GSTIN Search: Step-by-step Approach, Benefits And Importance

What is GSTIN?

GSTIN full form is Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. It is a unique 15-digit code issued to every individual or business that has registered for the Goods and Services Tax (under the new GST regime). If you are a business owner, a dealer, or have started your startup, then registering for GST is mandatory. Before finding out how you can do a GSTIN search for your business, let’s know the current GST rates.

Here is the latest GST rate for 2025:

The basic purpose of GSTIN is to prove your identity as a registered taxpayer under the GST regime. Without it, you cannot collect GST from customers, nor can you claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) for your business. GSTIN also helps in filing annual tax returns and maintaining legal compliance. Businesses that operate in multiple states will need a separate GSTIN for each state. For example, if you are running a business in Hyderabad and another one in Bengaluru, you are required to register for a separate GSIN as per current standards.

Example of GSTIN

Understanding the structure of a GSTIN before your business registers for it is a necessity. Let’s first explain the format and meaning of each letter in GSTIN.

To explain this better, we are considering a fictitious GSTIN. Let’s say it is: 27ABCDE1234F1Z5

• The first two digits represent the state code. For example, 27 stands for Maharashtra.
• ABCDE1234F stands for the 10-digit PAN Card number
• The 13th digit 1 shows number of GST registrations done under the same PAN number.
• The 14th digit Z is a by-default character set by the Goods and Services Tax Council
• The last digit 5 is a check code. The only purpose of this code is to identify any errors in the code.

The 15-character format makes it possible for an accurate GSTIN search by the government. By understanding the first two numbers, the government can easily track the location and ensure the whereabouts.

How To Search a GSTIN Number?

When you do a GSTIN search online for registration, you will immediately view the official GST portal. The application process has become fully online, and hence, you can start by first registering on the official portal. Here are the first steps on how to get your GSTIN number:

Step 1 - Visit the GST Portal

Visit the official GST portal and click on the Services option. An option known as “New Registration” will appear; click on it to register a new account if you are a business that is registering for GST for the first time.

Step 2 - Fill in these details:

• Business name
• State from where your business operates
• PAN number
• Mobile number
• Email address

Step 3 - Get Temporary Reference Number (TRN)

You will receive an OTP on your email and mobile. Use this OTP for further verification. After verification, you get a TRN to continue your application.

Step 4 - Complete the Application

Use the TRN to log back in and fill up various sections like business details, promoter details, place of business, bank account, and authorized signatory. These details will be needed for verifying your business before finally registering for GST filing.

Step 5 - Upload Documents

You will need the necessary documents, such as a PAN Card, property tax receipt, Certificate of Incorporation, and a few others. We have prepared a separate list of all the documents that you need to get your business GSTIN number.

Step 6 - Verification and Submission

You need to complete the verification by filling in your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or E-sign. These details are needed after you have submitted the mandatory documents.

Step 7 - Receive Your GSTIN Number

After your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive your GSTIN number. It will usually take 2-7 working days for you to receive the GSTIN number.

Read also how to check CIBIL score for free in this step-by-step process.

Documents Needed to Apply For GSTIN Number

Take a look at the main documents that are needed to apply for a GSTIN number:

• Business Registration Certificate
• PAN Card of a business proprietor
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Partnership Deed
• Consent letter
• Property tax receipt
• Aadhaar ID of the business proprietor
• Property lease documents
• Power supply bill
• Letter of Authorization
• Rent agreement
• Address proof

It’s critical to ensure that these documents reflect your business identity and are authentic. Any mismatch or incorrect documents will only postpone and delay the registration process.

Why do you need a GSTIN?

Maintain Regulatory Compliance

A GSTIN assures regulatory compliance for your business. Without registration, any tax collected is considered illegal, and your business may be exposed to serious legal repercussions. Also, your business will be liable to pay a penalty of 10% of the due GST amount or ₹10,000, whichever is higher.

Claim Tax Benefit

Second, if your GSTIN is included on all your invoices, you can claim input tax credit on your purchases. For example, if you purchase raw materials from a supplier, you can claim a tax credit on your purchase.

