GSTIN Verification in India: Step-by-Step Process to Check a GSTIN Online
Dealing with fraud and potential penalties due to incorrect or unverified GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) can be a significant challenge for businesses. A wrong or invalid GSTIN could lead to compliance issues, penalties, and unnecessary delays.
To avoid these risks, it is crucial to perform a GSTIN check and ensure your GSTIN is properly verified to guarantee your business is registered and compliant with local tax regulations.
This blog offers a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through the process of GSTIN verification and how to check your Indian GSTIN number online, ensuring everything is accurate and compliant with GST laws.
What is a GSTIN in India?
A GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a unique identifier essential to India’s tax system for businesses registered under GST. To ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities and maintain accurate records, businesses must regularly perform a GSTIN status lookup.
In India, a GSTIN is issued by the GST authorities to businesses that are registered for GST. This number is important for GST-registered companies and sole proprietors who charge GST on their sales and need to submit GST returns. It appears on various documents, such as GST returns, invoices, and official communications with the GST authorities.
To ensure your GSTIN is accurate, it is vital to check your Indian GST number regularly and perform GSTIN verification to maintain compliance with GST laws and avoid potential penalties.
Importance of the GSTIN Registration for Businesses & Individuals
To ensure your business is compliant and properly registered, it’s recommended to verify GSTIN online regularly, using the official GST Portal or third-party verification tools.
A valid GSTIN allows businesses to file GST returns, charge GST on goods or services, and access government services. Non-compliance or late payments related to GST can result in the following penalties:
- Penalty for Late Filing of GST Returns: A late fee of ₹50 per day (₹25 each under CGST and SGST) for delayed returns, capped at ₹5,000, and 18% per annum interest on outstanding tax amounts.
- Penalty for Tax Evasion (Non-Fraudulent Intent): A penalty of 10% of the tax due, subject to a minimum of ₹10,000, for tax evasion without fraudulent intent.
- Penalty for Tax Evasion (Fraudulent Intent): The penalty equals the tax evaded, with a minimum of ₹10,000, and may include imprisonment based on the tax amount involved. For offenses not listed, a general penalty of ₹25,000 applies.
Note: The number of GST-registered businesses has surpassed 1.5 crore (15 million), reflecting the widespread adoption of the GST framework across various sectors and regions.
Why Verify a GSTIN in India?
GSTIN verification helps you stay compliant with HMRC regulations, protect your business from fraudulent activities, and ensure that you can claim GST refunds and other tax credits without issues.
Consequences of Using an Invalid GSTIN
Using an incorrect or unverified GSTIN can have serious consequences, including:
- Fines: An invalid GSTIN can lead to penalties and fines from the GST authorities, especially if it’s used on official documents, invoices, or in tax returns.
- Denied Deductions: A wrong or unverified GSTIN number can result in the denial of valuable tax deductions or credits, such as GST refunds or input tax credits (ITC).
- Reputational Damage: If vendors or business partners discover discrepancies in your GSTIN, it can damage your business’s reputation and impact future business dealings.
Note: Many vendors and business partners implement strict due diligence policies to ensure they’re working with legally compliant businesses. These policies often require the validation of the GSTIN to confirm that your business is registered.
GSTIN Format Explained
The format of the GSTIN number varies depending on the country or jurisdiction, but typically includes a combination of digits and letters. The following table gives a breakdown of the GSTIN structure in India:
| Part | Description | Explanation |
| First 2 Digits | Represents the state code as per the Indian Census 2011. Each state has a unique code. | 29 (Karnataka), 07 (Delhi) |
| Next 10 Digits | Represents the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the taxpayer (business entity or individual). | ABCDE1234F |
| Thirteenth Digit | Assigned based on the number of registrations within a state under the same PAN. | 1, 2, 3… (e.g., 1 for the first registration in the state) |
| Fourteenth Digit | “Z” by default for all registrations. | Z |
| Last Digit | A check code used for error detection. This can be either a number or an alphabet. | 5 or A |
The following are a few samples of GSTIN numbers:
- Standard Format: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5.
- For a Company: 29AABCU1234C1Z1.
