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    GSTAT Resources

    GSTAT E-Filing Guide

    Step-by-step guide to electronic filing of appeals before the GST Appellate Tribunal

    Is e-filing mandatory for GSTAT appeals?

    Yes. The GSTAT (Procedure) Rules, 2025 require all appeals, cross-objections and interlocutory applications to be filed electronically through the GSTAT portal with a valid digital signature. Manual filing is not accepted except where the Tribunal specifically permits it.
    Frequently Asked Questions About GSTAT E-Filing

    Is e-filing mandatory for GSTAT appeals?

    Yes. Under the GSTAT (Procedure) Rules, 2025, all appeals, cross-objections and interlocutory applications must be filed electronically through the GSTAT portal. Manual filing is not accepted except where the Tribunal specifically permits it.

    💡 A valid digital signature must be ready before the filing process begins.

    How do I access and log in to the GSTAT portal?

    Access is through the official GSTAT portal, using GST portal credentials to log in. After login, navigate to the 'File Appeal' section and select 'New Appeal under Section 112' to begin.

    💡 The email ID and mobile number used should be the ones updated on the GST portal.

    What document format does the GSTAT portal require?

    Documents must be submitted as a single consolidated PDF with proper indexing. All documents should be bookmarked to match the index, with continuous pagination throughout.

    💡 Scanned pages should be captured at 300 DPI in color for legibility.

    What is the maximum file size for an uploaded document?

    Each document is limited to a maximum of 20 MB. If the file exceeds this limit, the size can be reduced by optimising PDF compression, and PDF/A format may be used where possible.

    💡 Verifying file size before upload helps avoid upload failures.

    What are the page and formatting requirements?

    Pages should be A4 size (210 by 297 mm) with double spacing and justified alignment. Documents must be bookmarked as per the index and carry continuous page numbering throughout.

    💡 Documents in a regional language should be translated to English, with an affidavit for translation where applicable.

    What type of digital signature is needed?

    A valid Class 2 or Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required. The digital signature is applied at the preview stage, just before the appeal is submitted.

    💡 Having the digital signature ready in advance keeps the final submission step smooth.

    How are filing fees paid on the portal?

    Filing fees are paid online after the review checklist stage. The applicable fee is calculated, a payment mode such as net banking or card is selected, the payment is completed online, and the acknowledgement is saved.

    💡 If a payment is debited but not reflected, the bank may need to be contacted after clearing browser cache and cookies or trying another browser.

    What details are entered for the disputed demand?

    The demand section captures the tax amount disputed (CGST, SGST or IGST), any penalty amount, the interest amount, and the pre-deposit details along with proof of payment.

    💡 Where the pre-deposit is made via DRC-03, those details should be recorded as part of the supporting documents.

    What happens if the registry finds defects in the filing?

    The registry provides 7 days to rectify defects. Corrected documents should be submitted promptly, as failure to rectify within the period may result in dismissal of the appeal.

    💡 Non-compliance with the technical requirements can also lead to defect objections from the registry.

    What can be done if the filing timeline is missed?

    A condonation application (GST APL-07) can be filed with detailed reasons and supporting evidence. GSTAT has discretion to condone the delay where sufficient cause is shown.

    💡 Keeping records of the cause of delay supports the condonation request.

    What should be saved after submission?

    After submission, the acknowledgement receipt should be downloaded, the appeal reference number noted, and the confirmation email saved. The appeal status can then be tracked regularly.

    💡 The reference number is the key identifier for following the appeal through the process.

