In a move to enhance tax compliance and transparency, the Government of Assam has issued a formal directive requiring all registered taxpayers to display their Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) on their business name boards.
The general notice, dated May 8, 2025, and issued from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax in Guwahati, cites rule 18(2) of the Assam Goods & Service Act, 2017 as the legal basis for this requirement.
“All registered taxpayers are hereby requested to display their GSTIN on the name board at the principal place of business along with every additional place of business,” states the notice signed by Sujata Longmailai, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Unit-A, Guwahati.
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The tax department’s directive applies to all business establishments registered under GST in Assam, regardless of their size or sector. Businesses operating from multiple locations must ensure that their GSTIN is displayed at each of these premises.
The notice clearly warns of consequences for non-compliance, stating that businesses should “abide by the rules framed in order to avoid a general penal action as per provision of the Act.” While specific penalties aren’t detailed in the notice, the GST framework includes provisions for fines and other punitive measures for regulatory violations.
Tax experts suggest this move is part of broader efforts to strengthen GST implementation and improve compliance monitoring across the state. The visible display of GSTIN numbers allows tax authorities to easily verify registration status during physical inspections and helps consumers identify legitimate, tax-compliant businesses.
Business owners in Guwahati expressed mixed reactions to the directive. “We already have our GSTIN on all our invoices and documents. Adding it to the signboard is a small step that might help build customer trust,” said local retailer Pranab Baruah.
The notice, issued under reference number GUA/25-26/182, comes as part of the tax department’s ongoing efforts to streamline GST operations as the nationwide tax regime approaches its eighth anniversary of implementation.
