To verify a GST number, open the GST portal (gst.gov.in), go to Search Taxpayer and choose Search by GSTIN/UIN. Enter the 15-character GSTIN and the captcha; you do not need to log in. Check that the legal name and trade name match the business you are dealing with and that the status is Active. Then look at the registration date, the taxpayer type and the return filing table to see how long the business has been registered and whether it files its returns.
Steps to verify a GSTIN on the GST portal
The GST portal is the official source for GST registration details. The search is free and open to everyone.
- Go to the GST portal at gst.gov.in.
- In the menu, open Search Taxpayer and choose Search by GSTIN/UIN.
- Type the 15-character GSTIN exactly as it appears on the invoice, quotation or letterhead.
- Enter the captcha shown on the page and click Search.
- Read the result: names, status, registration date, constitution, taxpayer type and place of business.
- Open the return filing table on the same page to see which returns were filed for recent periods.
If the portal says the GSTIN is invalid or does not exist, first check for a typing mistake. The letter O and the digit 0, or the letter I and the digit 1, are often mixed up. See how a GSTIN is built to check it character by character.
What each field in the result means
| Field | What it tells you | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Legal name of business | The name as per PAN. For a proprietorship this is usually the owner's own name. | It should match the name on the invoice, the purchase order and the bank account you are asked to pay. |
| Trade name | The name the business trades under, such as the shop or brand name. | It should match what the buyer or supplier calls itself. A trade name can differ from the legal name. |
| GSTIN / UIN status | Whether the registration is Active, Suspended or Cancelled. | Deal on GST terms only when it is Active. |
| Effective date of registration | The date from which the GST registration is valid. | A very recent date means a new registration. It is not a bad sign by itself, but there is less history to rely on. |
| Constitution of business | Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, private limited company and so on. | It tells you who is liable for the dues and whose signature and documents you need. |
| Taxpayer type | Regular, Composition, SEZ unit, casual taxable person and other types. | A composition taxpayer cannot charge GST on its invoice, so the buyer gets no input tax credit. |
| Principal place of business | The registered address. | Compare it with the billing and delivery address you were given. |
| Return filing table | Which returns (such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) were filed for recent periods, with the date of filing. | Look for gaps or long delays. See what GST return filing status tells you. |
Active, Suspended and Cancelled: what the status means
- Active: the registration is valid. The business can issue tax invoices and charge GST.
- Suspended: cancellation proceedings are under way. A taxpayer whose registration is suspended is not supposed to make taxable supplies during the suspension. Wait until the status is clear before you take or give a large order.
- Cancelled: the registration has ended, either at the taxpayer's request or by the tax officer. The portal shows the date of cancellation. A business cannot charge GST on supplies made after that date.
Status can change. A GSTIN that was Active when you first dealt with the business may be suspended or cancelled later, so check again before a large order and from time to time for regular buyers.
Other ways to search on the portal
The Search Taxpayer menu also has Search by PAN. It lists the GST registrations taken under one PAN in different states. This helps when a business gives you its PAN but not its GSTIN, or when you want to see whether it is registered in the state it is billing from.
What a GST check does not tell you
An Active GSTIN shows that the business is registered. It does not show whether the business pays its suppliers on time. Before you give credit, look at more than the registration.
On FundRaksha Trust, the free GST lookup shows GST status, registration date, business type and state for GSTINs that have been checked on FundRaksha before. In the app, the Basic check is free for every GSTIN. The paid buyer verification reports add the filing record, defaults reported by other suppliers, the owner's credit score (fetched only with the owner's consent) and court cases. Current prices are on the pricing page.
For the full list of checks, see how to check a buyer before giving credit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I verify a GST number without logging in?
Yes. The Search Taxpayer option on the GST portal works without a login. You only need the GSTIN and the captcha shown on the page.
Is there a fee to verify a GSTIN on the GST portal?
No. The search on the GST portal is free.
The legal name on the portal is a person's name, not the shop name. Is that a problem?
Not by itself. For a proprietorship the legal name is usually the owner's name as per PAN, and the shop name appears as the trade name. Check that the trade name matches the business you are dealing with.
What should I do if the status is Cancelled or Suspended?
Do not accept a tax invoice charging GST for supplies made after the cancellation date, and ask the business to explain. If you are the seller, treat it as a warning sign before giving credit.
How often should I re-check a regular buyer's GSTIN?
Check before the first order, before any large order, and from time to time after that. Status and filing record can change at any time.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. GST data shown by any tool comes from public records and should be confirmed on the GST portal before you act on it.