{"id":110,"date":"2026-05-05T06:58:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T06:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/billacco.com\/blog\/?p=110"},"modified":"2026-05-05T06:58:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T06:58:49","slug":"how-to-check-gst-number-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/billacco.com\/blog\/how-to-check-gst-number-online\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Check GST Number Online in India"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Before doing business with a new supplier or customer in India, verifying their GST number (GSTIN) is one of the most important steps you can take. A fake or cancelled GSTIN on a supplier’s invoice means you cannot claim ITC on that purchase \u2014 and you may be paying tax to a fraudulent party. The good news is that checking any GST number in India is completely free, takes under 30 seconds, and requires no login or registration.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we show you exactly how to verify any GSTIN online using the official GST portal and other methods. Also, we explain what information the verification shows you, what to look for when the result appears, and what action to take if the GSTIN turns out to be invalid or cancelled. By the end, you will be able to verify any GST number confidently before your next transaction.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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What Is a GSTIN?<\/h2>\n

GSTIN stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. It is a 15-digit unique number assigned to every GST-registered business in India. The structure of a GSTIN gives you important information even before you verify it. The first 2 digits are the state code (e.g., 27 for Maharashtra, 24 for Gujarat, 09 for Uttar Pradesh). The next 10 digits are the business’s PAN number. The 13th digit is the entity number for businesses with multiple registrations in the same state under the same PAN. The 14th digit is always ‘Z’. The 15th digit is a check code (a number or letter used for error detection).<\/p>\n

If someone gives you a GSTIN that does not follow this structure \u2014 for example, a GSTIN that is less than 15 characters or has no recognizable state code in the first two digits \u2014 it is likely fake. Even if the structure looks correct, you must verify it on the portal to confirm it is genuinely registered and currently active.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Method 1: Verify GSTIN on the Official GST Portal (Recommended)<\/h2>\n

This is the most reliable method. The GST portal is operated by the Government of India and shows real-time, official registration data.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Open the GST Portal<\/h3>\n

Go to www.gst.gov.in<\/strong> in any browser on your phone or computer. You do not need to log in. This page is publicly accessible.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Click on “Search Taxpayer”<\/h3>\n

On the home page of the GST portal, look for the menu option “Search Taxpayer” in the top navigation bar. Click on it. A dropdown will appear with options including “Search by GSTIN\/UIN” and “Search by PAN.” For GSTIN verification, select “Search by GSTIN\/UIN.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 3: Enter the GSTIN<\/h3>\n

Type the 15-digit GSTIN exactly as provided by your supplier or customer. Double-check the entry \u2014 even one wrong character will show a “not found” result. Then complete the CAPTCHA verification (type the letters or numbers shown in the image) and click Search.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 4: Review the Result<\/h3>\n

If the GSTIN is valid and registered, the portal will show: the legal name of the business, the trade name (if different), the state of registration, the date of registration, the taxpayer type (regular, composition, casual), and the GSTIN status (Active, Suspended, or Cancelled). This entire process takes under 30 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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BillAcco validates your customer’s GSTIN automatically on every invoice<\/h3>\n

When you enter a customer’s GSTIN in BillAcco, it checks validity against the GST database instantly \u2014 saving you the manual verification step every time you invoice a new customer.<\/p>\n

Start Free Trial \u2192<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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What the GST Portal Result Tells You<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Field Shown<\/th>\nWhat to Check<\/th>\nWhat to Do If Wrong<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Legal Name<\/td>\nMust match the name on the invoice they gave you<\/td>\nAsk for a corrected invoice with the right name<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trade Name<\/td>\nMay differ from legal name \u2014 both are valid<\/td>\nTrade name is an alias \u2014 both are GST registered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
State<\/td>\nMust match the state code in first 2 digits of GSTIN<\/td>\nState mismatch suggests GSTIN error \u2014 reverify<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Registration Date<\/td>\nMust be before the invoice date<\/td>\nIf registered after the invoice, ITC is not valid<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Taxpayer Type<\/td>\nRegular or Composition \u2014 affects ITC eligibility<\/td>\nComposition dealers cannot charge GST on B2B invoices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GSTIN Status<\/td>\nMust show “Active” for valid ITC claim<\/td>\nCancelled\/Suspended = do not claim ITC on this invoice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Method 2: Verify GSTIN Using the GSTIN Number’s Built-In Structure<\/h2>\n

Before going to the portal, you can do a quick preliminary check on any GSTIN by reading its structure. This does not confirm registration but catches obvious fake or mistyped GSTINs instantly. Count the characters \u2014 it must be exactly 15. Check the first 2 digits against the Indian state code list. For example, the first 2 digits of a Gujarat GSTIN must be 24, Maharashtra must be 27, Delhi must be 07, and so on. Check that digits 3 to 12 look like a valid PAN (format: AAAAA9999A \u2014 five letters, four numbers, one letter). The 14th character must always be ‘Z’. If any of these checks fail, the GSTIN is either fake or has been typed incorrectly.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Method 3: Verify GSTIN Using Third-Party Tools<\/h2>\n

