GST: You Can Only Change Company Name After Updating in PAN Database, Says Central Board of Excise and Taxation

In a move aimed at reducing confusion and errors, the Central Board of Excise and Taxation (CBEC) has announced that a taxpaying entity can only update its company name on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) portal after modifying the information in the Personal Accountability Number (PAN) database.

According to the latest guidelines issued by CBEC, taxpayers must log into the GST portal with their credentials, select the option for "Amendment of Registration," and then proceed with "Core Amendment" before updating their name. They will be required to choose the correct name from a dropdown menu, enter the new name, and upload supporting documents such as the Revised Registration Certificate (ROC) and PAN card.

After verifying the details, the taxpayer will be issued an Acknowledgement Reference Number (ARN), which is a necessary step towards effecting the change. This stringent verification process aims to prevent mistakes that could lead to delays or rejection of the update.

In response to this clarification, advocates and tax consultants have welcomed the initiative by the CBEC, saying it would help streamline the process, reduce ambiguity, and enhance transparency in GST transactions. However, they also urged taxpayers to exercise caution and carefully review the details before submitting their applications to avoid last-minute errors.

The new guidelines have been available on the official GST portal since [date], providing a window for taxpayers to make necessary corrections with minimal delay.