GST Search by Name or PAN
GST Number Search and Verification Tool
Finding or verifying a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is a common requirement for businesses and consumers alike. This guide simplifies the process, explaining how you can easily search for a GST number using a business name or PAN, and how to understand the structure of this crucial tax ID.
What is a GST Number (GSTIN)?
A GST Number, officially known as a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN), is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every entity registered under the GST system in India. Whether it’s an individual, a partnership, or a large corporation, any registered taxpayer is issued a GSTIN to manage their tax compliance. Think of it as the primary identifier for a business within the GST framework.
The full form of GSTIN is Goods and Services Tax Identification Number.
Understanding the 15-Digit GSTIN Structure
Every GSTIN follows a standardized 15-character format, where each section provides specific information about the taxpayer:
- Digits 1-2: State Code
- The first two digits represent the unique code for the Indian state where the business is registered, as per the Indian Census 2011.
- Digits 3-12: PAN Number
- The next ten characters are the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the registered business or individual.
- Digit 13: Entity Number
- This digit indicates the number of registrations a single entity has within the same state for the same PAN. For example, ‘1’ for the first registration, ‘2’ for the second, and so on.
- Digit 14: Default Character
- This is the letter ‘Z’ by default for all current registrations.
- Digit 15: Checksum Digit
- The final character is a checksum digit (can be a letter or a number) used for internal validation to detect errors.
How to Search for a GST Number
You can find a company’s GSTIN using several pieces of information. The most common methods involve searching by the business’s name or its PAN.
1. Search by Business Name (Legal or Trade Name)
If you know the name of the business, you can perform a search. It’s important to distinguish between two types of names:
- Legal Name: The name of the registered person or entity (e.g., the proprietor’s name).
- Trade Name: The name under which the business operates (e.g., “Asian GRC”).
To improve your search results:
- Enter the first few letters of the business name.
- To narrow the search, add the state where the business is located (e.g., “Global Traders Gurugram”).
- For hyper-local results, try searching with the business name and its Pincode.
2. Search by PAN Number
Searching with a PAN is the most accurate way to find all GSTINs associated with a specific entity.
Steps:
- Navigate to a GST search tool.
- Enter the 10-digit PAN of the business.
- Execute the search.
- The results will display all GSTINs registered under that PAN across all states in India.
How to Verify a GST Number’s Authenticity
Once you have a GSTIN, it is crucial to verify if it is genuine and active. Our GST Number Search Tools is the most reliable source for verification, as we are fetching the data from official GST portal API. This ensures you are dealing with a legitimate, tax-compliant entity.
Verifying on the portal will confirm key details such as the legal name of the business, registration date, and its current status (Active or Inactive).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I find a GST number using just a name? Yes, you can search for a GST number using a company’s legal name or trade name. For better accuracy, it is recommended to include the state name in your search query.
Q2: Is it possible to search for a GST number with a PAN? Absolutely. Using a PAN is a highly effective method that will list all GST registrations linked to that PAN across the country.
Q3: How can I confirm if a GST number is correct and valid? The best way to verify a GST number is by using the GST search tool. This will confirm its validity and show whether the taxpayer’s registration is active.
Q4: How does one obtain a GSTIN? To get a GSTIN, a person or business must first have a PAN. They then need to apply for GST registration on the official portal and submit the required documents. Once approved, a unique GSTIN is issued.