How to verify GSTIN

GSTIN is 15 – digit Goods & Services Taxpayer Identification Number, which is PAN-based and has been allotted to each taxpayer (business entity).

A format has been also set for this 15 digit GSTIN which are as follows:

·        The first two digit represents the State Code

·        And the next 10 digit represents the PAN number of the business entity

·        On which the thirteenth digit is based on the number of registration, the fourteenth digit is Z by default and the last digit is for check code.

GSTIN has to be printed on bills issued by the vendor. Apart from this, GSTIN of vendors from whom you receive goods/services or to whom you supply goods/services shall also be available with you for the purpose of return filing.

So, Government has also launched GST portal which enables businesses to verify their GST numbers (GSTIN). The business dealers can use this feature provided by the Government free of cost.

You can check your GST number online by using three steps

o  Visit GST portal here and click on search Taxpayer > Search by GSTIN / UIN on the GST Portal home page

o  There you will see Search Taxpayer. And in the dropdown select Search by GSTIN / UIN.

o  In the box enter the GST number of the dealer and click on Search.

o  On the resulting page if the GSTIN is correct you will be able to see the information of the dealer.

In case the GST number is correct you will have to provide the following details

·        Legal name of business

·        State

·        Date of registration

·        Construction of business – company, sole-proprietor or partnership

·        Taxpayer type – regular taxpayer or composition dealer

In case the GST number which the dealer has entered is incorrect, an error message will be displayed on the screen.

If any individual wants they can also verify if they have been provided with fake GST Bills with fake GSTIN

·        For that visit the official GST portal and go to ‘Search Page‘ option

·        You will be required to enter your business entity’s GST number to find out if it is valid or not

·        Now enter the captcha code and click on search button

·        Upon clicking on the search button, you will be provided with the result of entered GST number.

Since GST is new, people are encouraged to verify GSTIN of business entities from whom they buy goods or services because there are high chances of undue advantage being taken owing to the newness of tax structure and prevailing confusion among masses.

It is always better to be safe than sorry.