Verifying a business’s GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is one of the most important steps in ensuring safe and compliant transactions. Whether you’re a supplier, buyer, or accountant, checking GST registration details helps confirm that a business is genuine, registered under GST, and eligible to collect and remit tax.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to check GSTIN status online, how to verify a GST number, what to look for in the results, and why it’s important for every business operating in India.

What is GSTIN?

The GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to every taxpayer registered under the GST system in India.

Each GSTIN is structured as follows:
22ABCDE1234F1Z5

• First 2 digits: Represent the state code (for example, 09 for Uttar Pradesh, 27 for Maharashtra).

• Next 10 digits: Represent the PAN number of the taxpayer.

• 13th digit: Entity code (denotes the number of registrations a business has within a state).

• 14th digit: Default “Z” as per government format.

• 15th digit: Check code (used for error detection).

This structure ensures that every GSTIN is unique and traceable to a specific business entity and state.

Why You Should Verify a GSTIN

Verifying a GSTIN before making a transaction ensures:

• ✅ The business is legally registered under GST.

• ✅ You can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on your purchases.

• ✅ You avoid dealing with fake or non-existent businesses.

• ✅ The invoice and GST details you receive are genuine.

• ✅ Compliance with tax regulations during audits and filings.

Fake GSTINs or incorrect registrations can lead to penalties, loss of ITC, or even legal action if used in transactions.

How to Check GSTIN Status Online

Follow these simple steps to verify any GST number in India using the official government portal:

Step 1: Visit the GST Portal

Go to the official GST portal — www.gst.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on ‘Search Taxpayer’

From the homepage menu, choose “Search Taxpayer” → “Search by GSTIN/UIN.”

Step 3: Enter the GSTIN or UIN

Type the 15-digit GSTIN or UIN in the search box. Double-check the digits for accuracy.

Step 4: Complete CAPTCHA Verification

Enter the displayed CAPTCHA code and click Search.

Step 5: View Business Details

Once submitted, the portal will display verified details of the GST-registered business, including:

• Legal name of the business

• Trade name (if different)

• GST registration type (Regular/Composition/SEZ/Non-Resident)

• Registration date and status (Active/Cancelled/Suspended)

• Business location and jurisdiction

• Nature of business activities (Wholesale, Manufacturing, Services, etc.)

These details help confirm the authenticity of the GST registration and ensure the invoice you receive or issue aligns with valid records.

How to Verify GSTIN by PAN

If you do not know the GSTIN but have the PAN of a business, you can search using:

• “Search Taxpayer → Search by PAN” on the GST portal.
  Enter the PAN, complete CAPTCHA, and view all GST registrations associated with that PAN, state-wise.

This is useful when:

• You need to confirm multiple branch registrations under the same business.

• You are onboarding a new vendor or supplier and want to confirm their registration details.

How to Verify GSTIN by Business Name

If you only know the business name and not the GSTIN, you can still verify it through private GST search tools integrated with the GST database.

When searching, ensure the business name is entered exactly as it appears on invoices. Once found, match the GSTIN format (15 digits) and verify on the official portal to confirm authenticity.

What Each GSTIN Status Means

1️⃣ Active

The business is currently registered and can legally issue tax invoices and collect GST.

2️⃣ Cancelled

The registration has been cancelled either voluntarily or by the tax department. A cancelled GSTIN cannot legally issue invoices or collect tax.

3️⃣ Provisional

The business has applied for registration but the process is not fully completed.

4️⃣ Suspended

The GST registration is temporarily inactive — often due to non-filing of returns or pending verifications.

Always transact only with active GSTINs to ensure compliance and ITC eligibility.

Common Reasons to Verify GSTIN

• Before onboarding a new supplier or client.

• Before claiming Input Tax Credit based on invoices.

• When verifying e-commerce or online vendors.

• To check if a cancelled GSTIN is being misused.

• During audits, vendor reconciliations, and GST return filings.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if:

• The business name does not match the GSTIN record.

• The GSTIN format is invalid or shorter than 15 digits.

• The status is Cancelled or Suspended, but invoices are still being issued.

• The PAN structure in GSTIN doesn’t align with the supplier’s details.

Benefits of Regular GSTIN Verification

• Prevents fraudulent ITC claims.

• Builds trust in business transactions.

• Helps maintain a clean compliance record.

• Simplifies vendor reconciliation during GST audits.

• Ensures accurate reporting in GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual returns.

Pro Tip: Automate GSTIN Verification

If your business deals with multiple clients or vendors, manual verification can be time-consuming.
Automation tools or accounting software integrated with GST APIs can validate GSTINs in bulk, ensuring every supplier or customer in your database has a valid registration.

This not only prevents fraud but also reduces human error during return filing.

Verifying a GSTIN is a quick and essential step for every business transaction in India. It ensures that your trading partners are authentic, compliant, and legally registered under GST.

By checking the GSTIN status on the official portal before accepting or issuing an invoice, you safeguard your business from compliance risks, fake registrations, and input tax credit losses.

Remember — in GST compliance, “Verify before you transact” is always the best practice.

Also read:
How to Register for GST Online – Your Step-by-Step Guide
Decoding GST Slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% — Which Applies to You?
Check GSTIN Status & Verify Any Business in India (2025 Guide)
How to File GSTR-3B Correctly (Avoid Common Mistakes)
Penalties for Late GST Filing & How to Avoid Them
Common GST Filing Mistakes Small Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them)