How do I search a GST number online?

Go to services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp (the official GST portal). Click "Search Taxpayer" and select "Search by GSTIN/UIN". Enter the 15-digit GSTIN and complete the CAPTCHA. The portal shows the legal name, trade name, registration date, taxpayer type, and whether the registration is active or cancelled.

What is a GST number (GSTIN)?

A GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a unique 15-character alphanumeric code assigned to every GST-registered business in India. The format is: 2-digit state code + 10-digit PAN + 1-digit entity number + letter Z + 1-digit check code. It is issued by the GSTN (GST Network) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

What is the format of a GST number (GSTIN)?

A GSTIN is exactly 15 characters: positions 1-2 are the state code (01 to 38), positions 3-12 are the PAN of the business (5 letters + 4 digits + 1 letter), position 13 is the entity number (1-9 for the first 9 registrations, A-Z for more), position 14 is always the letter Z, and position 15 is a check digit (0-9 or A-Z). Example: 27AAPFU0939F1ZV is a Maharashtra-registered taxpayer.

What do the first two digits of a GSTIN represent?

The first two digits of a GSTIN are the state code. Each Indian state and Union Territory has a unique 2-digit code: 07 is Delhi, 27 is Maharashtra, 29 is Karnataka, 33 is Tamil Nadu, 36 is Telangana, 19 is West Bengal, 09 is Uttar Pradesh, 24 is Gujarat, 32 is Kerala. A full list of all 38 state codes is available in this article.

Can I search a GST number by PAN?

Yes. On the GST portal at services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp, select "Search by PAN" from the dropdown. Enter the 10-character PAN number. The portal returns all GSTINs linked to that PAN, including registrations in different states. This is useful when a business has multiple state registrations.

Can I search a GST number by business name?

No. The official GST portal does not support direct search by business name or trade name. You must search by GSTIN or PAN. If you only know the business name, ask the supplier for their GSTIN (required on all tax invoices under GST rules), then verify it on the portal.

How do I verify if a GST registration is active or cancelled?

Search the GSTIN on the official GST portal (services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp). The result shows the taxpayer status field. "Active" means the registration is currently valid. "Cancelled" means the registration has been surrendered or revoked. Any invoice issued with a cancelled GSTIN is invalid for ITC claim. Always verify supplier GSTINs before filing returns.

Who needs to register for GST in India?

GST registration is mandatory for: businesses with annual turnover above ₹40 lakh (goods) or ₹20 lakh (services) in normal states; businesses above ₹20 lakh (goods) or ₹10 lakh (services) in special category states; all e-commerce operators and sellers on e-commerce platforms; inter-state suppliers regardless of turnover; those required to pay GST under reverse charge; and anyone who was registered under the old indirect tax regime.

What is the GST registration threshold for FY 2025-26?

For FY 2025-26: aggregate turnover above ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers (normal states), ₹20 lakh for goods suppliers (special category states), ₹20 lakh for service providers (normal states), ₹10 lakh for service providers (special category states). E-commerce operators and sellers have no threshold. The Composition Scheme is available for turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (goods) and ₹75 lakh (services in some states).

How many characters is a GST number?

A GSTIN is exactly 15 characters. Any GST number that is shorter or longer is not a valid GSTIN. If a supplier gives you a number with fewer or more than 15 characters, it is either incorrectly stated or not a GSTIN. GSTINs contain both letters (A-Z) and digits (0-9).

What does the letter Z in position 14 of a GSTIN mean?

The 14th character of every GSTIN is always the letter Z. It is a fixed placeholder with no variable meaning. Its presence is used as part of the check-digit algorithm to verify the GSTIN integrity. Any GSTIN where position 14 is not Z is invalid.

Is GST number search free?

Yes, GST number search on the official GST portal (services.gst.gov.in) is completely free. No login or registration is required to search any GSTIN. The search returns the legal name, trade name, registration date, state, taxpayer type, and status (active/cancelled) at no cost.

How do I report a fake or fraudulent GSTIN?

To report a fake GSTIN: first verify on the GST portal that the GSTIN does not exist or belongs to a different business. Then file a complaint on the GST portal under Grievances, or contact your jurisdiction GST officer. You can also report to CBIC at cbic-gst.gov.in. Fraudulent invoices with fake GSTINs attract penalties under Section 122 of the CGST Act.

What is the difference between GSTIN, GSTN, and GST?

GST is the Goods and Services Tax, the unified indirect tax system in India. GSTN (GST Network) is the technology backbone company that manages the GST IT infrastructure. GSTIN (GST Identification Number) is the unique 15-character registration number assigned to each taxpayer. When people say "GST number," they mean GSTIN.

