How to Check GST Number

Every business operating in India that is registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is assigned a unique 15-digit GST Identification Number (GSTIN). This number serves as the digital identity of a business for tax compliance, invoicing, and inter-state transactions. Whether you're a supplier verifying a clients legitimacy, a buyer confirming vendor credentials, or a taxpayer ensuring your own records are accurate, knowing how to check GST number is a fundamental skill in modern commerce.

The ability to validate a GST number isnt just about complianceits a critical step in reducing fraud, preventing fake invoicing, and ensuring smooth business operations. With the rise of digital transactions and e-invoicing, the authenticity of a GST number directly impacts your ability to claim input tax credit, file accurate returns, and maintain trust with partners. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to verifying GST numbers, along with best practices, tools, real-world examples, and answers to common questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Using the Official GST Portal

The most reliable and authoritative source for verifying a GST number is the Government of Indias official GST portal: https://www.gst.gov.in. This portal is maintained by the GSTN (GST Network) and contains real-time, legally recognized data.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to https://www.gst.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, locate the Services menu at the top navigation bar and click on it.
3. From the dropdown, select Search Taxpayer.
4. You will be redirected to the Search Taxpayer page, which offers two search options: Search by GSTIN/UIN and Search by PAN.
5. For direct GST number verification, choose Search by GSTIN/UIN.
6. Enter the 15-digit GSTIN in the provided field. Ensure there are no spaces, hyphens, or special characters.
7. Complete the CAPTCHA verification by typing the characters displayed in the image.
8. Click the Search button.
9. The system will display the taxpayers details, including legal name, trade name, state, registration date, status (Active/Cancelled), and address.
10. Compare the displayed information with the details provided by the business to confirm authenticity.

If the GSTIN is invalid or inactive, the portal will display an error message such as No record found or GSTIN is inactive. This is a clear indicator that the number may be fraudulent or expired.

Method 2: Verifying via PAN

If you only have the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business and not the full GSTIN, you can still verify registration status using the same portal.

1. On the Search Taxpayer page, select Search by PAN.
2. Enter the 10-character PAN in the field (e.g., ABCDE1234F).
3. Complete the CAPTCHA.
4. Click Search.
5. The system will list all GST registrations linked to that PAN. Each entry will show the corresponding GSTIN, state, registration date, and status.
6. This is particularly useful for businesses operating in multiple states, as they may have separate GSTINs for each state.

Method 3: Using the E-Way Bill Portal

The E-Way Bill system, which is integrated with GST, also allows for GST number verification. This method is especially useful when verifying parties involved in goods transportation.

1. Visit the E-Way Bill portal at https://ewaybillgst.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, click on Search Taxpayer located in the top-right corner.
3. Select Search by GSTIN and enter the 15-digit number.
4. Complete the CAPTCHA and click Search.
5. The portal will display the taxpayers details, including their active GSTINs, registration status, and last e-way bill generation date.
6. This method provides additional insight into recent activity, helping determine if the business is currently operational.

Method 4: Mobile App Verification

The GSTN has developed an official mobile application called GSTN App (available on Android and iOS) that allows users to verify GST numbers on the go.

1. Download and install the official GSTN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and tap on Search Taxpayer.
3. Choose Search by GSTIN or Search by PAN based on your available data.
4. Enter the number and complete the CAPTCHA.
5. Tap Search to retrieve the taxpayers details.
6. Save or screenshot the results for future reference.

The mobile app is ideal for field sales teams, logistics personnel, and auditors who need to verify GST numbers during client visits or deliveries.

Method 5: Third-Party API Integration

For large enterprises, e-commerce platforms, and accounting software providers, manual verification is not scalable. These entities often integrate GST verification into their systems using official APIs provided by GSTN.

1. Register as a developer on the GSTN Developer Portal: https://developer.gst.gov.in.
2. Apply for API access under the Search Taxpayer category.
3. Upon approval, you will receive API credentials (client ID and secret key).
4. Use the API endpoint /v1.0/search/taxpayer to send a POST request with the GSTIN or PAN as input.
5. The API will return a JSON response containing taxpayer details, status, and error codes.
6. Integrate this response into your CRM, ERP, or invoicing system for automated validation.

API-based verification ensures real-time checks during invoice generation, reducing the risk of accepting fake GST numbers in bulk transactions.

Best Practices

Always Verify Before Transactions

Never assume a GST number provided by a vendor or client is valid. Always verify it through the official GST portal or API before proceeding with any financial transaction, invoice issuance, or input tax credit claim. A single fraudulent GST number can lead to disallowed ITC, penalties, or legal scrutiny.

Check the Status: Active or Cancelled

Verification isnt complete unless you confirm the status. A GSTIN marked as Cancelled or Surrendered is no longer valid for tax purposes. Even if the number is correctly formatted, an inactive status means the business cannot legally issue GST-compliant invoices or claim input credit.

