The Indian government launched the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 1 July 2017 to simplify India’s tax structure. The main aim of implementing it was one nation, one tax, one market. GST has replaced a dozen central and state-levied taxes such as excise, VAT, and service tax.
Business entities need to register under GST and obtain a unique 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN). This has replaced the Tax Identification Number (TIN) allotted to businesses by state tax authorities for registering under the VAT system.
Under GST, all registered taxpayers will be consolidated onto a single platform for compliance and administration purposes and will be registered under a single authority.
What a GSTIN looks like
GSTIN, an abbreviation for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, consists of a distinct 15-digit identification code allotted to each taxpayer (mainly dealers, suppliers, or any business entity) registered under the GST regime.
Here is what the 15-digit GSTIN indicates:
- The first two digits represent the state code according to the Indian Census of 2011. Every state or union territory has a unique code. For example, 27 stands for Maharashtra and 09 is for Uttar Pradesh.
- The next ten digits are the PAN card of the taxpayer or business house.
- The 13th digit indicates the number of registrations in a state for the same PAN. It is alpha-numeric (first 1-9 and then A-Z).
- The 14th digit is the alphabet ‘Z’ by default.
- The last digit is a check code to detect errors. It can be an alphabet or a number.
GST Number Example
If a legal entity or business firm holds only one registration in a particular state, the 13th digit of its GSTIN will be designated as "1" in the format. If the same entity obtains an additional or second registration in the same state, the thirteenth digit will be marked as "2."
Likewise, if the entity acquires 11 registrations in the same state, the letter "B" will be allocated as the 13th digit of the GSTIN. This system allows any legal entity to have up to 35 business verticals registered within a state.
Why do you need a GSTIN?
A GSTIN is required for various reasons, such as:
- To comply with the GST laws and regulations in India. A business that has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 40 lakh (Rs. 10 lakh for some states) must register for GST and obtain a GSTIN. Failing to do so may result in penalties and fines.
- To claim the input tax credit (ITC) on the GST paid on purchases and expenses. A business can reduce its tax liability by claiming ITC on the GST paid on goods and services used for its business purposes. However, to claim ITC, the business must have a valid GSTIN and file its GST returns on time.
- To issue GST-compliant invoices to customers and suppliers. A business must mention its GSTIN on every invoice it issues or receives, along with other details such as the invoice number, date, amount, GST rate, etc. This helps in tracking the transactions and ensuring tax compliance.
- To file GST returns and pay taxes online. A business must use its GSTIN to log in to the GST portal and file its monthly, quarterly, or annual GST returns, depending on its turnover and type of registration. The business must also use its GSTIN to pay the taxes due online through various modes such as net banking, debit card, credit card, etc.
GST registration is critical for business entities to avail various benefits available under the GST regime. The government has made it mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 lakh to have a GSTIN. If you are a registered dealer, you need to file GST returns and pay if GST liability exists. Also, if the GST you pay is more than the GST liability, you can claim a refund through your GSTIN.
A GSTIN also helps when you are looking to avail a loan to fund your business. Financiers such as Bajaj Finance provide business loans to buy inventory, expand commercial space, and grow their trade. Your business should be registered with the Government of India and have a valid GSTIN to be eligible for a business loan.
Additional read: How to calculate GST
GSTIN search and verification tool
If you have your GSTIN, you can verify any GSTIN with a single click on the GSTIN search tool, free of cost.
Benefits of the online GSTIN search and verification tool
- Checking for authenticity
- Easy verification
- Prevention against association with vendors using fake GSTINs
- Avoiding fraud
- Correction of any errors in reporting GSTIN
How to verify GSTIN?
Numerous entities fabricate fraudulent GSTIN numbers to levy additional charges and evade taxes under GST norms.
According to regulations, all service providers/ traders levying GST must display their GSTIN on every invoice. To verify a GSTIN's authenticity, follow these steps:
- Visit the GST Portal at https://www.gst.gov.in/.
- Click on "Search Taxpayer" in the menu bar.
