In the world of taxation and business compliance, verifying the authenticity of a business partner or supplier is critical. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this in India is by checking whether the person or entity is registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. If you’re a business owner, accountant, or an informed consumer, understanding how to check if someone is GST registered can save you from legal trouble and ensure transparency. This process is straightforward and involves using the GSTIN Validator.
In this article, we’ll explain what GST registration is, where and how you can check it, the benefits of verifying it, different types of GST registration, and step-by-step instructions to check if someone is GST registered. We’ll also answer some commonly asked questions at the end.
Where to Check GST Registration?
To check whether a person or business is GST registered, the official and safest platform is the GST portal, available at https://www.gst.gov.in. This government-run website offers several services, including the GSTIN Validator, which helps you verify the GST Identification Number (GSTIN) of any business or person.
Additionally, there are private GSTIN validation tools online, but it’s always recommended to use the government’s official GST portal for accuracy and security.
Advantages of Verifying a GST Registered Person
There are several benefits to checking whether a person or business is registered under GST:
- Ensure Business Legitimacy
Verifying GST registration confirms that the business is officially recognized and complies with tax regulations. This is especially important for B2B transactions.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC) Eligibility
If you’re a registered buyer, you can only claim Input Tax Credit on invoices received from GST registered suppliers. Verifying their GSTIN ensures you can legally claim ITC.
- Prevention of Fraud
The GSTIN Validator helps prevent fraud by allowing you to confirm the authenticity of a GST number. Fake GSTINs are sometimes used to issue false invoices or evade tax.
- Accurate Filing
For businesses, verifying your vendors’ GSTIN ensures that the data you enter into your returns is accurate, helping avoid discrepancies or penalties during audits.
Steps to Check if Someone is GST Registered
Here’s how you can check the GST registration of a business or person using the GSTIN Validator:
Step 1: Obtain the GSTIN
GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a 15-digit alphanumeric code provided to every registered person under GST. You can find this number on tax invoices, bills, or directly from the supplier.
Step 2: Visit the Official GST Portal
Go to https://www.gst.gov.in. This is the official website of the GST Network (GSTN) in India.
Step 3: Click on “Search Taxpayer”
On the homepage, find and click on the “Search Taxpayer” tab in the navigation menu.
Step 4: Choose “Search by GSTIN/UIN”
Under the “Search Taxpayer” section, click on “Search by GSTIN/UIN”. This is the GSTIN Validator tool you’ll use to verify registration.
Step 5: Enter the GSTIN
Input the 15-digit GSTIN number that you want to validate. Ensure there are no typos.
Step 6: Enter the Captcha Code
You’ll be asked to enter a security captcha code. This is to confirm that the request is human-generated.
Step 7: View Details
Click on the “Search” button. The portal will display details such as:
- Legal name of the business
- Trade name
- GST registration status (active/inactive/cancelled)
- Type of taxpayer (regular/composition)
- State of registration
- Date of registration
These details help you confirm the identity and legitimacy of the registered person or business.
Types of GST Registration
When checking someone’s GST status, it’s useful to understand the types of GST registrations. Here are the major ones:
- Regular Taxpayer
Most businesses fall under this category. They file monthly or quarterly returns and can collect and remit GST.
- Composition Dealer
These are small businesses that opt for the Composition Scheme. They pay a fixed percentage of turnover as tax and cannot claim Input Tax Credit.
- Casual Taxable Person
These are businesses operating temporarily in a different state, like during trade fairs or exhibitions.
- Non-Resident Taxable Person
Businesses that occasionally supply goods or services in India but are based outside the country.
- Input Service Distributor (ISD)
This type allows businesses to distribute input tax credit among various branches.
Each type is mentioned in the GSTIN Validator results when you search a GSTIN.
Conclusion
Verifying whether a person or business is GST registered is a crucial step for any business transaction in India. Using the GSTIN Validator provided by the official GST portal, you can quickly confirm the status and authenticity of a GSTIN. This not only promotes transparency but also protects you from fraud and ensures compliance with tax laws.
Whether you’re a supplier, buyer, or tax consultant, knowing how to use the GSTIN Validator gives you confidence in your transactions and helps maintain a clean business record. So next time you’re unsure about a supplier or invoice, take a few seconds to check their GSTIN—it’s worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is GSTIN?
GSTIN stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. It’s a unique 15-digit number assigned to every taxpayer registered under GST in India.
- What is the GSTIN Validator?
The GSTIN Validator is a tool provided on the official GST portal to help users verify the authenticity of any GSTIN. It displays detailed information about the GST registered person or business.
- Is it free to use the GSTIN Validator?
Yes, the GSTIN Validator tool on the GST website is completely free and available to the public.
- Can I check GST registration without the GSTIN?
Yes, you can also search by PAN (Permanent Account Number) or business name, but this requires additional steps and is less direct than using a GSTIN.
- What should I do if a GSTIN is inactive or cancelled?
If you find that a GSTIN is cancelled or inactive, you should avoid doing business with that entity until they clarify their registration status.
- Are there mobile apps for GSTIN validation?
While several mobile apps and websites offer GSTIN validation, it is safest to use the official GST portal for accurate and updated information.
- What happens if I unknowingly deal with an unregistered person?
You may face problems claiming input tax credit and might be considered non-compliant during audits. Always validate GSTIN before finalizing deals.
- Can a person have multiple GSTINs?
Yes. A person or business can have multiple GSTINs if they operate in different states or have different business verticals.
- How often should I check the GST registration status of my suppliers?
It is advisable to periodically verify your suppliers’ GST registration, especially before filing GST returns or before engaging in large transactions.
- Is using a fake GSTIN illegal?
Yes, using or issuing invoices with a fake GSTIN is a serious offense under Indian tax laws and can lead to penalties, fines, or imprisonment.
