GST No. Check | Verify GSTIN Online | GST Registration Status India

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one of the most significant tax reforms in India, introduced to streamline indirect taxation and unify multiple taxes under a single system. Every business registered under GST receives a unique GST Number, also known as GSTIN (GST Identification Number).

Checking a GST number is crucial for businesses to ensure compliance, validate suppliers, avoid fraud, and maintain proper accounting. With more than 1.5 crore GST-registered businesses in India, it is vital for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups to understand how GST numbers work, their structure, and the steps to verify them online.

This blog will guide business owners through GST number basics, its importance, how to check it, common errors, and compliance tips, along with practical examples to make the process easy to understand.

What is a GST Number?

A GST Number or GSTIN is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to every business registered under the Goods and Services Tax Act. It serves as a proof of registration and allows businesses to collect GST from customers and claim input tax credit.

Structure of a GST Number:

1. First 2 digits – State code (based on the Indian Census 2011).

2. Next 10 digits – PAN number of the business/entity.

3. 13th digit – Entity number of the same PAN in the state (1-9, A-Z).

4. 14th digit – Z by default.

5. 15th digit – Checksum character to detect errors.

Example: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5

• 27 – Maharashtra (state code)

• ABCDE1234F – PAN

• 1 – Entity number

• Z – Default

• 5 – Checksum

Importance of GST Number:

• Legally recognized proof of GST registration.

• Required for issuing GST-compliant invoices.

• Mandatory for claiming input tax credit (ITC).

• Helps avoid penalties and audits during GST compliance checks.

To confirm whether a business is legally registered, always cross-check its details on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal

Why is GST Number Check Important?

Verifying a GST number is crucial for business owners, accountants, and tax professionals for the following reasons:

1. Prevent Fraudulent Transactions: Fake GST numbers can lead to financial losses. Checking ensures the supplier is legally registered.

2. Claim Input Tax Credit: Only purchases from valid GST-registered suppliers are eligible for ITC.

3. Ensure Compliance: Non-compliance can attract penalties, fines, and audits. Verifying GST numbers before transactions helps stay compliant.

4. Cross-State Business Validation: For inter-state transactions, GST number verification ensures proper IGST and CGST/SGST calculations.

5. Simplify Accounting: Valid GST numbers make bookkeeping easier and help during GST return filing.

Example Scenario:

A business in Delhi purchases goods from a supplier in Mumbai. Before making payment, the Delhi company should verify the supplier’s GSTIN to confirm the supplier is legally registered. This ensures the Delhi company can claim input tax credit and avoid compliance issues during audits.

How to Check GST Number Online

The Goods and Services Tax portal offers an easy and free way to check GST numbers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the GST Portal

• Go to the official GST website: https://www.gst.gov.in

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Section

• Click on “Search Taxpayer” under the ‘Services’ menu.

• Select “Search by GSTIN/UIN” option.

Step 3: Enter the GST Number

• Input the 15-digit GSTIN of the supplier or business.

• Click Search.

Step 4: Verify Details

• The portal displays details such as:

  • Legal name of the business

  • Trade name

  • State

  • Date of GST registration

  • GSTIN status (Active/Inactive)

  • Type of taxpayer (Regular, Composition, SEZ, etc.)

Step 5: Cross-Check Information

• Ensure the business name, state, and GSTIN match the supplier’s invoice.

• In case of discrepancies, request clarification from the supplier before making transactions.

Alternative Methods:

1. GST Mobile Apps – Some apps provide GSTIN verification on the go.

2. Third-Party Portals – Websites like ClearTax, Zoho Books, or Tally also offer GSTIN validation.

Tip: Always rely on the official GST portal for the most accurate and updated information.

Common Errors in GST Number and How to Avoid Them

While checking GST numbers, businesses often encounter these errors:

1. Inactive GSTIN – Indicates the supplier has canceled or not renewed registration.

2. Invalid GST Number – Mistyped GSTIN or fake number.

3. Mismatch in Business Name – Supplier invoice name differs from portal records.

How to Avoid Errors:

• Double-check the GST number before transactions.

• Keep a record of verified GSTINs in your accounting system.

• Educate staff on proper invoice verification.

• Cross-verify with the supplier’s PAN and business address.

You can verify the latest GST registration status on the CBIC GST website for official notifications or registration changes.

GST Number Check for Businesses

Businesses registered under GST should make GST number checks a routine part of operations:

1. Procurement Process: Verify GSTINs of all vendors to ensure compliance and eligibility for input tax credit.

2. Accounting & Bookkeeping: Maintain a verified GSTIN database for smooth reconciliation during GST return filing.

3. Legal Compliance: Accurate GSTINs reduce the risk of audit issues, penalties, and GST notices.

4. E-Commerce Vendors: For marketplaces, checking GST numbers ensures sellers are properly registered and transactions are legal.

Key Tips for Businesses

• Always check GST numbers before signing contracts or paying suppliers.

• Maintain a list of verified GSTINs in your ERP or accounting software.

• Use the official GST portal for validation.

• Educate your procurement and finance teams about GSTIN checks.

• In case of discrepancies, request supporting documents like GST registration certificate and PAN verification.

Keep your business and vendor information consistent with government records by cross-verifying details using the GST Portal and Income Tax Department website for PAN validation.

Conclusion

Checking GST numbers is not just a regulatory requirement but also a smart business practice. It protects your business from fraudulent suppliers, ensures compliance with GST laws, and simplifies claiming input tax credit. For startups, SMEs, and large companies, GSTIN verification should be integrated into procurement, accounting, and vendor management processes. With millions of GST-registered businesses in India, taking a few minutes to verify GST numbers can save significant time, money, and legal hassles.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and using official resources, businesses can stay compliant, reduce risk, and build a trustworthy network of suppliers.

FAQs – GST Number Check & Verification

Q1: How can I check GST status?
You can check your GST status on the official GST portal. By entering your GSTIN or PAN, the portal shows whether your GST registration is active or inactive.

Q2: Can I search GST number by name?
Yes. On the GST portal, you can use the “Search by Legal Name or Trade Name” feature to find a business’s GST number. This helps verify suppliers or vendors before transactions.

Q3: What is the GST portal?
The GST portal is the official government platform for GST registration, filing returns, making payments, and verifying GST numbers. Visit www.gst.gov.in to access all services.

Q4: How to check GST active status?
To check if a GST number is active, enter the GSTIN on the GST portal’s “Search Taxpayer” page. An Active status means the business is legally registered and compliant, while Inactive indicates cancellation or non-compliance.

Q5: How can I search GST number by PAN?
The GST portal allows users to search GSTIN using the PAN of the business or individual. This is useful if you know the PAN but not the GST number.

Q6: How do I login to GST portal?
To access your GST account, go to GST login and enter your username (GSTIN or PAN), password, and captcha. Once logged in, you can file returns, check status, and download certificates.

Q7: How to search GST number in India?
Use the official GST portal and navigate to Search Taxpayer → Search by GSTIN/UIN or Name. This allows verification of any registered GST number across India.

Q8: Can I search GST number by company name?
Yes. If you know the company’s legal or trade name, you can search it on the GST portal to find its GSTIN and registration details. Always cross-check the information with invoices before transactions.