- For a Sole Proprietor: 33ABCDE1234F1Z5.
Common Typos in GSTIN Numbers
The following are common typos in GSTINs: Missing digits, incorrect formatting, and incorrect country codes or prefixes. These errors can easily be avoided with regular verification to ensure the accuracy of your GSTIN:
- Missing Digits: For example, 27ABCDE1234F1Z instead of 27ABCDE1234F1Z5.
- Incorrect State Code: Using the wrong state code, such as 27 for Maharashtra when the business is in Tamil Nadu.
- Incorrect PAN Number: A wrong PAN number or formatting error in the PAN part of the GSTIN.
- Incorrect Check Code: The last character is wrong or missing, affecting the validity of the GSTIN.
These typos can easily be avoided with regular GSTIN verification. Additionally, businesses and individuals should perform a GSTIN lookup India to confirm the validity of their GSTIN before submitting any tax-related documents.
Step-by-Step Process to Verify a GSTIN on the Official India Portal
In India, the process of verifying a GSTIN can be done online through GST’s official portal. Regular GSTIN verification helps maintain tax compliance and avoids delays.
Note: If you’re specifically looking to validate the GSTIN number, you can check the India GSTIN number using the same portal.
To verify a GSTIN in India, follow these simple steps using the official GST portal:
- Visit the Official GST Portal.
- Click on the Search Tax Payer drop-down and select Search by GSTIN/UIN
- Specify the GSTIN number exactly as provided (for example, 27ABCDE1234F1Z5) that you wish to verify.
- After entering your GSTIN, you will be prompted to complete a CAPTCHA or other security measures to verify that you are not a bot.
- Once the CAPTCHA is completed, click the search button. The system will display the GSTIN status, indicating whether it is valid or not.
Troubleshooting Invalid or Inactive Results
During your GSTIN verification, you may encounter error messages indicating that the number is invalid or inactive. Below is a troubleshooting guide to help you resolve common errors and find quick fixes:
| Error Message | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| Invalid or Not Recognized | GSTIN is not yet registered with the GST authorities or is incorrect. | Double-check the GSTIN for errors or re-enter it. |
| Inactive ID | GSTIN may have been newly issued or deactivated. | Allow time for processing or confirm activation with the GST authority. |
| No Record Found | GSTIN is not linked to any active account or business. | Verify with the GST portal or ensure the business is correctly registered. |
| Mismatch with Records | GSTIN does not match the details in the GST database (e.g., name, address, etc.). | Confirm the details submitted (name, address, etc.) are correct. |
The Role of Licensed Tax Agents in GSTIN Registration & Verification
Licensed tax agents play a crucial role in assisting businesses with the GSTIN verification and registration process. They help ensure that businesses are compliant with GST laws and that their GSTIN is correctly registered with the relevant tax authorities.
Businesses require a tax agent for GSTIN registration, GSTIN status verification, resolving discrepancies, or handling complex filings and disputes. Tax agents offer services such as:
- Filing GST returns
- Managing appeals and disputes
- Ensuring compliance
- Providing tax advice
GSTIN Verification in India: Why It Matters for Local Businesses?
GSTIN verification is crucial for Indian businesses to stay compliant with tax laws, avoid penalties, and maintain smooth operations. Ensuring the validity of your GSTIN is important for businesses involved in transactions and cross-border sales or those looking to check the India GSTIN number for tax compliance.
A GSTIN check ensures businesses are aligned with GST regulations, preventing issues with business registration, tax filings, and the use of fraudulent or incorrect GSTIN numbers.
Also, local businesses dealing with suppliers, like those in Dubai free zones or across different Indian regions, must ensure GSTIN verification to avoid regulatory issues.
Bulk & Automated GSTIN Validation
Manually verifying GSTINs can be slow and error-prone, especially for businesses handling large volumes. Commenda simplifies the process through automated GSTIN verification using CSV uploads and a powerful Bulk GSTIN validation API.