What happens if I accept an invoice with a cancelled GSTIN?

If a supplier issues an invoice with a cancelled GSTIN, you cannot claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on that invoice under Section 16 of the CGST Act. The tax authority may reverse the ITC, impose interest at 18% per annum, and levy a penalty. Always verify supplier GSTIN status before accepting invoices, especially from new vendors.

What is the Composition Scheme under GST?

The Composition Scheme lets small taxpayers pay GST at a fixed flat rate on turnover instead of the normal multi-slab rates. Eligibility: annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore for manufacturers and traders, ₹75 lakh for certain service providers. Tax rates: 1% for traders, 2% for manufacturers, 5% for restaurants. Composition dealers cannot collect GST from customers or claim ITC.

GST Number Search: Verify GSTIN Online, Decode Format, Check Registration Status | Fermor

A GST number search verifies whether a GSTIN is genuine, active, and registered to the business on the invoice. The official GST portal (services.gst.gov.in) lets anyone search any GSTIN for free without login. This guide explains the exact search steps, decodes the 15-character GSTIN format, lists the state codes for all 38 states and Union Territories, covers active vs cancelled status, and explains when an unverified GSTIN puts your Input Tax Credit at risk.

What is a GSTIN (GST Identification Number)?

A GSTIN is the unique 15-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the government to every GST-registered business in India. It encodes the state of registration, the taxpayer's PAN, and a serial entity number. Under GST law, every registered taxpayer must display their GSTIN on all tax invoices, on their principal place of business, and on any document that triggers GST liability.

The GSTIN is issued by GSTN (GST Network), a non-government, private limited company set up by the Central Government to manage the GST IT infrastructure. The legal framework is the CGST Act, 2017, administered by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) at cbic-gst.gov.in.

GSTIN Format: What Each of the 15 Characters Means

Every valid GSTIN is exactly 15 characters. The format encodes the state, the taxpayer's PAN, and a serial registration number in a specific order. There is no variation in structure.

2

7

A

A

P

F

U

0

9

3

9

F

1

Z

V

State Code

PAN Number (positions 3-12)

Entity

Check

Example: 27AAPFU0939F1ZV. Maharashtra-registered business (code 27), PAN AAPFU0939F, 1st registration, Z, check digit V.

GSTIN Format: Breakdown of All 15 Characters
Position	Characters	Meaning	Format
1-2	State Code	The state or UT where the business is registered	01 to 38, 97, 99
3-12	PAN	Permanent Account Number of the business owner or entity	5 letters + 4 digits + 1 letter (AAAAA9999A)
13	Entity Number	Serial number for the registration within the state (first registration = 1)	1-9, then A-Z for 10th+ registration
14	Z (fixed)	Fixed placeholder character; always the letter Z in every GSTIN	Always Z
15	Check Digit	Computed check character to detect typographic errors	0-9 or A-Z

What the 5th Character of the PAN (Position 7 in GSTIN) Reveals

The fifth character of the PAN embedded in the GSTIN (character position 7 overall) identifies the entity type. This is part of the PAN structure defined by the Income Tax Department, not a GST-specific field.

Entity Type from PAN 5th Character (GSTIN Position 7)
5th PAN Character	Entity Type
P	Individual
C	Company (Private or Public Limited)
H	HUF (Hindu Undivided Family)
F	Firm or LLP
A	AOP (Association of Persons)
T	Trust
B	BOI (Body of Individuals)
L	Local Authority
J	Artificial Juridical Person
G	Government

How to Search a GST Number Online: Step by Step

The official GST portal provides free GSTIN search without login. The process takes under 2 minutes.

Open the GST Search Page

Go to services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp on the official GST portal. This is the Search Taxpayer section under the Services menu.

Select Search Type

Choose "Search by GSTIN/UIN" to search by the 15-digit GST number. Or choose "Search by PAN" to find all GSTINs linked to a PAN number across all states.

Enter the GSTIN

Type the 15-character GSTIN exactly as shown on the invoice. GSTIN is case-insensitive: uppercase and lowercase are treated equally.

Complete the CAPTCHA

Enter the text shown in the image verification. This is required to prevent automated bulk searches on the portal.

Click Search

Click the blue Search button. Results typically load within 2-5 seconds.

Review the Results

The portal shows: legal name, trade name (if any), principal state, registration date, taxpayer type, and current status (Active, Cancelled, or Suspended).

