GST Number Search Tool - GSTIN Verification Online

What is GSTIN?

GSTIN is the GST identification number or GST number. A GSTIN is a 15-digit PAN-based unique identification number allotted to every registered person under GST. As a GST-registered dealer, you might want to do a GST verification before entering it into your GST Returns. You can use the GST number check tool to do GST number (GSTIN) verification.

Pro Tip: To ensure you never enter an invalid GSTIN on your returns, try the built-in validations on the Clear GST software. Explore now

There can be multiple GSTINs for a single person with a PAN, being an assessee under the Income Tax Act. A GSTIN is obtained for every state or Union Territory from which such a person operates. It becomes compulsory to obtain GSTIN when the person crosses the threshold limit for GST registration by registering himself under GST.

Unlike the previous indirect tax regime where multiple registration numbers were present for different laws such as Excise, Service Tax and VAT, GSTIN is a single registration number under GST.

Why is it necessary to verify the GST Number?

A GSTIN or GST number is public information. GST search by name is an important task that every business dealing with GST-registered taxpayers must carry out to ensure the authenticity of the vendor and the GSTIN or GST number being used in the invoice.

You can partly verify the GSTIN or GST number on the first look by checking if the vendor’s PAN number matches with the digits between 3 and 10 in the GSTIN.

It is also necessary to carry out a thorough check of the GSTIN authenticity to avoid generating incorrect invoices and e-invoices, to claim a genuine input tax credit, and to pass on the tax credits to rightful buyers, to mention a few.

Clear’s GSTIN number search tool enables you to verify a GSTIN with a click of a button from anywhere and anytime. Search for a GST number before you proceed with a business contract. Use Clear’s GSTIN verification tool and GST Search to verify GSTIN or verify the GST number in a jiffy!

GST Identification Number Format

Before you proceed to undertake a GST number check, check out if the GSTIN is in the format below. If a GSTIN is not in this format, then it is not a valid GST number.

What is the ClearTax GST Number Search Tool?

The Clear GST Search Tool and GSTIN Validator enable businesses to verify any GSTIN with a single-click GSTIN search. Most importantly, the tool helps verify GSTIN authenticity and in spotting fake GSTINs. This feature can be used by anyone free of cost, provided they have the requisite GSTIN on hand.

You must validate the GST number to avoid doing business with any fake GSTINs in the market. Our GST number search tool comes in handy during such times. Hence, you and your team can carry on business without any disruption or delays or vendor follow-up.

How to use the ClearTax GST Number Search Tool and GSTIN Validator?

Verify GST Number online instantly. All you have to do is-

• Step 1: Enter a valid GSTIN in the search box given at the top of the page.
• Step 2: Click on the “Search” button. You will get the result.

If the GSTIN is correct, the following details can be verified-

• The legal name of the business
• Principal and additional places of business
• The state of jurisdiction, including the Centre
• Date of registration
• Business constitution– company, sole-proprietor or partnership
• Taxpayer type – regular taxpayer or composition dealer
• GSTIN status / UIN status
• Cancellation date, if applicable

Click here to go back to the GSTIN number search tool.

Once the GST number is verified and found correct, you can carry out billing and GST Return Filing seamlessly with the Clear GST Software.

What are the features of the Clear GSTIN Search Tool?

The Clear GSTIN Search Tool helps businesses to verify their suppliers’ and buyers’ GSTINs. The important features of the GSTIN Search tool include the following-

• Instant GSTIN verification
• GSTIN authenticity check
• Verification of other details such as legal name, taxpayer type, the constitution of the business, etc.
• Free of cost usage

How to complain about a fake GST number?

If you spot a fake GSTIN, you can always alert the GST authorities at helpdesk@gst.gov.in or call them at +91 124 4688999 or +91 120 4888999, so that they can take the requisite action.

The GST portal has also provided taxpayers with a tool to find the list of GST registrations under a particular PAN. If a taxpayer finds any unknown registrations under their PAN, they can file a complaint with the GSTN through the following steps-

Step 1: Visit the GST portal. Click on the ‘Search taxpayer’ option, and then click on ‘ Search by PAN’.

Step 2: Enter the PAN. The list of GST registrations under the PAN will be displayed, along with the state and status of their registration.

Step 3: If there are any fake GST registrations on the list that you may not have taken, then you can report the same by clicking on the check box under the ‘Select to Report’ column. This step is crucial to ensure that these registrations are not used to carry out fake transactions.

(Please note that those GSTINs that have not been migrated properly from the erstwhile tax laws to GST cannot be reported,)

Step 4: A pop-up box will appear on the screen with the legal name auto-populated. The complainant will need to provide the requisite details for validation.

Step 5: Enter the OTP obtained on your email ID and mobile number to complete the verification process.

Step 6: Once the verification is done, the complainant needs to undertake e-KYC through Aadhaar verification and consent for GSTN authentication. These details will be used by the GSTN to file a report against the fake GST registration obtained through the PAN. To file the report, the data will be transmitted to the Central Identities Data Repository.

Step 7: Once the Aadhaar number is provided, the complainant will receive an OTP. The same needs to be entered to complete the second step of authentication. Click on ‘Ok’.

Please note that an ARN will be generated for each GSTIN reported. The complainant can track the status of the application through the ‘Track ARN’ option on the GST portal whichever is available pre-login.

Advantages of online GSTIN search & verification tool or GSTIN Validator

The benefits of GST number verification using the online GST Search tool are:

• Checks the authenticity of any GSTIN
• A GSTIN on a hand-written invoice can be verified easily, if unclear
• You can prevent yourself from associating with vendors using fake GSTINs
• Avoid a GSTIN fraud at the origin of the transaction
• Help vendors correct any potential error in reporting GSTINs