- Enter the GSTIN and captcha code.
- Within seconds, you'll see details like GSTIN status, registration date, and taxpayer type (e.g., company, sole proprietorship).
How to apply for a GSTIN?
Registering for GST and obtaining a GSTIN is free of cost. There are two ways for taxpayers to register under the GST system:
- Register online on the GST portal
- Visit the GST Seva Kendra set up by the Government of India
Applying online is the easier option. You can follow these steps to do so:
- Log on to this link, click on the ‘services’ tab, hover over ‘registration’, and then click on ‘New Registration’.
- Once the page refreshes, select ‘New Registration’ and fill the form with the details carefully. Take care to enter information in all the fields marked with a red dot because providing this information is compulsory. Also, enter your email ID and phone number as you will receive an OTP on both.
- Once filled, click on ‘Proceed’. Next, enter the OTPs that you have received on your email ID and phone number. You have a window of 10 minutes to do so, after which the OTP expires and must be regenerated.
- The screen will then display a TRN or Temporary Reference Number. Note this, and then go back to the home page, click on the ‘services’ tab, hover over ‘registration’, and then click on ‘New Registration’.
- This time, when the form is presented to you, click on ‘Temporary Reference Number’ instead of ‘New Registration’. Enter the TRN and the CAPTCHA code, as well as a new OTP that the system generates.
- Once you are directed to the ‘My Saved Application’ page, you will be able to access a form that you must fill and submit within 15 days. The form has 10 sections, so once you open it, be sure to fill in details in each section and affix scanned copies of your bank account number, IFSC code, proof of business incorporation, etc.
- Next, fill out the enrolment form. Once again, take care to provide information for all fields that are marked mandatory. Then, click on ‘Save and continue’. Similarly, fill in details that are mandatory as listed under the ‘businesses and ‘Promoters/ partners’ tab while providing proof of constitution.
- Lastly, provide information under the ‘authorised signatories’ section. If you are keen on e-signing the form, make sure to use the signatory’s mobile number and email ID. Similarly, to sign via DSC, ensure that the signatory’s PAN is linked with DSC.
- Then, continue to fill the rest of the tabs, namely ‘primary place of business’, ‘goods and services’, ‘Bank accounts’, etc. using data from relevant documents such as the first page of a passbook or bank statement and proof of primary place of business.
- An important aspect is to sign your application via e-signing, DSC or EVC digitally. This is compulsory for companies and LLPs, and the signature of the authorised signatory, as stated in the registration form, must be used. You can then submit your application.
- You will receive an Application Reference Number or ARN on your mobile number and email ID shortly after to help you track your application.
- Once the GST officer approves the application, you will be assigned a unique GSTIN for your business. You will receive a notification via email and text message. You will also receive a temporary username and password that you can use to log in. Once you do, click on ‘First Time Login’ to create your username and set a new password.
- After three to five days have passed, you can download your registration certificate by navigating to the ‘services’ tab. Click on ‘user services’ and then on ‘view or download certificates’ to do so.
There is a two-step verification process for businesses to complete the GST registration. Once the GST officer approves the application, you will be assigned a unique GSTIN for your business.
Benefits of getting a GSTIN
- Legal recognition of the business entity as a supplier of goods or services, aiding in attracting more customers and fostering business growth.
- Increased competitiveness compared to smaller businesses, as purchasing from you allows for input credit.
- Ability to claim input credit on own purchases and services, enhancing financial benefits.
- No restrictions on interstate sales, expanding the potential market for SMEs.
- Opportunity to register on e-commerce platforms or establish own e-commerce website, further broadening business scope.
- Ensured compliance through GST registration, resulting in a favourable GST rating and facilitating business expansion.
How is GSTIN different from GSTN?
GSTIN refers to the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, while the Goods and Service Tax Network (GSTN) is the entity responsible for managing the entire IT system of the GST portal.
This portal, overseen by the Government of India, serves as a comprehensive platform for monitoring financial transactions and providing taxpayers with various services, including registration, tax filing, and record-keeping.