Cross-Check with the Invoice

Match the legal name and state shown against the supplier name on the invoice. A mismatch is a red flag for a fraudulent or misused GSTIN.

GSTIN Decoder: Validate Format and Identify the State Instantly

The decoder below validates the 15-character GSTIN format and identifies the registered state, embedded PAN, and entity type without connecting to any external API. Use the "Check Live Status" button to verify active/cancelled status on the official GST portal.

GSTIN Decoder

Enter a 15-digit GSTIN to instantly decode the state, PAN, entity type, and verify the format.

Check Live Status on GST Portal

0/15 characters

This decoder validates format only. It does not connect to the GST portal. For live registration status, use the “Check Live Status” button.

GST State Codes for All 38 States and Union Territories

The first two digits of any GSTIN identify the state of registration. All 38 Indian states and Union Territories have unique 2-digit codes assigned by the Central Government. If you see a GSTIN starting with a code not in this list, it is invalid.

GST State Code Table: All 38 Codes
State Code	State / Union Territory	State Code	State / Union Territory
01	Jammu and Kashmir	02	Himachal Pradesh
03	Punjab	04	Chandigarh
05	Uttarakhand	06	Haryana
07	Delhi	08	Rajasthan
09	Uttar Pradesh	10	Bihar
11	Sikkim	12	Arunachal Pradesh
13	Nagaland	14	Manipur
15	Mizoram	16	Tripura
17	Meghalaya	18	Assam
19	West Bengal	20	Jharkhand
21	Odisha	22	Chhattisgarh
23	Madhya Pradesh	24	Gujarat
26	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	27	Maharashtra
28	Andhra Pradesh	29	Karnataka
30	Goa	31	Lakshadweep
32	Kerala	33	Tamil Nadu
34	Puducherry	35	Andaman and Nicobar Islands
36	Telangana	37	Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati)
38	Ladakh	97	Other Territory
99	Centre Jurisdiction

Note: Code 25 (Daman and Diu) was merged into code 26 after the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu merger in January 2020. Existing GSTINs starting with 25 issued before the merger remain valid.

What a GST Number Search Shows: Every Data Field Explained

A successful GSTIN search on the GST portal returns a results card with eight fields. Understanding each field helps you assess whether a supplier is legitimate.

GSTIN Search Result Fields: Official GST Portal
Field	What It Means	What to Check
Legal Name of Business	The exact name registered with the tax authority, matching the PAN	Must match the supplier name on the invoice
Trade Name	The commercial brand name if different from the legal name	Common for sole proprietors and retailers; OK if different from legal name
State Jurisdiction	The state where the business is registered for GST	Must match the state in the first two digits of the GSTIN
Central Jurisdiction	The specific ward or range of the tax officer	Less critical for buyers; relevant for compliance filings
Date of Registration	When the GSTIN was issued	If the date is very recent for a long-established supplier, it warrants scrutiny
Constitution of Business	The legal structure: Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Private Ltd., etc.	Should match the type of business you expect
Taxpayer Type	Whether the taxpayer is Regular, Composition, NRTP (Non-Resident), etc.	Regular taxpayers charge GST on invoices; Composition dealers cannot collect GST from you
GSTIN / UIN Status	Active, Cancelled, or Suspended	Active = valid. Cancelled or Suspended = do not accept invoices or claim ITC

How to Search GST Number by PAN

Searching by PAN returns all GSTINs registered under a single taxpayer across all states. This is the right approach when you know the company's PAN but not their specific state GSTIN.

Go to services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp and select "Search by PAN".

Enter the 10-character PAN number (e.g., AAPFU0939F). PAN is case-insensitive.

Complete the CAPTCHA and click Search.

The results show all GSTINs linked to the PAN, including their states and registration status.

A company with operations in 10 states will have 10 GSTINs, all sharing the same embedded PAN.

Use this when verifying large companies or when a supplier quotes a GSTIN from a different state than where they invoiced you.

You cannot search by business name or trade name on the official GST portal. If you only have the name, the supplier must provide their GSTIN directly (which they are legally required to do on every invoice).

Active vs Cancelled GSTIN: What Each Status Means for Your Business

A GSTIN can have three statuses on the portal. The status determines whether any invoice from the supplier is legally valid for Input Tax Credit.

