GST registration requires uploading multiple supporting documents to the GST portal. Each document type has a specific size limit and accepted format. Uploading files that exceed these limits results in an error and delays your registration. This guide is a complete reference for CAs, tax consultants, and business owners.
Why File Size Limits Matter for GST Registration
The GST portal enforces strict file size limits to ensure smooth processing and storage. Many applicants face rejections because their scanned documents, photographs, or PDFs exceed these limits. Understanding the limits for each document type — and knowing how to compress files to meet them — is an essential skill for anyone handling GST registrations.
Complete GST Document Size Limit Reference (2026)
- ✓1. Proof of Constitution of Business — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 1 MB
- ✓2. Document for Trade Name — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 5 MB
- ✓3. Photograph of Proprietor/Partners/Directors — JPEG/JPG only — Max 100 KB
- ✓4. Proof of Details of Authorized Signatory — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 1 MB
- ✓5. Proof of Principal Place of Business — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 1 MB
- ✓6. Consent Letter — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 500 KB
- ✓7. Electricity Bill — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 500 KB
- ✓8. Legal Ownership Document — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 1 MB
- ✓9. Municipal Khata Copy — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 500 KB
- ✓10. Property Tax Receipt — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 500 KB
- ✓11. Rent / Lease Agreement — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 2 MB
- ✓12. Rent Receipt with NOC — PDF/JPEG/JPG — Max 1 MB
Most Commonly Rejected Documents
In practice, these are the documents most frequently rejected due to size issues: Photographs (100 KB limit is very strict — smartphone photos are typically 2–5 MB), Electricity Bills (scanned copies are often 1–3 MB, well above the 500 KB limit), and Rent Agreements (multi-page agreements can easily exceed 2 MB). These three require compression in almost every GST registration case.
How CAs Can Process All Documents Quickly
- 1Use the GST Document CompressorGo to pdfvista.com/gst-document-compressor — it lists all 12 document types with their exact size limits pre-configured.
- 2Upload all documents at onceUpload files for each document type that needs compression. Multiple files can be uploaded simultaneously.
- 3Click Compress AllOne click processes all uploaded documents. Each file is automatically compressed to its specific GST portal size limit.
- 4Download and fileDownload all compressed documents and upload directly to the GST portal. No manual checking of file sizes needed.
Tips for CA Professionals
- ✓Always collect documents from clients at least 3 days before the filing deadline to allow time for compression and verification.
- ✓Ask clients to share photographs as JPEG files taken in good lighting — this compresses better than PNG screenshots.
- ✓For rent agreements with many pages, check if only the relevant pages (first page and signature page) are sufficient for the portal.
- ✓Keep a checklist of all 12 document types for each GST registration to avoid missing any document.
- ✓Use the 'Compress All' feature to process all documents in one batch rather than one at a time.