Builds Commercial Trust

Many larger companies will avoid working with vendors who don’t have a GSTIN. The reason is that not having a GSTIN complicates the entire compliance process. Also, businesses identify this as a symptom of mistrust. If you're selling through online platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, having a GSTIN is compulsory for onboarding as a seller.

Also read how to register for GST in this step-by-step process.

How Much Does it Cost to Get GSTIN?

The government does not charge any fee for GSTIN number registration. You can apply for a GSTIN directly on the official GST portal without paying anything. All you need to do is create an account, fill in the necessary forms, and upload the required documents.

However, many business owners still recruit chartered accountants, GST consultants, or online tax experts for convenience or due to a lack of time or familiarity with the process. GSTIN registration with these service providers usually costs between ₹1000 and ₹2,500 for completing the application, depending on the complexity of your business type.

In case you are applying on your own with the necessary documents, the registration can be completed within 3 to 7 working days.

How to Verify GSTIN?

If you are looking for a GSTIN search online, you can use the official GST portal. You can also search for any other supplier or vendor you want to engage in business with. This is especially useful when you want to check the legitimacy of a vendor or supplier.

These are the steps to verify:

Step 1 - Visit the official portal of GST to track your GST reference number

Step 2 - Click on the option “Search Taxpayer” and then check the option of “Search by GSTIN/UIN”

Step 3 - Enter your business GSTIN number and click search

You will be able to see the actual business details if the GSTIN is valid and the business name is officially registered. Many small business owners who want to do a GSTIN number check use this process fairly simply.

Also read the key differences between SGST and CGST.

Main Advantages of Having GSTIN

Without having a proper GSTIN, you will not be able to register your business in the list of registered taxpayers. Some of the major benefits that you get by having a GSTIN are:

Input Tax Credit

You can claim back the GST once you have paid on purchases and services used in your business.

Improves Commercial Credibility

Getting registered adds to the credibility of your business, which is a requirement for establishing B2B relationships.

Increased Chances of Bank Credit

Your business is likely to get approved for credit if it has proper tax compliance. Banking and lending institutions often ask for GST return filing slips.

Possibility for Business Growth

Your business will be eligible to run in franchise mode and open branches in different states, as well as apply for multiple GSTINs under the same PAN.

Facility to Sell Online

A GSTIN is mandatory if you want to list your products on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho. Most times, platforms restrict resellers and online sellers who do not have a GST-compliant system. Almost 34% of the publicly listed companies contribute towards regular GST tax payment, while sole proprietorship businesses contribute 13.3%.

Also read how to do EPF registration for your business online.

How to Identify a Fake GSTIN?

Many individual sellers or businesses that evade tax use fraudulent GSTINs. The quick ways to identify a fake GSTIN are:

Check With the GST Portal

A quick GSTIN number check with the official GST portal is a great way to identify the authenticity. If you enter an invalid or fake GSTIN number, the portal will show an invalid result.

Incorrect format

You can count the total characters in a GSTIN number for quick verification. Any GSTIN that doesn't follow the 15-digit format implies the number is fake.

Check With Other GST Verification Tools

There are multiple third-party GSTIN verification tools online. You can simply search the GSTIN number there to do a quick look-up.

Search with LLMs

LLMs have turned to produce effective and authentic results over time. You can use tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini to search for the specific GSTIN number, as the LLMs are trained with tens of gigabytes of information, and they are effective in spotting a fabricated GSTIN.

Check For 13th Digit

The 13th digit is always the letter Z. Once you find any other letter in place of that, you can be sure that the GSTIN is a fake, 15-digit number.

Check First Two Digits

You can also check for the state code by checking the first two digits. The first two-digits symbolise the state of operation for the business. For your reference, here is the list of state codes in India.

If you suspect a fake GSTIN, you can report it to the official website of CBIC complaints portal.

Conclusion

The first step to do a GSTIN search is to get to the official portal of GST, click the Search Taxpayer option, and get the authorised GSTIN with the official business name. A GST establishes your legal identity as a business and makes you a tax-compliant business. Key role in taxation, compliance, and credibility.

For small traders and startups, having a GSTIN is a mandatory step. Businesses in India are required by law to display their GSTIN number along with their business name, whether it is a small-scale manufacturer or an inter-state supplier.