GST Portal Login: How to Log In to gst.gov.in Step by Step (2026)
A plain-English walkthrough of logging in to the official GST portal — first-time login for new registrants, OTP-based verification, and what to do when you forget your username or password.
Official portal: GST Portal (GSTN)
Indus Tax is a private CA firm, not affiliated with the Government of India. This guide explains the official process; we never ask for your portal password.
What you need before logging in
The GST portal at gst.gov.in is run by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). Every registered taxpayer has a username and password, and the portal sends one-time passwords (OTPs) to the mobile number and email of the primary authorised signatory for login and filing.
- Your GST username — created at first login, and not the same as your GSTIN
- Your password
- Access to the registered mobile number and email of the primary authorised signatory
- A DSC (for companies and LLPs) or EVC via OTP for filing returns
- The correct address: type gst.gov.in yourself — lookalike domains exist
How to log in to the GST portal
Once you have your username and password, logging in takes under a minute:
- 1Open gst.gov.in in a desktop browser.
- 2Click Login at the top-right of the home page.
- 3Enter your username and password, and type the characters shown in the captcha.
- 4Click LOGIN. If the portal asks for an OTP, enter the code sent to your registered mobile and email.
- 5You land on the taxpayer dashboard, with the Returns Dashboard, ledgers, notices and Services menus.
First-time login after GST registration is approved
When your registration is approved, the portal emails your GSTIN and a temporary password. Use them once to create your own username and password:
- 1Go to gst.gov.in and click Login.
- 2Click the first-time login link shown below the login box.
- 3Enter your GSTIN or provisional ID and the temporary password from the email.
- 4Create a username and a strong password, and confirm with the OTP sent to your mobile and email.
- 5Log in again with your new username and password.
Forgot your GST username or password?
Both can be recovered online as long as you still have the registered mobile and email.
- Forgot username: on the login page click Forgot Username, enter your GSTIN or provisional ID and verify with OTP — the username is sent to your registered email and mobile.
- Forgot password: click Forgot Password, enter your username, verify with OTP and set a new password.
- Lost access to the registered mobile or email: OTP reset will not work. Approach your jurisdictional GST officer (shown on your registration certificate), who can update the primary authorised signatory's contact details on request.
Common GST login errors and fixes
Most login problems come down to a handful of causes:
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid username or password | Typing the GSTIN instead of the username, or an old password | Use Forgot Username or Forgot Password |
| OTP not received | Changed or inactive mobile, DND filters, email in spam | Wait a minute and resend; check spam; update contact details if they changed |
| Account locked | Several wrong password attempts | Reset the password with Forgot Password |
| Portal slow or timing out | Heavy traffic around the 11th and 20th of the month | Log in and file a few days before the due date |
| Session expired | Idle too long, or GST open in several tabs | Close other GST tabs, clear the cache and log in again |
Can your CA or GST practitioner log in for you?
Do not share your password. The GST portal has a proper route for this: engage a GST Practitioner (GSTP) under Services > User Services > Engage / Disengage GST Practitioner. The practitioner can then prepare and upload returns from their own login, while you stay in control of your credentials and remain responsible for what is filed.
Need expert help applying this to your situation?
Our CA team reviews your numbers and gives you a clear answer — usually within hours.
