Nearly 8 Lakh New GST Registrations Recorded in First Half 2026

India recorded nearly 8 lakh new Goods and Services Tax registrations during the January–June 2026 period, reflecting continued expansion of the formal tax base and increased participation of businesses in the GST framework.

According to data available on the GST portal, the total number of GST registrations stood at around 1.67 crore as on June 30, 2026, compared with approximately 1.59 crore as on December 31, 2025. The increase has been attributed to factors such as a simplified registration process, growing formalisation of businesses, expansion of digital commerce, and the commercial requirement for businesses to remain part of the GST input tax credit chain.

Among States and Union Territories, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of GST registrations, crossing 22 lakh registrations. Maharashtra followed with more than 20.5 lakh registrations, while Gujarat recorded over 14.3 lakh registrations. During the first six months of 2026, Uttar Pradesh added more than 2.54 lakh new registrations, followed by Maharashtra with over 1 lakh and Gujarat with more than 73,000 new registrations.

A key factor supporting the rise in registrations is the simplified GST registration mechanism approved by the GST Council in September 2025. Under the optional simplified registration scheme, eligible low-risk applicants can receive GST registration on an automated basis within three working days from the date of application submission. The scheme applies to applicants whose output tax liability on supplies to registered persons does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh per month, including CGST, SGST/UTGST and IGST.

The simplified scheme, effective from November 1, 2025, allows voluntary entry and withdrawal and is expected to benefit a large share of new applicants, particularly MSMEs, small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs.

Experts have noted that GST registration is increasingly being viewed not only as a statutory requirement but also as a business enabler. Registration allows B2B suppliers to issue tax invoices, enables customers to claim input tax credit, improves credibility, and supports participation in organised supply chains. The growth of e-commerce and platform-based commerce has also contributed to the rise, as GST registration is mandatory for specified e-commerce operators and persons supplying through such platforms.

The expanding use of return filing, e-invoicing and e-way bill systems has further strengthened transaction visibility within the GST ecosystem, encouraging businesses to operate within the formal tax network. CA Sansaar