update my email and mobile after suo moto cancellation of registration?

You will not be able to amend registration after issuance of cancellation order.

However, email address and mobile number can be updated till dues/ refund are cleared.


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.