Did you know GST number is a public information? You can search for any taxpayer by their GSTIN. So, if you are able to search a taxpayer on the GST verification tool it means that their GST verification is complete.
In this post, we will tell you how to do GST verification online via PAN or GSTIN.
Let’s sort our basics: What is GST?
What is GST Number?
GSTIN or Goods and Services Tax Identification Number is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code which is allotted to every taxpayer registered under GST. This number is valid throughout the country and cannot be changed.
GST Number in GST Verification
If you’re wondering why are we talking about GSTIN or GST number in a post about GST verification, this is why – You can search or verify a taxpayer registered under GST by their GSTIN. It’s that easy!
Please understand that when we are talking about how to verify GST, it can be done in two ways: 1) GST Verification by PAN and 2) GST verification by GST number (or GSTIN)
Did You Know?
India’s 28% GST rate is one of the highest tax rates in the world!
Now, let’s learn about the GST online verification process:
GST Number Verification: By GSTIN/UIN
GST no. verification or GST online verification by GSTIN or GST UIN is not a complex process. Here’s why:
Step 1: Visit the GST verification portal.
Step 2: Click on “Search Taxpayer” from the main menu at the top.

Step 3: Select the first option of “Search by GSTIN/UIN”.

Step 4: Enter the GSTIN/UIN of the taxpayer in the online form that will appear.
Step 5: Now, enter the Captcha and hit the “Search” button.
You will see all the public data of that particular GSTIN/UIN in the results.
Example: TCS public information that can be searched by GSTIN on GST verification portal –

GST verification: By PAN
If you don’t have a GSTIN/ GST number, you can verify GST of a taxpayer by PAN. Steps for the same are given below:
The first two steps will be the same as above.
Step 3: Select the second option of “Search by PAN”.

Step 4: Enter the PAN number of the entity/ firm/ company.
Step 5: Enter the captcha shown in the image.
Step 6: Click on the search button.
Results will display after the “Search” button.
There are two other modes to verify GST: GST verification by temporary ID and GST verification of “Composition Taxpayer”. Both these options are explained below.
GST Online Verification by Temporary ID
Let us now look at the step-by-step process of GST registration verification by Temporary ID.
Step 1: Go to the GST verification portal.
Step 2: Click on “Search by taxpayers”
Step 3: Select the “Search by Temporary ID” option.
Step 4: Enter the temporary ID or select state and enter the mobile number.
Step 5: Now enter the captcha shown in the image.
Step 6: Click on the search button.
GSTIN/ UIN status will be displayed on the screen so that the user can find out if GST is active or not.
GST Verification of a Composition Taxpayer
Finally, let’s look at the step-by-step process of GST verification of a composition taxpayer.
Step 1: Visit the GST Verification Portal
Step 2: Click on “Search taxpayer” option.
Step 3: Go to the “Search composition taxpayer” and select “Opt In/opt Out”.
Step 4: Select either GSTIN/UIN or State.

For GSTIN/UIN – enter the GSTIN.

For State – Select state, financial year, and enter the legal name.
Step 5: Now enter the captcha shown in the image.
Step 6: Click on the search button.
Did You Know?
GST was first launched in France with the main objective of controlling tax evasion.
GSTIN Structure
Let’s understand how to read a GST number by taking the following GSTIN sample:
Sample: 22AABBB0000B2Z6
- The first two digits represent the state code
- The next ten digits are the PAN number of the taxpayer
- The 13th digit indicates the number of registrations the legal entity has in that state (for example, if the entity has a single registration in the state, the thirteenth digit will be 1, and with two registrations in the state, it will be 2 and so on)
- The 14th digit will be the alphabet “Z” by default
- The last digit is a check code used for detecting errors
Word to remember
GST UIN: Goods and Services Tax Unique Identification Number – A unique number given to specific taxable persons registered under GST, instead of GST.