Match Legal Name and Address

After verifying the GSTIN, cross-check the displayed legal name and registered address with the information on the invoice or contract. Discrepancieseven minor ones like ABC Enterprises vs. ABC Enterprise Pvt. Ltd.can indicate fraud or outdated records. Always ensure the name matches exactly as registered with the GST authorities.

Validate State Code

The first two digits of a GSTIN represent the state code as per the Indian Census. For example, 06 indicates Haryana, 27 indicates Maharashtra, and 33 indicates Tamil Nadu. If a business claims to operate in Gujarat (code 24) but the GSTIN starts with 29 (Kerala), this is a red flag. Verify that the state code aligns with the businesss operational location.

Use Both GSTIN and PAN for Double Verification

If you have access to both the GSTIN and PAN, verify using both methods. A legitimate business will show matching details across both searches. If the PAN search returns no results or multiple unrelated GSTINs, further investigation is warranted.

Document Your Verification

Keep a record of your verification steps. Save screenshots, timestamps, and the details displayed. This documentation can serve as evidence of due diligence in case of audits or disputes. Many businesses now include a verification log in their vendor onboarding checklist.

Update Your Records Regularly

GST registrations can be cancelled, suspended, or updated. Businesses may change their legal names or addresses. Set up quarterly reviews of your vendor and client GST details to ensure your records remain accurate and compliant.

Be Wary of Shortened or Altered GSTINs

Fraudsters often use fake GSTINs that are one or two digits off from legitimate numbers. For example, replacing 0 with O or 1 with I. Always copy-paste the number directly from official documents rather than typing it manually. Use tools like Excels TRIM and CLEAN functions to remove hidden characters before verification.

Train Your Team

Ensure that your finance, procurement, and sales teams understand how to verify GST numbers. Conduct brief training sessions and create a one-page reference guide. The more people in your organization who can verify GST numbers, the lower the risk of fraud.

Tools and Resources

Official Government Tools

• GST Portal https://www.gst.gov.in Primary source for all GST-related verifications.
• E-Way Bill Portal https://ewaybillgst.gov.in Useful for verifying active transporters and GST status linked to goods movement.
• GSTN Developer Portal https://developer.gst.gov.in For businesses requiring automated, API-based verification.
• GSTN Mobile App Available on Android and iOS for on-the-go verification.

Third-Party Tools (Recommended for Enterprises)

• ClearTax GST Verification Tool Offers bulk GSTIN verification and integration with accounting software.
• Zoho Invoice Automatically validates GSTIN during invoice creation and flags invalid entries.
• TallyPrime Includes built-in GSTIN validation for ledger creation and invoice generation.
• Khatabook Provides GST verification for small business users recording transactions.
• GSTNs Bulk Search Tool Available to registered taxpayers for verifying multiple GSTINs at once via CSV upload.

Browser Extensions and Plugins

Some browser extensions, such as GSTIN Checker for Chrome, allow users to right-click on a GST number displayed on a webpage and instantly verify it via the GST portal. While convenient, these tools should be used with cautiononly install extensions from verified publishers, and never enter sensitive data into untrusted plugins.

Excel and Google Sheets Formulas

For businesses managing vendor lists in spreadsheets, you can use formulas to validate GSTIN structure:

• Length Check: =LEN(A1)=15 Ensures the GSTIN is exactly 15 characters.
• State Code Check: =AND(LEFT(A1,2)>=01, LEFT(A1,2) Validates that the first two digits are within Indias state code range.
• PAN Validation: =MID(A1,3,10) Extracts the PAN portion (positions 312) for cross-checking.
• Check Digit Validation: Requires complex logic using modulo 97, which can be implemented via VBA or Google Apps Script for advanced users.

While formulas can catch structural errors, they cannot confirm active registrationonly the official portal can do that.

API Services for Developers

For developers building ERP or e-commerce platforms:

• GSTN Public API Free, official, rate-limited (100 requests/hour).
• TaxBuddy API Commercial API with higher limits and error handling.
• Razorpay GST API Integrated with payment gateways for real-time vendor verification.

Always use the official GSTN API for legal compliance. Third-party APIs may cache data or charge fees, but they can improve user experience if properly implemented.

Real Examples

Example 1: Valid GSTIN Verification

Business: TechSolutions Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru

Provided GSTIN: 29AAECT7567D1Z5

Verification Steps:

• Entered GSTIN on GST portal.
• CAPTCHA completed successfully.
• Result displayed:
  • Legal Name: TechSolutions Private Limited
  • Trade Name: TechSolutions
  • State: Karnataka (29)
  • Registration Date: 01/07/2017
  • Status: Active
  • Address: 123 Tech Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Conclusion: The GSTIN is valid, the name matches, and the status is active. This vendor can be trusted for invoicing and ITC claims.

