Hello readers! The Indian government has introduced GST or Goods and Services Tax to simplify the indirect tax system and has brought various state and central taxes under one umbrella. Every registered business under GST is provided with a unique GST search number for tax compliance. Therefore, it is imperative for you to check your business loan eligibility before you begin a new venture or take on new suppliers so that you are aware of your financing options for business growth or working capital needs. In addition, verifying the supplier’s business or GSTIN enables you to stay compliant and keep the business running smoothly. You can also keep a check on compliance while filing your GST return.
GST Search vs GSTIN/GST Number
The GST search is how to check information about a taxpayer or a registered taxpayer using the official GST portal. This function enables people to check their GSTIN or UIN and obtain information on the taxpayer whose registration details they want to check.
To conduct a taxpayer search, you do not necessarily need to possess a GST account or password. The GST portal user manual suggests that the feature of Search Taxpayer can be used both before logging in and after.
This means you will still be able to check an organization that you are interested in without entering your own account.
GSTIN stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number or simply GST number. It is a unique 15-digit number based on a PAN, allotted to every individual registered under GST. As a GST-registered dealer, it is crucial to verify your GSTIN before including it in your GST returns.
However, simply having a correctly formatted GSTIN does not tell you whether a registration is currently active. The current status should be checked through the official GST taxpayer search. You can use a GST search tool to perform GSTIN verification.
How to Search a GST Number Online
In case you already possess the GST number of a company, then the verification becomes an easy task.
Step 1: Go to the Official GST Portal
Open the main GST website and find the Search Taxpayer option.
Make sure you do not input any GST-related data or details of any business on a site that looks like a government site. The government portal must be your only point of reference while checking.
Step 2: Click on Search Taxpayer
In the list of GST portal services, there will be a taxpayer search service to choose from.
According to the official GST documents, one can access the details of a taxpayer without logging in.
Step 3: Input the GST Number or UIN
Enter the GST or UIN of the person whose GST details you are checking. Be sure to enter the number accurately as even one small mistake will bring up wrong information or an error.
Step 4: Fill in the Captcha
Enter the characters as shown in the captcha field and move ahead to search for the GST details.
Step 5: Look at the Taxpayer Information
The website shows taxpayer information connected with the GST number. Depending on the information available, this could be the name, business name, registration date, nature of business, main office address, current status of GST registration, and other relevant information.
What Data Can You Access Using GST Search?
GST taxpayer search will help you obtain more than just confirmation of a number. The official GST portal claims that it provides its users with information such as GSTIN/UIN numbers, the lawfully registered name of the business entity, trade name, date of registration, business entity constitution, and primary location of the business.
Note that the information you will be able to retrieve can vary depending on the method of search, taxpayer’s status, or whether you have logged into the portal. When carrying out the business verification, you should match the information in the portal to that provided in the supplier invoice, quotation, website, etc.
Searching GST using the PAN
You may perform a search based on a PAN where GST registration is linked to a particular PAN. This will come in handy when the GSTIN is not known.
The GST portal has enhanced the functionality of taxpayer search through PAN-based tracking.
So whenever you search using a PAN for GST registration search, make sure that you input the PAN correctly and follow the verification process involved.
It can be seen that the GST PAN search is not related to a general search of a particular individual’s tax information.
Is It Possible to Trace GST with the Help of a Company’s Name?
This is an important aspect since the GST number is often searched with the help of the company’s name and the same is done with the name of the GST number.
While taxpayer searches provided through the official GST portal work mostly with the use of the identifier such as GSTIN/UIN, it also offers access to a PAN search option.
It must be noted that just because a name is being used on the GST portal, it won’t bring up the GST number.
If you know the business’s name, but do not know its GST number or PAN, you can require finding out the GST number using an invoice or other official documents issued by the company.
Several websites may claim that they provide GST searches by the name of the business; however, it is advisable to check the information received through their services on the government portal.
How to Confirm a GST Number
GST confirmation is especially important before making business deals with a new supplier or buyer.
First, get the GSTIN from a formal business document like an invoice or quote. Input the number into the GST taxpayer search tool and ensure the details are the same as indicated by the business.
Take particular note of the legal name, trade name, registration status, address and registration details.
In the case of the GSTIN not matching what the supplier stated, before trusting the registration details, the company must be asked to provide an explanation of the difference.
A GSTIN looking valid format-wise should not be accepted as an active registration automatically. The active status provided through the official web portal is crucial to verification.
What is Meant by GST Registration Status?
GST registration status refers to the current status of any GST registration. Depending on the taxpayer and the circumstances, the status of the registration can display various statuses such as active, cancelled, suspended, etc.
Do not blindly rely on the status without considering the effective date of the registration.
For example, in the case of cancellation of the registration, the date of cancellation may be relevant in checking whether an older invoice or transaction pertains to the registration.
GST Search without Signing In
A significant advantage of this GST taxpayer search is that the basic verification of taxpayers does not require prior login.
As per the GST user manual, the taxpayer’s information can be searched either way, with or without login.
This is especially convenient in case one wants to authenticate a taxpayer other than his own GST account.
It may be noted here that the details that can be got after logging in may be more complete.
Common GST Search Problems
Usually, GST search issues occur when users face problems getting the expected search results.
One of those reasons is the misprinted GSTIN. Please make sure to check what is typed before clicking on the search button.
Another reason may be connected with a temporary problem related to the portal or connection, which could potentially prevent the search from being performed. In this case, it is advisable to try the process later instead of turning to an unofficial site immediately.
Lastly, registration status changes may also bring about the current situation. If a given GSTIN is terminated or suspended, the portal is likely to show different information compared to that provided in an older document. In case the information obtained through the portal does not coincide with that of the company, it is better to contact the company and ask for details, keeping evidence.
Search for GST-related Businesses
Taxpayer verification can be employed by businesses as part of their regular financial processes.
Before onboarding any new supplier, the accounts or procurement department can check the GSTIN given by the supplier. GST information can also be checked when invoices are processed.
For larger businesses, verified GST can be part of a wider vendor-management process that also includes PAN verification, bank account verification, contract review, or other due diligence procedures.
Automation is suggested for businesses working with various transactions; however, automated systems still need to rely on credible information and enable exception handling.
Key Precautions While Looking up GST Information
It is paramount to rely on the official GST portal that provides authenticated taxpayer information when it is required.
Be wary of websites that request unnecessary personal information such as GST password, OTP, or payment information merely for the purpose of searching for a taxpayer.
Also, do not share information belonging to a third party without adequate reason. Only utilize taxpayer information when it is for legitimate business purposes, compliance, or verification.
If any third-party site provides GST information, treat such information as secondary and verify the same with an official GST portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GST search?
The GST search refers to the procedure through which GST information of a taxpayer is retrieved via the GST portal utilizing the requisite identifiers.
Is it possible to search for a GST number without logging in?
Yes. GST portal provides basic taxpayer searches even without signing in.
How can a GST number be searched?
Go to the official GST portal and select the option.
I am Gourab Sarkar, a professional Content Writer and Blogger based in Kolkata with over 8 years of experience in delivering SEO-driven, engaging, and audience-focused content.
