GST update: Mandatory 2 Factor Authentication for Taxpayers with AATO above 100 Cr Extends till August 20, 2023

For taxpayers with Aggregate Annual Turnover (AATO) over 100 crores, the government has extended the requirement for two-factor authentication until August 20, 2023 on requests of the taxpayers. Additionally, it was made clear that this was the final extension and that none would follow.

In order to manage EWB activities without any issues, users are also urged to promptly register for 2FA and create sub-users. The deadline had already been extended by the government to July 31st, 2023. The due date has now been further extended for the last time in response to numerous taxpayer demands.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has updated that the Two factor Authentication is mandatory for all taxpayers who have Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) above 100 crores from 15th July 2023.

The NIC implemented the two-factor authentication for logging into the e-Way Bill/e-Invoice system to increase the security of the system. One Time Password (OTP)  will be used in addition to the username and password for login authentication.

Three methods exist for getting the OTP. You can log in to the system by entering any OTP. The different ways to generate OTP are described below:

1. SMS: OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number as SMS.
2. On ‘Sandes’ app: The government has made a texting software called Sandes available for sending and receiving messages. On your registered cellphone number, you can download and install the Sandes app and get the OTP there.
3. Using ‘NIC-GST-Shield’ app: ‘The e-Way Bill / e-Invoice System offers the mobile app “NIC-GST-Shield” so that OTP can be created using the app.  This app can be downloaded only from the e-Waybill / e-Invoice portal from the link ‘Main Menu2-Factor Authentication. Install NIC-GST-Shield’.

The NIC on 29th May 2023 has also introduced new features to the E-way bill system to de-register or cancel common enrolment by themselves. The functionality and user experience for enrolled transporters and ordinary enrolled taxpayers are intended to be improved by these enhancements.

Read More: E-Way Bill System provides new feature of De-Register Transporters or Cancel Common Enrolment

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