Running a business rarely stays limited to one location. You may open a warehouse, a branch office, or a new shop. When that happens, your GST registration must reflect the new place of business.
The good news? You don’t need to visit any office. You can update everything online through the GST portal in a few steps.
Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.
What Is an Additional Place of Business in GST?
An Additional Place of Business (APOB) means any location other than your principal place where you:
- Store goods
- Maintain stock
- Issue invoices
- Provide services
- Run a branch office or warehouse
If you operate from multiple locations and don’t update GST, you risk notices, penalties, or compliance issues. So yes, this step matters more than most people think.
When Should You Add an Additional Place of Business?
You must update your GST registration when you:
✔ Open a new shop or office
✔ Rent a warehouse or godown
✔ Start operations from a different branch
✔ Store inventory at another location
✔ Move part of your business to a new premises
Even temporary operational locations can require registration updates if you conduct regular business there.
Documents Required for Additional Place of Business in GST
Keep these documents ready before you start:
1️⃣ Proof of Address of the New Place
You can use:
- Electricity bill
- Property tax receipt
- Municipal khata copy
- Water bill
2️⃣ Ownership or Possession Proof
If Owned:
- Property tax receipt or sale deed
If Rented/Leased:
- Rent agreement
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from owner
If Shared Property:
- Consent letter from owner
- Address proof of the owner
Clear documents = fast approval. Blurry uploads = delays and frustration.
Step-by-Step Process to Add Additional Place of Business in GST
Now let’s get to the actual work.
Step 1: Log in to GST Portal
Go to the official GST website and log in using your GSTIN, username, and password.
Step 2: Go to Amendment of Registration
From the dashboard:
Services → Registration → Amendment of Registration (Non-Core Fields)
Adding an additional place falls under non-core changes.
Step 3: Open the “Additional Places of Business” Tab
Click on the tab labeled “Additional Places of Business.”
You will see any previously added locations here.
Step 4: Click “Add New”
Select Add New to enter details of the new business location.
Step 5: Enter Address Details
Fill in:
- Building number/name
- Floor number
- Road/street
- City
- District
- State
- PIN code
Double-check spelling. GST officers love correct addresses.
Step 6: Select Nature of Business Activities
Choose what you do at this location:
- Warehouse
- Office
- Retail outlet
- Wholesale business
- Service provision
- Others as applicable
You can select multiple options if needed.
Step 7: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload:
- Address proof
- Rent agreement (if applicable)
- NOC or consent letter
Make sure files are clear and within the size limit.
Step 8: Verification
Go to the Verification tab.
Select the authorized signatory and place.
Tick the declaration box.
Step 9: Submit Using DSC/EVC
You can submit using:
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for companies and LLPs
- EVC (OTP verification) for others
Once submitted, you will receive an ARN (Application Reference Number).
How Long Does Approval Take?
In many cases, GST updates the additional place of business within a few working days.
However, the department may:
- Ask for clarification
- Request extra documents
- Conduct verification
So keep an eye on your GST portal and registered email.
Do You Need a New GST Registration for Another Location?
Not always.
You need a separate GST registration only if:
- The business operates in a different state
- You choose to take separate registrations for verticals in the same state
Otherwise, you simply add the new location as an Additional Place of Business under the same GSTIN.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save you from future headaches.
- Uploading unclear or wrong documents
- Entering a residential address without proper proof
- Forgetting to update after shifting stock
- Selecting the wrong nature of business activity
- Not checking ARN status after submission
Small errors can lead to notices. A five-minute review prevents months of stress.
Is There Any Fee for Adding an Additional Place of Business?
No. GST does not charge a government fee for amending registration details. You only spend time and maybe a little patience.
Final Thoughts
Adding an Additional Place of Business in GST is not complicated. The portal guides you through each step. As long as your documents stay valid and your details stay accurate, the process moves smoothly.
Think of it as updating your business address on a delivery app. Except this one involves tax compliance… so slightly more important.
Stay compliant. Stay stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it mandatory to add an additional place of business in GST?
Yes. You must add any location where you store goods, issue invoices, or conduct business activities. If you don’t update your GST registration, you may face notices or penalties during inspections.
Can I add multiple additional places of business under one GST number?
Yes. You can add multiple locations under the same GSTIN, as long as they are within the same state.
Do I need a separate GST registration for another branch?
You need a separate GST registration only if the branch operates in a different state. If it is in the same state, you can add it as an additional place of business.
How long does it take to add an additional place of business in GST?
Approval often takes a few working days. In some cases, GST officers may ask for clarification or extra documents, which can extend the timeline.
Is there any fee for adding an additional place of business in GST?
No. The GST portal does not charge any government fee for updating your registration details.
What documents are required to add an additional place of business?
You usually need:
– Address proof (electricity bill, tax receipt, etc.)
– Rent agreement (if rented)
– NOC from the owner (if rented or shared property)
Can I add a residential address as an additional place of business?
Yes, you can. However, you must provide valid address proof and, if rented, a rent agreement and NOC from the property owner.
What happens if I don’t update my additional place of business in GST?
If you operate from an unregistered location, GST authorities may treat it as non-compliance. This can lead to penalties or issues during audits and inspections.
Can I add an additional place of business after starting operations?
Yes, but you should update your GST registration as soon as possible after starting business at the new location to avoid compliance risks.
How can I check the status of my amendment application?
You can track the status using the ARN (Application Reference Number) on the GST portal under the “Track Application Status” option.
Can GST reject my request to add an additional place of business?
Yes, GST authorities can reject the request if documents are unclear, incomplete, or incorrect. Always upload clear and valid documents to avoid rejection.
Do I need to update GST if I shift my warehouse?
Yes. If you move your warehouse or storage location, you must update the new address in the Additional Place of Business section on the GST portal.
