How to Cancel GST Registration Online Easily

Businesses that no longer need a GST registration, or whose turnover has dropped below the threshold, have closed their business or could have shifted to a different business model. In such cases, businesses might be wondering, "How to cancel GST registration?" 

GST registration can be cancelled completely online through the GST portal. In this GST registration cancellation guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GST registration cancellation, including eligibility, required documents, the step-by-step process, and common mistakes to avoid. Because if you haven't cancelled your GST, you'll still be liable to pay

Table of Contents

• Who Can Cancel GST Registration?
• Reasons for Cancelling GST Registration
• Documents Required for GST Registration Cancellation
• Step-by-Step Process: How to Cancel GST Registration Online
• Timeline for Cancellation Approval
• Things to Do After Cancelling GST Registration
• Common Mistakes to Avoid after GST Registration Cancelling
• How GimBooks Can Help with GST Compliance
• FAQs on GST Registration Cancellation

Who Can Cancel GST Registration?

GST registration can be cancelled by:

So if you’re thinking of winding up your business or moving to a new structure, you’ll need to apply online for cancellation through the GST portal.

Reasons for Cancelling GST Registration

Tip: If the GST registration isn’t cancelled even when it’s no longer applicable, you’ll still be expected to file NIL returns every month/quarter.

Documents Required for GST Cancellation

Before you begin the GST cancellation process, keep these documents ready:

• GSTIN (GST Identification Number)

• Reason for cancellation

• Closing stock details (inputs, capital goods, semi-finished goods)

• Proof of business closure (if applicable)

• Latest GST returns filed

• Balance sheet and liability/payment details

• 2 Key GST Forms for Cancellation of GST Registration

2 Key GST Forms for Cancellation of GST Registration

In the event of a deceased taxpayer/business owner, their legal heirs can proceed with the following GST forms to cancel GST registration-

• An application for cancellation must be made in the form GST REG 16.
• The following details are required in the form GST REG 16-
  Details of inputs, semi-finished, and finished goods held in stock on the date on which cancellation of registration is applied.
• Liability thereon
• Details of the payment
• The assigned tax officer issues an order for cancellation in the form GST REG-19 within 30 days from the date of application. The cancellation will be effective from a date determined by the officer, and he will notify the taxable person

Having these documents ready ensures smooth cancellation without delays.

How to Cancel GST Registration Online:

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s the detailed 6-step process to cancel GST registration through the official GST portal:

Step 1: Log in to the GST Portal

Go to www.gst.gov.in and log in using your username and password.

Step 2: Navigate to Cancellation Option

Click on Services → Registration → Application for Cancellation of Registration.

Step 3: Fill in Details

• Select the reason for cancellation (e.g., business closure, turnover below threshold).
• Provide the date from which cancellation is required.
• Enter stock details and tax liability (if applicable).

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents

Upload relevant documents (like closure proof, transfer papers, etc.).

Step 5: File Application

Use DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) or EVC (Electronic Verification Code) to file your application.

Step 6: ARN Generation

• Once submitted, you’ll get an Application Reference Number (ARN), which you can track under “My Applications.”

Timeline for GST Registration Cancellation Approval

If all details are correct, the GST officer approves the GST registration cancellation within 30 working days.

• You’ll receive a formal order of cancellation on the GST portal.
• In case of queries, you may need to submit additional documents.
• Until approval, you’re still required to comply with GST rules, including filing returns.

Things to Do After Cancelling GST Registration

Cancelling GST doesn’t mean you’re done. You still need to:

• File a final GST return (Form GSTR-10) within 3 months of cancellation.

• Pay off any outstanding tax liabilities, interest, or penalties.

• Maintain records of accounts and invoices for at least 6 years (as per GST law).

• Failure to do so can attract penalties, even if your GST registration is cancelled.

How GimBooks Can Help with GST Compliance

Here’s the thing — cancelling GST registration may sound simple, but compliance in India is rarely straightforward. Small business owners often miss deadlines, file incorrect returns, or struggle with stock liability calculations.

That’s where GimBooks, a GST and invoicing app made for Indian MSMEs, comes in:

• Create and manage GST-compliant invoices in seconds.

• File GST returns directly through the app.

• Get reminders for due dates like GSTR-10 (final return).

• Track stock, input credits, and liabilities easily.

• Access professional support for GST cancellation and compliance.

So, whether you’re starting, scaling up, or shutting down — GimBooks keeps your GST journey hassle-free.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cancel GST registration is important if your business doesn’t need GST anymore. It saves you from unnecessary compliance burdens, penalties, and paperwork.

But compliance doesn’t end at cancellation — you still need to file final returns, manage liabilities, and maintain records. Instead of stressing over these steps, let GimBooks handle it for you.

Whether you’re cancelling GST, filing returns, or simply invoicing clients, GimBooks is built for Indian MSMEs to simplify compliance and focus on business growth.

 Download GimBooks today and make GST compliance effortless.