GSTIN Verification: Steps to Check and Verify GSTIN Online

A Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every taxpayer registered under the GST regime in India. The GSTIN helps the government to track the tax transactions and compliance of the taxpayers. 

The GSTIN is composed of the following elements: 

• The first two digits represent the state code as per the Indian Census 2011. For example, 27 for Maharashtra and 09 for Uttar Pradesh.
• The next ten digits are the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the taxpayer.
• The thirteenth digit is assigned based on the number of registrations a taxpayer has within a state. It can be any number from 1 to 9 and alphabets from A to Z.
• The fourteenth digit is Z by default.
• The fifteenth digit is a check code that can be a number or an alphabet.

Importance of GSTIN verification

GSTIN is like a unique ID for businesses under the GST system. It helps keep track of their GST payments and compliance. Plus, it is essential for claiming input tax credit and refunds. Checking the validity of GSTIN is crucial for various reasons, including: 

• It helps you check the authenticity and validity of the GSTIN of your suppliers or customers and avoid associating with fake or fraudulent dealers.
• It helps you ensure that you are generating accurate invoices with the correct GSTIN of your recipients and avoid any errors or penalties in filing GST returns.
• It helps you ensure that you are claiming the correct input tax credit based on the GSTIN of your suppliers and avoid any mismatch or reversal of credit.

How is the GSTIN number verified?

Verifying a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is essential for confirming the authenticity of a business. It helps avoid fraudulent transactions and ensures compliance with GST regulations. The GSTIN verification process is simple and can be done online.
Steps to Verify GSTIN:

1. Visit the official GST portal.
2. Select the ‘Search Taxpayer’ option.
3. Enter the GSTIN you wish to verify.
4. Click on the ‘Search’ button.
5. The portal will display details like the business name, registration status, and address.

This quick verification ensures you’re dealing with a genuine and compliant business.

How to verify GSTIN

To verify your GSTIN, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official GST portal at [www.gst.gov.in].
• On the homepage, click on the search taxpayer tab and select search by GSTIN/UIN from the drop-down menu.
• Enter your GSTIN number in the search box and click on search.
• If your GSTIN number is valid, you will see the details of the taxpayer, such as legal name, trade name, address, date of registration, status, and tax type.

Verifying your GSTIN is important to ensure that you are dealing with genuine and compliant taxpayers. It also helps you to avoid any penalties or notices from the tax authorities. This quick verification ensures you are dealing with a genuine and compliant business. If you want to know how to log in, visit our page - how to login GST portal.

GST Identification Number format

The GSTIN is structured in a specific format, with each part offering key details about the taxpayer:

• First 2 digits: Represent the state code based on the Indian Census 2011 (e.g., '27' for Maharashtra).
• Next 10 characters: Correspond to the taxpayer's Permanent Account Number (PAN).
• 13th digit: Denotes the number of registrations under the same PAN within a state.
• 14th digit: Usually set to 'Z' by default.
• 15th digit: A check code used for identifying errors.

Where and how to complain about fake GSTIN?

If you happen to notice any irregularities with a GSTIN during a GST number check, remember that you can act as a whistleblower.

You can search GST numbers on the official portal and report any illegalities to the relevant authorities in Noida, Gurgaon, or Delhi by emailing them or calling helpdesk@gst.gov.in | +91 124 4688999 / +91 120 4888999.

When paying any invoice, consumers should verify that the GST number on the invoice is valid at https://www.gst.gov.in/ to ensure their hard-earned money is directed to the correct channels when paying Goods and Services Tax (GST).

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