GST Search

GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services across India. It replaced multiple indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, and excise duty, creating a unified tax structure that simplifies the taxation process and promotes ease of doing business.

On this page, I will discuss the GST Search & Verification process, and outline the steps to perform a GST search.

There are two primary ways to search for GST registration details:

Search by GSTIN/UIN

  • Step 1: The initial step is to visit the official GST Portal
  • Step 2: Next, click on the "Search Taxpayer" option on the homepage.
  • Step 3: Choose "Search by GSTIN/UIN" from the dropdown menu.
GST Search On Portal
  • Step 4: Enter the 15-digit GSTIN you want to verify.
  • Step 5: Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
Search by GSTIN/UIN
  • Step 6: Click on the "Search" button.
  • Step 7: The portal will display the details of the registered taxpayer, including their legal name, registration date, status, and business type.

Search by PAN

  • Step 1: Visit the official GST portal for the search.
  • Step 2: Click on the "Search Taxpayer" option on the homepage.
  • Step 3: Choose "Search by PAN" from the dropdown menu.
  • Step 4: Enter the 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business or individual.
  • Step 5: Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
GST Search By PAN
  • Step 6: Click on the "Search" button.
  • Step 7: The portal will display the GSTIN(s) associated with the PAN, along with the state and status of registration.

A GST search provides a wealth of information about the registered taxpayer:

  • Legal Name of Business: The official name of the business as registered under GST.
  • GSTIN: The unique 15-digit identification number assigned to the taxpayer.
  • Date of Registration: The date on which the business was registered under GST.
  • Taxpayer Type: Whether the taxpayer is a regular taxpayer, composition dealer, casual taxable person, etc.
  • State/Jurisdiction: The state or union territory where the business is registered.
  • Constitution of Business: The legal structure of the business (proprietorship, partnership, company, etc.).
  • Address of Principal Place of Business: The main business address.
  • Additional Places of Business (if any): Details of any additional business locations.
  • Date of Cancellation (if applicable): If the GST registration has been canceled, the date of cancellation will be displayed.

Why is GST Search Important?

GST search allows you to confirm if a business is registered under GST, ensuring you deal with legitimate entities that comply with tax regulations, avoiding fraudulent transactions and legal complications.

For businesses, verifying suppliers' GSTINs is crucial to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on purchases, reducing tax liability by offsetting paid GST against collected GST. Verifying a business's GSTIN ensures correct GST charges and valid invoices, avoiding issues with ITC claims or tax authority disputes.

As a consumer, GST search helps you make informed decisions by verifying a business's legitimacy and authorization to collect GST, preventing overcharging.


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