How to Search GST Registration and Verify GSTIN Effectively

GST
How to Search GST Registration and Verify GSTIN Effectively

Every business organization registered under GST is given a unique 15-digit identification number known as the GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number). Businesses whose revenue above the specified criteria are required to register for GST and acquire a GSTIN. Under the previous indirect tax system, this one number took the place of several tax IDs, including VAT, service tax, and excise.

Every entity will have a GST number associated with its Permanent Account Number (PAN) since the GSTIN is PAN-based. Businesses that operate in more than one state or union territory must register for a different GSTIN online in each of those states. If a business registers in GST in different states then we can Search GST Registration and Verify GSTIN Effectively from a PAN of that business.

The structure of GSTIN consists of:

  1. First two digits: State code of the registered person
  2. The following ten characters: PAN of the taxpayer or business
  3. The thirteenth digit is the entity number (such as the first or second entity) for the same PAN.
  4. 14th character: Alphabet “Z” (default for all)
  5. Last digit: A check code, either numeric or alphabetical, for error detection

Importance of Verifying GSTIN

    Verifying a company’s GST number is crucial to ensuring that GST regulations are followed. It enables suppliers and vendors to verify that the GSTIN listed on invoices is legitimate and up-to-date.

    Principal Motives for GSTIN Verification:

    • Stay away of inaccurate filings: Return mismatches could result from incorrect GSTINs.
    • Obtaining a legitimate Input Tax Credit (ITC): Only when a buyer’s GSTIN is valid may they claim an ITC on purchases.
    • Avoid fines: Penalties may be imposed for invoices submitted with invalid GST numbers.
    • Verify vendor compliance: Finding non-compliant vendors who can have an impact on your input tax credits is made easier by verifying your GSTIN.

    GST Number Format Check

    If a GSTIN is not in the correct format, it indicates a registration problem or an entry error. Make sure that the GST number is always formatted as follows:

    1. The first two numbers: Code of the state
    2. The following ten characters: PAN
    3. Entity number for many registrations under the same PAN, represented by the thirteenth digit
    4. Z (default) is the fourteenth character.
    5. Alphanumeric check code for the fifteenth digit

    For example: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5

    How to Search GST Registration and Verify GSTIN?

    There are two ways to perform GST number verification:

    1. Pre-login GST Search
    2. Post-login GST Search

    Steps to Search GST Registration – Pre-login

    1. Go to www.gst.gov.in, the GST gateway.
    2. Type in the taxpayer’s GSTIN or UIN whose information you need to confirm.
    3. Click the SEARCH button after completing the captcha verification.
    4. If the GSTIN is valid, the system will display details such as:
    • Legal Name of the Business
    • Trade Name
    • Effective Date of Registration
    • Type of Business (e.g., Proprietorship, Partnership, Company)
    • Principal Place of Business
    • Filing Frequency (Monthly/Quarterly returns)

    5. To see the taxpayer’s history of filed returns, click Show Filing Table.
    6. An error message will show up if the GST registration online is terminated or inactive.

    Steps to Search GST Registration – Post-login

    1. Enter your legitimate login information to access the GST portal www.gst.gov.in.
    2. From the menu, choose “Search Taxpayer.”
    3. Enter the UIN or GSTIN of the taxpayer.

    User may download GST certificate online from services tab option.  

    The portal will display additional details beyond the basic information available in the pre-login search, such as:

    • E-way Bill History
    • Turnover Information
    • Proprietor/Director/Promoter Names
    • Tax Payment History

    Benefits of Verifying GSTIN for Businesses

    Every business can feel secure transactions with proper verification of GSTIN of their business partner’s so here there is huge importance of GST verification in India.

    • Compliance and Transparency: Verifying your company dealings with legally registered taxpayers is ensured by routine GSTIN checks.
    • Prevents fraud: Your input tax credit may be at risk due to invoice fraud caused by fictitious or inactive GSTINs.
    • Enhances vendor management: You can make better judgments if you are aware of your vendors’ GST compliance status. Long-term consequences could arise from companies with poor GST compliance ratings.

    What if a GSTIN is Invalid?

    If a GSTIN cannot be verified or produces an error message, make sure the number is provided correctly by checking its format.

    Contact the vendor or supplier for more

    Check the GST cancellation’s status: If the company’s GST registration is cancelled, users will be notified via the portal.
    Penalties may be incurred for using an invalid GSTIN.

    • Reversal of the claimed input tax credit.
    • Fines and penalties for false returns
    • A reduction in customer and supplier trust.

    Utilizing GST Software and Tools Look for

    Online tools like Clear GST software offer quick and easy ways to confirm GST numbers. By confirming that GSTINs are correct before filing returns, these tools help to minimize human mistake.

    • To save time, automate vendor checks.
    • Boost the accuracy of e-invoice generation.

    Pro Tip: Use Clear GST’s built-in validations to eliminate errors and stay compliant.

    How to Stay GST Compliant

    • File GST returns on time: Late filing leads to penalties.
    • Validate vendor GSTINs: Ensure every vendor you deal with has a valid GST registration.
    • Monitor GST compliance rating: The GST compliance score, ranging from 0 to 10, indicates how well a business meets GST obligations.

    Businesses should maintain good GST compliance by:

    • Filing returns promptly.
    • Making timely tax payments.
    • Keeping records of invoices and returns.

    Promoting Your Business with Verified GSTIN

    Customers, suppliers, and regulators are more likely to trust businesses with confirmed GST numbers. Establishing transparency through GSTIN verification enables businesses to claim legitimate tax credits and preserve solid business ties.

    Conclusion for GSTIN Search

    Businesses that engage with GST-registered organizations must verify their GSTIN. To guarantee compliance, you can quickly search and verify GST registrations using the GST online or software tools. In order to avoid legal issues and ensure a seamless claim of your input tax credit, always make sure that your merchants are legitimate and that their GSTINs are active.

    Act right away: By working with a trustworthy tax advisor like Kcorp Tax, you can make sure your company is completely compliant. From registration to return filing, Kcorp Tax provides professional GST solutions to make sure your company complies with GST laws. To maximize your input tax benefits and prevent fines, get in touch with Kcorp Tax right now. Remain ahead, remain compliant!

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