    Pre-Filing Checklist (28 Points)

    Complete this checklist before starting your e-filing process

    Progress0%

    0 of 28 items completed

    1. Copy of order against which appeal is filed (self-certified or certified from issuing authority)
    2. Proof of pre-deposit payment (challan/acknowledgement)
    3. Original order passed by adjudicating authority
    4. First appellate authority order (if applicable)
    5. All correspondence with GST department
    6. Detailed grounds of appeal (typed, signed)
    7. List of documents to be relied upon (index)
    8. Supporting case laws and citations
    9. Vakalatnama/Authorization letter (if represented by CA/Advocate)
    10. Copy of GSTIN registration certificate
    11. PAN card copy of appellant
    12. Address proof of appellant
    13. Email ID and mobile number (updated on GST portal)
    14. Calculation sheet for disputed demand
    15. Calculation of pre-deposit amount
    16. DRC-03 details (if pre-deposit made via DRC-03)
    17. Board resolution/authorization (for companies)
    18. Partnership deed (for partnerships)
    19. Certificate of incorporation (for companies)
    20. Memorandum of appearance (GSTAT FORM-04)
    21. Documents translated to English (if in regional language)
    22. Affidavit for translation (if applicable)
    23. All documents bookmarked and indexed
    24. Documents scanned at 300 DPI in color
    25. Single consolidated PDF created
    26. PDF size under 20 MB
    27. Proper pagination throughout document
    28. Digital signature ready
    Step-by-Step E-Filing Process
    1

    Access GSTAT Portal & Login

    • Visit official GSTAT portal (link to be provided)
    • Login using GST portal credentials
    • Navigate to 'File Appeal' section
    • Select 'New Appeal under Section 112'
    2

    Fill Basic Details

    • Select appropriate bench jurisdiction
    • Choose case type (Main Appeal/Cross-Objection/Application)
    • Enter order details (order number, date, authority)
    • Provide appellant details (name, GSTIN, PAN)
    3

    Add Parties & Representatives

    • Fill respondent details (department information)
    • Add authorized representative details
    • Upload vakalatnama/authorization letter
    • Provide contact details (email, mobile)
    4

    Enter Demand Details

    • Specify tax amount disputed (CGST/SGST/IGST)
    • Enter penalty amount (if applicable)
    • Mention interest amount
    • Provide pre-deposit details and proof
    5

    Draft Case Details

    • Enter detailed grounds of appeal
    • List issues involved
    • Provide brief case summary
    • Mention relief sought
    6

    Upload Documents

    • Upload consolidated PDF with proper index
    • Ensure bookmarks match index
    • Verify file size (max 20 MB)
    • Check document quality (300 DPI, color)
    7

    Review Checklist

    • System-generated checklist verification
    • Confirm all mandatory fields completed
    • Verify document upload successful
    • Check contact details accuracy
    8

    Pay Filing Fees

    • Calculate applicable fees
    • Select payment mode (net banking/card)
    • Complete online payment
    • Save payment acknowledgement
    9

    Preview & Submit

    • Review complete appeal draft
    • Verify all details one final time
    • Apply digital signature
    • Submit appeal
    10

    Save Acknowledgement

    • Download acknowledgement receipt
    • Note appeal reference number
    • Save confirmation email
    • Track appeal status regularly
    Technical Requirements

    Document Format

    Single PDF file with proper indexing

    File Size

    Maximum 20 MB per document

    Scanning Quality

    300 DPI, color scan

    Page Size

    A4 size (210 × 297 mm)

    Text Formatting

    Double spacing, justified alignment

    Bookmarking

    All documents bookmarked as per index

    Page Numbering

    Continuous pagination throughout

    Digital Signature

    Valid Class 2 or Class 3 DSC

    Common Errors & Solutions

    Document Upload Failure

    Solution: Reduce file size by optimizing PDF compression. Ensure each file is under 20 MB per document. Use PDF/A format if possible.

    Payment Gateway Issues

    Solution: Clear browser cache and cookies. Try different browser. Ensure sufficient balance in account. Contact bank if payment debited but not reflected.

    Defect Rectification

    Solution: Registry provides 7 days to rectify defects. Respond promptly with corrected documents. Failure to rectify may result in appeal dismissal.

    Timeline Missed

    Solution: File condonation application (GST APL-07) with detailed reasons. Provide supporting evidence. GSTAT has discretion to condone delay with sufficient cause.

    Related Resources

    E-filing involves several technical requirements, covered in this guide.

    Useful Tools
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