GSTIN Status: What Each Status Means
Status	Meaning	Can You Claim ITC?	Action to Take
Active	Registration is valid and current	Yes, on valid tax invoices	Proceed normally
Cancelled	Registration was voluntarily surrendered or revoked by the tax authority	No: ITC will be reversed with interest	Do not accept invoices; ask supplier to re-register or clarify
Suspended	Temporarily restricted pending an investigation or non-compliance notice	Risky: ITC may be reversed	Delay payment; ask supplier to resolve their compliance issue first

Under Section 16(2) of the CGST Act, ITC is eligible only when the supplier has paid the tax to the government. If their GSTIN is cancelled, they cannot legally collect or remit GST. Any ITC claimed on invoices from a cancelled taxpayer can be reversed by the tax officer with 18% interest from the date of claim.

GST Registration Threshold: Who Must Register and Who Can Opt In

GST registration is mandatory once aggregate turnover crosses the threshold. "Aggregate turnover" includes all taxable, exempt, and zero-rated supplies across all business verticals and states under the same PAN.

GST Registration Threshold for FY 2025-26
Category	Type of Supply	Normal States Threshold	Special Category States Threshold
Supplier of Goods	All supplies	₹40 lakh	₹20 lakh
Supplier of Services	All supplies	₹20 lakh	₹10 lakh
E-commerce sellers	Goods or services sold through platforms	No threshold	No threshold
E-commerce operators	Platform companies like Amazon, Flipkart	No threshold	No threshold
Inter-state suppliers	Supply to a different state	No threshold	No threshold
Casual Taxable Person	Occasional business in a state where not regularly based	No threshold	No threshold
Reverse Charge recipients	Businesses receiving services under RCM	No threshold	No threshold

Special category states are: Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Puducherry. The threshold for these states is lower because of their smaller economic scale.

Businesses below the threshold can voluntarily register for GST. Voluntary registration allows them to collect GST from customers and claim Input Tax Credit on purchases, which is often beneficial for B2B businesses.

Types of GST Taxpayers and What Each Means for Invoicing

The "Taxpayer Type" field on the GSTN portal tells you how the supplier is registered, which directly affects what they can charge and what you can claim.

GST Taxpayer Types and Invoice Rules
Taxpayer Type	Who It Is	Can Charge GST on Invoice?	Can You Claim ITC?
Regular	Standard GST registrant filing monthly/quarterly returns	Yes	Yes, on valid invoices
Composition	Small taxpayer on the simplified Composition Scheme	No: cannot charge GST	No: Composition dealers cannot pass ITC
NRTP (Non-Resident Taxable Person)	Foreign businesses supplying in India temporarily	Yes	Yes, limited
OIDAR	Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval services (foreign suppliers)	Yes	Not applicable for most Indian recipients
UIN (Unique Identification Number)	UN bodies, embassies, and diplomatic missions	Exempt: they claim refunds	Not applicable
SEZ Unit / Developer	Businesses operating in Special Economic Zones	Zero-rated supply	Yes, with specific documentation

When a supplier's portal shows "Composition", they are not allowed to charge GST on their invoices. If they do charge GST, the invoice is non-compliant and the ITC is not claimable. The GST Calculator helps compute tax on invoices from Regular taxpayers.

Why Verifying a GST Number Before Every Transaction Matters

Verifying a supplier's GSTIN before paying an invoice is not optional for businesses that claim Input Tax Credit. It is a compliance requirement under the CGST Act.

ITC risk: ITC claimed on invoices from cancelled or fake GSTINs is reversed under Section 16(2), with interest at 18% per annum from the date of claim.

Penalty exposure: Deliberately accepting invoices from non-existent GSTINs attracts a penalty equal to the tax amount under Section 122 of the CGST Act.

Scrutiny flag: GSTN's AI-based reconciliation system (Invoice Matching System) flags ITC claims where the supplier has not filed their returns. Mismatches trigger GST officer notices.

Vendor fraud prevention: Ghost vendors with fraudulent GSTINs are a common source of procurement fraud. A 30-second portal check prevents this entirely.

Due diligence for new vendors: For any new supplier, verify their GSTIN before onboarding them in your vendor master. Make it part of the procurement checklist.

How to Report a Fake or Fraudulent GSTIN

A fake GSTIN is one that does not exist on the GST portal or belongs to a different business than the one issuing the invoice. Both cases are criminal offences under the CGST Act.

Verify on the GST Portal First

Confirm the GSTIN does not exist or returns a different business name at services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp.

Do Not Pay or Claim ITC

Immediately stop the payment process and do not file the invoice in your GST returns.

File a Grievance on the GST Portal

Log in to the GST portal, go to Services > Grievance and complaint filing. Submit a fraud complaint with the fake GSTIN and the fraudulent invoice copy.

