The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India has brought about significant changes in the way businesses operate, ensuring transparency and accountability. One of the essential aspects of this system is the GST Identification Number (GSTIN), a unique 15-digit code assigned to every registered taxpayer under GST. Searching for GST numbers can be crucial for verifying the authenticity of businesses and maintaining compliance.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top websites for GST number search, ensuring you have the right tools to verify GSTINs effortlessly.
1. GST Portal (gst.gov.in)
The official GST portal is the primary source for all GST-related queries and transactions. It offers a comprehensive GST number search feature that allows users to verify the authenticity of GSTINs.
How to Search?
2. ClearTax GST Search Tool
ClearTax is a well-known platform offering various tax-related services, including GST number verification. Their GST search tool is user-friendly and efficient.
How to Search
3. Masters India GST Search Tool
Masters India offers a robust GST number search tool that is widely used for its accuracy and ease of use.
4. Know Your GST (knowyourgst.com)
Know Your GST is a dedicated platform for GST-related information and tools. Their GST number search tool is popular for its simplicity and speed.
5. Tally Solutions GST Search Tool
Tally Solutions, known for its accounting software, also provides a reliable GST number search tool.
6. MyGSTcafe GSTIN Search
MyGSTcafe offers a comprehensive GSTIN search tool that is both accurate and easy to use.
First Two Digits: These represent the state code according to the Indian Census of 2011. For instance, the state code for Maharashtra is 27, while for Delhi, it is 07.
Next Ten Digits: These are the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the taxpayer, making the GSTIN directly linked to the taxpayer’s PAN.
Thirteenth Digit: This indicates the entity number of the same PAN holder in a specific state. For example, if a person has multiple business entities in one state, each entity will have a unique GSTIN number with a different thirteenth digit.
Fourteenth Digit: This is kept blank for future use or is filled with the letter ‘Z’ by default.
Fifteenth Digit: This is a check code used for detecting errors and ensuring the authenticity of the GSTIN.
By understanding this format, businesses can easily decode and verify the GST numbers to ensure compliance with GST regulations.
Verifying GST numbers is a critical step in ensuring the authenticity of business transactions and maintaining compliance with GST regulations. The GST portal provides an easy and reliable method to verify GST numbers. Here’s how you can verify GST numbers on the GST portal:
1. Visit the Official GST Portal: Go to the official GST website at gst.gov.in
2. Navigate to ‘Search Taxpayer’: On the homepage, find and click on the ‘Search Taxpayer’ tab, which offers various search options.
3. Select ‘Search by GSTIN/UIN’: Choose the option to search by GSTIN or UIN (Unique Identification Number).
4. Enter the GSTIN: Input the 15-digit GSTIN you wish to verify in the provided field.
5. Complete the Captcha: Enter the captcha code as shown on the screen to verify that you are not a robot.
6. Click on ‘Search’: Press the ‘Search’ button to retrieve the details associated with the GSTIN.
Upon searching, the portal will display relevant details of the GSTIN, including the legal name of the business, the status of the GSTIN (active or inactive), and the type of taxpayer. This verification process helps in ensuring that the GSTIN is valid and the associated business is legitimate.
Managing GST compliance can be complex and time-consuming for businesses. Thankfully, several online GST software solutions are available to simplify the process. Here are some of the best GST software options available online:
Features: ClearTax offers comprehensive GST solutions including return filing, invoice generation, and reconciliation. It is known for its user-friendly interface and detailed analytics.
Advantages: With robust customer support and seamless integration with accounting software, ClearTax is ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Advantages: Its wide user base and extensive support network make Tally ERP 9 a reliable choice for businesses seeking integrated accounting and GST solutions.
Advantages: With its cloud-based platform, Zoho Books provides accessibility and ease of use, making it a great option for small to medium-sized enterprises. . SAG Infotech’s Gen GST
Features: Gen GST is known for its advanced features like GST return filing, bulk return filing, and error detection.
Advantages: Its specialized tools for professionals and businesses, along with its affordability, make Gen GST a strong contender in the market.
These GST software solutions help streamline GST compliance processes, reduce errors, and ensure timely filing of returns, making them invaluable tools for modern businesses.
Common Excuses Given by Vendors for Not Having GST Numbers
In the world of business transactions, encountering vendors who lack a GST number can be frustrating. Vendors may offer various excuses to justify the absence of GST registration, but businesses must recognize these reasons and understand their implications. Here are some common excuses given by vendors for not having GST numbers:
1. Small Business Exemption
One of the most frequent excuses vendors give is that their business falls under the threshold limit for GST registration. As per GST regulations, businesses with an annual turnover below a specified limit (currently ₹20 lakhs for most states and ₹10 lakhs for northeastern states) are exempt from mandatory GST registration. While this may be valid, it is essential to verify their turnover to ensure compliance.
2. New Business Setup
Vendors may claim that their business is newly established and that they are in the process of obtaining a GST number. This excuse highlights the importance of following up to confirm that the registration is indeed underway. Businesses should request proof of application or temporary registration numbers to ensure legitimacy.
3. Registration in Progress
Some vendors might assert that their GST registration is pending due to procedural delays. Given the bureaucratic nature of tax registrations, this can sometimes be a genuine reason. However, businesses should ask for a copy of the application acknowledgment or any correspondence with the GST authorities as verification.
4. Not Applicable to My Services/Product
Certain vendors may argue that their specific goods or services are exempt from GST. While GST does exempt certain items, it's crucial to cross-check this information against the official GST exemption list to ensure accuracy. Misinterpretation or intentional misinformation can lead to compliance issues.
5. Lack of Awareness
Vendors, especially those in rural or less urbanized areas, might claim ignorance of GST laws. Although this highlights the need for broader GST education, it is the responsibility of the purchasing business to ensure that they engage with compliant vendors. Providing resources or guidance to such vendors can sometimes resolve this issue.
6. Operating Under Different Tax Regimes
Vendors may excuse themselves by saying they operate under different tax regimes, such as the composition scheme for small taxpayers. The composition scheme allows small businesses to pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as tax, instead of GST. In such cases, verifying their registration under the composition scheme is crucial.
7. Temporary Suspension or Cancellation
At times, vendors may state that their GST number is temporarily suspended or canceled due to compliance issues. This is a red flag, indicating potential problems with their tax filings or business operations. Businesses should verify the status through the GST portal and consider whether engaging with such vendors is prudent.
Verifying GST numbers is crucial for ensuring the authenticity and compliance of businesses in India. With these top websites for GST number search, you can easily verify GSTINs and access detailed business information.
Whether you are a business owner, accountant, or simply someone looking to verify a GST number, these tools offer reliability and ease of use. Stay compliant and informed with these trusted GST search tools.
For more updates on GST and other tax-related information, keep following our blog. Happy verifying!
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