How to Check GST Number in India?

By Online Legal India Published On 03 Mar 2026 Category GST

A GST number check is an essential way for business to avoid tax fraud and maintain transparency. So, it is important to know how to check GST number in India. This also helps them to claim Input tax Credit (ITC). You can easily check GST number from the official GST portal. It will display the business's official name, registration status, filing history, and so on. In this piece of writing, you will learn about the steps to check GST number.

What is a GST number?

A GST number is a unique 15-digit code for registered businesses. They can get this code under the GST system in India. The number is also called a GSTIN. The GSTIN refers to the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. It can also be said as an official identification number for businesses. Businesses with this number can get benefits like:

a) Invoicing

b) Tax filing

c) Input Tax Credit (ITC) claiming

d) Other tax compliance within the system.

However, the business will also be able to follow various tax regulations.

Format of the GST Number

Here is the format of the GST number:

a) State Code (First 2 digits)

The first two digits of the GST number means the state code. In India, each state and union territory has its own code. This code shows the location. This means where the taxpayer is registered. For example, "27" is for Maharashtra and "19" stands for West Bengal.

b) PAN (Next 10 characters)

In GSTIN, the next ten characters represent the Permanent Account Number (PAN). A PAN is a unique identification number. The Income Tax Department issues the number. A person or business uses this number to track their financial transactions. It supports tax compliance for businesses. A GSTIN with PAN helps to connect the GST registration to the existing tax records. This helps to stop duplicate registrations.

c) Entity Code (13th digit)

The thirteenth digit specifies the entity code. It shows the number of registrations that a taxpayer has in the same state. This number helps distinguish between different business divisions. It also helps to identify business locations under the same PAN in the same state.

d) Default Alphabet 'Z' (14th digit)

The fourteenth character is generally set as “Z” for regular taxpayers, serving as a default placeholder. However, it may vary for specific categories of entities—for instance, “C” is used for Tax Collectors and “D” for Tax Deductors. It does not carry any specific information about the business or taxpayer.

e) Check Digit (15th digit)

The last 15th digit is a check digit. This is calculated by a formula to check the GSTIN accuracy. The final digit is used to detect errors in the GSTIN. It can include mistyped or invalid characters. It confirms the GSTIN is valid. This also confirms the reduction of the risk of mistakes.

How to check GST number in India?

Here are the steps on how to check GST number in India:

Step 1: Visit the official GST Portal

You have to visit the official GST portal to check a GST number or GSTIN.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Search Taxpayer’

Then, click on the "Search Taxpayer" option and choose the "Search by GSTIN/UIN" option. You can find this option on the home page.

Step 3: Enter the GST number

In this step, you must enter the GST number as per your need in the "GSTIN/UIN" field. Then, you need to complete the captcha code.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Search’ button

Click on the "search" button to proceed after entering the GSTIN and the captcha code.

Step 5: Verify the details

You will see the details of the GST number on the official GST portal. A list of details can be included that are:

a) Business Name

b) Date of Registration

c) Status

d) Address

e) Other details

Thus, it confirms that the GSTIN for the business is authentic.

How to check GST number using a PAN in India?

Here are the steps to check the GST number using a PAN in India:

Step 1: Visit the GST Portal

Firstly, you have to go to the official GST portal.

Step 2: Navigate to Search Taxpayer

This step allows you to click on the "Search Taxpayer" menu. You can find it on the top navigation bar. Then, you are required to select the "Search by PAN" option.

Step 3: Enter PAN Details

Then, you must enter your 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business.

Step 4: Enter Captcha

You must fill in the captcha code which is shown on the screen.

Step 5: Search Results

In this step, you should click on the "Search" button. You will find the result as:

a) If registered

The portal will show the GSTIN which is linked to that PAN. You will also see the legal name of the business, state, and registration status.

b) If not registered

The system will show that no records were found.

Benefits of Knowing How to Check GST Number in India

Listed below are the key benefits of knowing how to check GST number in India:

a) Input Tax Credit (ITC) Eligibility

GSTIN verification helps in confirming the eligibility to claim ITC. The eligibility otherwise remains at risk due to incorrect or non-existent GSTINs.

b) Prevents Fraud and Fake Invoices

Businesses get protected from dealing with vendors using fraudulent or cancelled GSTINs.

c) Verifies Vendor Legitimacy

It helps in verifying the status, name, and business formation of vendors.

d) Maintains Regulatory Compliance

This assures that all transactions are tax compliant. This avoids penalties and legal notices from tax authorities.

e) Improves Financial Accuracy

It allows you to correct any errors in supplier-reported GSTINs. This maintains accurate tax calculations.

f) Streamlines Audits

Regular verification makes audits and due diligence processes smoother and faster.

Conclusion

Checking a GST number is crucial to maintain transparency and tax compliance of a business. Thus, you must know how to check GST number from the official GST portal. This assures a vendor’s registration status, filing history, and so on. This reduces fraudulent invoices for business purpose. It also avoids potential risks and keeps business transaction smooth. If you have any query about the steps to check GST number, get help from Online Legal India.