Manual GSTIN check involves entering numbers one by one, which is time-consuming and prone to mistakes. In contrast, Commenda’s API enables real-time GSTIN verification of hundreds or thousands of records within seconds. Additionally, Commenda supports India tax registration number checks, allowing businesses to verify GSTIN numbers along with other tax registration details seamlessly.
Commenda offers a simple API for seamless GSTIN check integration into your system. It delivers 99.9% uptime for uninterrupted GSTIN verification.
Explore all features with a 14-day free trial and see how Commenda’s Bulk GSTIN validation API and CSV upload options can simplify your GSTIN check.
Conclusion: India GSTIN Verification Made Simple
Managing tax compliance, from registration to filing and validation, should be seamless, not stressful. Commenda simplifies the entire GSTIN lifecycle with an integrated platform that ensures accuracy, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance.
Commenda’s key solutions:
- GST/VAT Registration: Expert-guided support for smooth tax ID enrollment.
- Bulk GSTIN Validation: Verify thousands of GSTINs (or international VAT numbers) in seconds via CSV upload or API, eliminating manual errors.
- Automated Filing & Returns: Submit error-free returns with built-in compliance checks and timely reminders.
- Multi-Country Coverage: Manage India’s GSTIN and other tax jurisdictions in one centralized platform.
With features like CSV uploads and our robust Bulk GSTIN validation API, Commenda reduces manual errors, ensures regulatory compliance, and gives you peace of mind when handling large volumes of tax data.
Ready to enhance your GSTIN verification process? Get a free demo and see how Commenda simplifies GSTIN checks with speed, accuracy, and compliance.
FAQs on GSTIN Verification in India
Q. What is a GSTIN in India, and how is it different from a tax registration certificate?
GSTIN is a unique identification number for businesses registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. A tax registration certificate is an official document confirming a business’s enrollment under GST, including key details.
Q. Why should I verify GSTIN online before issuing an invoice or purchase order?
Verifying a GSTIN ensures it’s valid and active, preventing input tax credit denials and protecting your business from dealing with non-compliant vendors.
Q. What penalties can my business face for quoting an invalid or inactive GSTIN on tax returns in India?
Quoting an invalid or inactive GSTIN may result in denied claims, financial penalties, and interest charges. Repeated violations can lead to audits and further penalties.
Q. How do I check the real-time status of a GSTIN on the official Indian government portal?
Visit the official GST portal at gst.gov.in to verify the GSTIN’s validity by entering the number. It provides real-time status updates.
Q. Can I still claim input tax credit / GST refund if my supplier’s GSTIN is later cancelled?
Yes, you can claim input tax credit (ITC) or GST refunds if the supplier was valid at the time of the transaction, as long as you keep valid invoices and proof of supply.
Q. How long does it take for a newly issued GSTIN to appear as “active” in the online lookup tool?
New GSTINs usually become searchable within 24–72 hours of registration. If delayed, contact the GST authorities for resolution.
Q. What common errors cause a “No records found” result when I try to validate a GSTIN?
Common errors include typos, incorrect state codes, outdated GSTINs, or entering a number that’s not yet activated.
Q. Is there a free API or bulk CSV upload option to bulk-verify GSTINs for hundreds of vendors at once?
The GST portal doesn’t offer bulk tools, but third-party services like Commenda provide API and CSV upload options for bulk GSTIN validation.
Q. How often should finance teams re-check supplier GSTIN numbers to stay compliant with the Indian regulations?
It’s best to re-verify GSTINs quarterly or before large payments to ensure suppliers haven’t been deregistered or suspended.
Q. Does the official Indian GSTIN verification portal provide historical data on status changes (e.g., “active” to “suspended”)?
No, the portal only shows the current GSTIN status. Businesses need to track historical changes internally or through tracking software.
Q. What data privacy safeguards apply when I submit a GSTIN lookup through third-party services like Commenda?
Reputable platforms like Commenda use GDPR-compliant practices and encrypted data transfer to ensure your information is secure during GSTIN lookups.
Q. When is it mandatory to engage a licensed tax agent for GSTIN registration or verification in India?
While not mandatory for most, a licensed tax agent is recommended for non-resident businesses or complex GST setups to ensure accurate filings and quicker resolution of queries.
