How to Search GST Number

The GST Number, officially known as the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), is a unique 15-digit code given to every taxpayer registered under the GST system. Searching for a GST number by business name is an important step for companies, suppliers, buyers and tax professionals wanting to confirm the authenticity of GST-registered entities. 

Whether you are vetting a new vendor, verifying GST details for billing purposes or checking your own GSTIN information, knowing how to find a GSTIN helps in ensuring compliance as well as promoting transparency across all business transactions. In this article, we shall guide our readers on how to search GST number.

GSTIN Meaning and Purpose

GSTIN stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. In layman’s terms, it’s simply called the ‘GST Number.’ Basically, GST No. is a unique identification number, consisting of 15 digits, assigned to every GST-registered business in India. The Government of India introduced GSTIN as part of the GST rollout in July in 2017. The introduction of GSTIN led to replacement of older identifiers like VAT Registration Number and Service Tax Registration Number. 

Businesses that cross a certain turnover limit or engage in inter-state trade are required to secure GST registration and obtain GSTIN. The GSTIN acts as a digital identity for the business and is essential for charging/collecting GST on goods and services.

Structure of GSTIN

The structure of Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is as follows:

• Initial 2 Digits:- The first 2 digits of GSTIN contain the state code (e.g., 21 for Odisha/23 for Madhya Pradesh).

• Next 10 Digits:- The next 10 digits reflect the PAN number of the business.

• 13th Digit:- GSTIN’s 13th digit is based on the number of registrations done by the firm within a state under the same PAN. 

• 14th Digit:- By default, GSTIN’s 14th digit is "Z".

• 15th Digit:- 15th digit of GSTIN is known as check code. It is used for the detection of errors and can be represented by either a number or an alphabet.

Process for Online GST Number Search By Name

To conduct GST number search, you can visit KnowYourGST.com. Here are the necessary steps you need to follow to find GST Number by name through this website:

Step 1: Visit the official Know Your GST website.

Step 2: Once you are on the homepage, click on ‘Tools’. Under ‘Free Tools’, select ‘Search GST No. by Name’.

Step 3: Now, in the GST search option, enter the business name. After that, click on ‘Search GST Number’.

Step 4: Based on your input, the website will show the GST No. of the business. 

Note: Once you have the GSTIN of the business by following aforementioned steps, you can verify the business details using the official GST portal. For this, visit the official GST website and click on ‘Search Taxpayer’ and then on ‘Search by GSTIN’. Now, simply enter the GSTIN and then click on the ‘Search’ button. All the relevant details will appear on your screen.

Process for Online GST Number Search by PAN

Here are the necessary steps you need to follow to find GST number by PAN:

Step 1: Go to the official GST portal.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the ‘Search Taxpayer’ option.
Step 3: From the dropdown, choose the ‘Search by PAN’ option.
Step 4: Enter the PAN number of the business or dealer and fill in the captcha code shown on your screen.
Step 5: Hit the ‘Search’ button. The site will display the GSTINs registered under the entered PAN.

Step 6: Click on any of the GSTIN links to proceed. You’ll be redirected to the ‘Search by GSTIN’ page with the selected GSTIN automatically filled in.
Step 7: Enter the captcha once again and click ‘Search’. The full details of the business associated with that GSTIN will be shown.

Conclusion

If you want to verify a business entity’s GST, you can search for its Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. Whether done by business name or PAN, GSTIN lookup ensures transparency, reduces chances of fraud and promotes compliance with tax regulations. For business owners, suppliers or tax professionals, knowing how to perform a GSTIN search can contribute to making informed decisions, maintain accurate records and stay on the right side of the law. As a result of thumb, always cross check the GSTIN using the official GST portal to confirm its validity before proceeding with any transaction.

Need assistance in GST Registration for your business? Connect with our GST Consultants at Registrationwala!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the full form of GSTIN?

A. GSTIN full form is Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.

Q2. How many digits does GSTIN contain?
A. GSTIN contains 15 digits in total.

Q3. Can I search GST number by PAN?
A. Yes, you can search GSTIN by PAN by visiting the official GST portal of the Government of India.

Q4. What is the 15th digit of GSTIN called?

A. GSTIN’s 15th digit is called Check Code. It is used for detecting errors.

Q5. What do the first two digits of GSTIN reflect?

A. The first two digits of GSTIN reflect the state code.

Q6. What is the validity of GSTIN?

A. GSTIN remains valid indefinitely. It does not have an expiry date and continues to be valid until it is surrendered, suspended or cancelled.

Author: Manish Kumar

I’m Manish Kumar, a content management specialist. I simplify complex financial and regulatory topics into clear, insightful content. As a regular contributor to the Registrationwala portal, I provide updates on finance, Tax, government schemes, compliance, and other incorporation information. My goal is to keep you informed about key industry developments and their impact.