Example 2: Invalid GSTIN Incorrect Format

Provided GSTIN: 29AAECT7567D1Z

Verification Steps:

• Entered GSTIN on GST portal.
• System returned: Invalid GSTIN format.

Analysis: The GSTIN has only 14 digits. A valid GSTIN must be exactly 15 characters. This is likely a typo or a fraudulent number. Request a corrected invoice.

Example 3: GSTIN with Mismatched Name

Invoice Provided: Vendor Name: Global Traders

Provided GSTIN: 27AAECC7890D1Z7

Verification Steps:

• Verified GSTIN on portal.
• Result displayed:
  • Legal Name: Global Traders Private Limited
  • Trade Name: Global Traders
  • Status: Active

Conclusion: The trade name matches, but the legal name includes Private Limited. The invoice should reflect the legal name for compliance. Request an updated invoice with the full legal name.

Example 4: Cancelled GSTIN

Provided GSTIN: 32AAECA2345D1Z3

Verification Steps:

• Verified GSTIN on portal.
• Result displayed: GSTIN is cancelled.
• Cancelled on: 15/03/2023

Conclusion: The business is no longer registered under GST. Any invoice issued after March 15, 2023, is non-compliant. Do not accept the invoice or claim input tax credit.

Example 5: Multiple GSTINs for One PAN

PAN Provided: AAECC7890D

Verification Steps:

• Used Search by PAN on GST portal.
• Result displayed three GSTINs:
  • 29AAECC7890D1Z7 Karnataka
  • 32AAECC7890D1Z3 Kerala
  • 27AAECC7890D1Z7 Maharashtra

Conclusion: The business operates in three states and has separate registrations. Ensure the correct GSTIN is used for each states transactions. This is normal for multi-state businesses.

FAQs

Can I verify a GST number without an internet connection?

No. GST number verification requires real-time access to the GSTN database. There is no offline method to validate the authenticity of a GSTIN. Always ensure you have internet access when verifying GST numbers.

Is a GSTIN with a status of Pending Cancellation valid?

No. A GSTIN with a status of Pending Cancellation, Surrendered, or Cancelled is not valid for any GST-related activity. Do not accept invoices or claim input tax credit from such taxpayers.

What if the GSTIN I verified shows a different business name than the one on the invoice?

Always rely on the legal name displayed on the GST portal. If the invoice uses a trade name that differs from the legal name, request a revised invoice that includes the full legal name as registered with GST. Discrepancies can lead to disallowed input tax credit.

How do I know if a GSTIN is fake?

A GSTIN is fake if:

• The format is incorrect (not 15 digits).
• The state code is invalid (not between 01 and 37).
• The portal returns No record found.
• The status is Cancelled or Surrendered.
• The PAN extracted from the GSTIN does not match the businesss actual PAN.

Can two businesses have the same GSTIN?

No. Each GSTIN is unique and assigned to one legal entity in one state. If two businesses claim the same GSTIN, one is fraudulent. Immediately report such cases to the GST authorities.

What happens if I claim input tax credit on a fake GSTIN?

If you claim input tax credit based on a fake or invalid GSTIN, the tax authorities can disallow the credit, impose interest, and levy a penalty of up to 100% of the tax evaded under Section 74 of the CGST Act. In severe cases, criminal proceedings may follow.

Can I verify GSTINs for foreign businesses?

No. GSTINs are issued only to businesses registered under the Indian GST regime. Foreign entities importing goods into India may have a UIN (Unique Identity Number), which is different from a GSTIN and is used for tax refunds. UINs are 15 digits but start with 99. Use the same portal to verify UINs.

How often does the GST portal update registration status?

The GST portal updates in real time. Changes such as cancellation, suspension, or name updates are reflected immediately after processing by the tax department. Always verify the latest status before transactions.

Do I need to verify GSTIN for every invoice?

Yes. Especially if you are claiming input tax credit, you must verify the GSTIN of every supplier. The law requires that the suppliers GSTIN on the invoice matches the one registered with GSTN. Automated systems should validate this before invoice approval.

Can I verify a GSTIN using just the business name?

No. The GST portal does not allow search by business name alone. You must have either the GSTIN or the PAN to perform a search. Be cautious of third-party websites claiming to search by namethey may be scams.

Conclusion

Verifying a GST number is not a one-time taskits an ongoing practice essential for financial integrity, tax compliance, and fraud prevention. Whether youre a small business owner, an accountant, or a procurement manager, mastering the methods to check GST number empowers you to make informed decisions and protect your organization from financial and legal risks.

The official GST portal remains the gold standard for verification. Combine it with best practices such as cross-checking names, validating state codes, and documenting results to build a robust compliance framework. For larger organizations, integrating API-based verification into your systems ensures scalability and accuracy.

Remember: a valid GSTIN is more than a string of numbersits a digital seal of legitimacy. Never skip verification. Always double-check. And when in doubt, consult the official source. In the world of GST compliance, diligence is not optionalits the foundation of trust.