Several third-party websites also offer GSTIN verification using the same GST portal data. These include: ClearTax GSTIN verification tool (cleartax.in\/gst\/verify-gstin), Masters India GSTIN checker, and various other CA and fintech websites. These tools provide the same information as the official portal but in a slightly more user-friendly format. However, always treat the official portal (gst.gov.in) as the authoritative source \u2014 third-party sites may have slight data lag or display formatting differences.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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What If the GSTIN Shows as Cancelled or Suspended?<\/h2>\n

If you search a GSTIN and the status shows “Cancelled” or “Suspended,” the business’s GST registration is no longer active. Do not claim ITC on any invoices from this supplier unless the invoices were issued while the GSTIN was still active. Also, ask the supplier to explain the status \u2014 they may have recently cancelled and re-registered under a new GSTIN. Request their new active GSTIN and verify it before accepting future invoices. A cancelled GSTIN means the business has either voluntarily deregistered or been cancelled by the GST department \u2014 either way, their B2B invoices with the cancelled GSTIN are not valid for ITC claims.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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How BillAcco Automates GSTIN Verification<\/h2>\n

With billing software like BillAcco, you do not need to manually verify each customer’s GSTIN on the portal every time you create an invoice. When you enter a customer’s GSTIN in BillAcco, it automatically validates the GSTIN format and checks the registration status against the GST database. Also, it auto-fills the customer’s legal name and state based on the GSTIN \u2014 so you do not have to type this information manually. This saves time, eliminates data entry errors, and ensures every B2B invoice you create has a verified, active GSTIN for your customer.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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Never create an invoice with an invalid GSTIN again<\/h3>\n

BillAcco validates every customer GSTIN automatically when you create an invoice. Correct customer name, correct state, correct tax type \u2014 filled in instantly.<\/p>\n

Create Free Account \u2192<\/a>\n <\/div>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n
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1. Is GSTIN verification free on the GST portal?<\/h3>\n

Yes, completely free. You do not need any account, login, or payment to verify any GSTIN on gst.gov.in. The Search Taxpayer feature is a public service provided by the GSTN (GST Network). You can verify an unlimited number of GSTINs at no charge. Also, there are no daily limits or registration requirements \u2014 simply go to the website, enter the GSTIN, complete the CAPTCHA, and get the result instantly.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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2. Can I verify a GSTIN without internet using offline tools?<\/h3>\n

Not in real time. GSTIN verification requires checking against the live GSTN database, which needs internet. However, you can do a preliminary structural check offline \u2014 count the 15 characters, verify the state code in the first 2 digits, and check for ‘Z’ as the 14th character. For complete verification confirming active registration, an internet connection to gst.gov.in is required. If you have a list of GSTINs to verify in bulk, some CA firms provide offline batch verification using GST APIs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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3. What is the difference between verifying GSTIN by GSTIN number and by PAN number?<\/h3>\n

Searching by GSTIN shows the specific registration details for that one GSTIN. Searching by PAN shows all GSTINs registered under that PAN number \u2014 which is useful for businesses that have registrations in multiple states under the same PAN. If a supplier claims to be registered in a specific state, searching by their PAN lets you confirm whether they have an active registration in that state. Also, if a supplier gives you a GSTIN that starts with a state code different from where they claim to be located, a PAN search helps clarify their actual registration states.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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4. Can I claim ITC if my supplier’s GSTIN was active at the time of the invoice but is now cancelled?<\/h3>\n

Yes, generally. If the invoice was issued when the supplier’s GSTIN was active and registered, and the invoice appears in your GSTR-2B for the relevant period, you can claim ITC on it. The relevant question is the supplier’s registration status at the time the invoice was issued \u2014 not at the time you check it. However, if the supplier’s GSTIN was already cancelled before the invoice date, the invoice is not a valid GST invoice and ITC cannot be claimed. This is why checking the GSTIN registration date (visible on the portal) against the invoice date is important.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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5. What should I do if someone gives me a fake GSTIN on an invoice?<\/h3>\n

First, inform the party that the GSTIN they provided is invalid and ask for their correct, active GSTIN. Do not pay the invoice until it is corrected with a valid GSTIN. If they are unable or unwilling to provide a valid GSTIN, do not claim ITC on that invoice. Also, if the amount is significant and you suspect intentional fraud, you can report it to the GST department through the grievance portal at gst.gov.in. Also, be cautious about continuing business with a party that cannot provide a verified, active GSTIN.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n