Report to Your Jurisdictional GST Officer

Contact your ward or range GST officer. Complaints can be made in writing or through the CBIC portal at cbic-gst.gov.in.

File an FIR if Substantial Fraud

For significant invoice fraud, file a First Information Report (FIR) at the local police station. GST fraud above ₹5 crore is a cognizable and non-bailable offence under Section 132 of the CGST Act.

GST Calculator

Calculate GST on any amount at 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%. Compute net price, GST amount, and total invoice value instantly.

Open calculator

Frequently Asked Questions: GST Number Search

How do I search or verify a GST number for free?

Go to services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp on the official GST portal. Select "Search by GSTIN/UIN", enter the 15-digit GSTIN, complete the CAPTCHA, and click Search. No account or login is required. The search is completely free and shows legal name, trade name, state, registration date, and status.

What information does a GST number search show?

A GSTIN search on the GST portal returns: legal name of the business, trade name (if different), principal place of business, state and jurisdiction, registration date, taxpayer type (Regular, Composition, NRTP, etc.), and current registration status (Active, Cancelled, or Suspended).

Can I search by PAN to find all GST registrations of a business?

Yes. On the GST portal (services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp), select "Search by PAN" and enter the 10-character PAN. This returns all GSTINs registered under that PAN, including registrations in multiple states. Useful for verifying large suppliers with pan-India presence.

Why is verifying a supplier's GSTIN important before paying an invoice?

An invoice from a supplier with a cancelled or non-existent GSTIN is invalid for Input Tax Credit (ITC). If you claim ITC on such an invoice, the tax authority can reverse the credit, charge 18% interest, and impose penalties under Section 122 of the CGST Act. A 2-minute verification prevents this entirely.

What does "Active" vs "Cancelled" GSTIN status mean?

"Active" means the GST registration is currently valid and the taxpayer is authorized to collect GST. "Cancelled" means the registration has been either voluntarily surrendered by the taxpayer or cancelled by the tax authority (for non-compliance). An invoice from a cancelled GSTIN is invalid. "Suspended" means the registration is temporarily restricted pending investigation.

How many GSTINs can a single PAN have?

A single PAN can have one GSTIN per state. If a business operates in 5 states, it must register in each state separately and gets one GSTIN per state. The same PAN underlies all registrations. The entity number (position 13 in the GSTIN) increments if a business has more than one vertical registered in the same state.

Is a GST number the same as a GSTIN?

Yes. "GST number", "GSTIN", and "GST registration number" all refer to the same 15-character alphanumeric identifier. "GSTN" is different: it refers to the Goods and Services Tax Network, the technology company that manages the GST IT infrastructure.

What happens if a GSTIN on an invoice does not match the business name?

If the GSTIN search returns a different business name than what is printed on the invoice, the invoice is likely fraudulent. Do not pay the invoice or claim ITC. Report the discrepancy to your state GST authority or through the GST portal grievance system. Genuine mistakes (trade name vs legal name) can be clarified with the supplier.

Can e-commerce sellers avoid GST registration?

No. All sellers on e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc.) must register for GST regardless of turnover, under Section 24 of the CGST Act. The threshold exemption does not apply to e-commerce sellers. E-commerce operators themselves (the platform companies) are also mandatorily registered.

What is the UIN in GST?

UIN (Unique Identification Number) is issued to specific entities that are not liable to pay GST but need a GST identity to claim refunds on tax paid on their purchases. UINs are assigned to UN bodies, embassies, and similar organizations. UIN searches can also be done on the GST portal alongside GSTIN searches.

How long does GST registration take?

GST registration is processed within 7 working days if all documents are in order and no query is raised. If the officer raises a query (a common occurrence for first-time applicants), the applicant has 7 days to respond, after which the officer has another 7 working days to approve or reject. Total time with a query: approximately 15-20 working days.

What documents are needed for GST registration?

Core documents for GST registration: PAN of the business, Aadhaar of the authorized signatory, proof of place of business (rent agreement or ownership documents), bank account details (cancelled cheque or statement), and a photograph of the authorized signatory. For companies: incorporation certificate and MOA/AOA. For partnerships: partnership deed.

CAs and tax professionals can generate GST compliance reports and Tax Optimization Reports for clients at ca.fermor.in.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. GST rules are subject to change. Always verify the latest provisions on the official GST portal (gst.gov.in) or through CBIC notifications. Fermor is not a tax advisory firm and this is not professional tax or legal advice.

GST Number Search: How to Verify Any GSTIN Online, Decode the Format, and Check Registration Status