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Guides6 min readJuly 11, 2026

GST Number Verification: Search & Verify GSTIN Online (2026)

Before paying an invoice with a GST component, spend 30 seconds verifying the seller's GSTIN on the official GST portal. It's free, no login, and tells you if the number is genuine, active, and matches the business name. Here's the exact flow.

Official GSTIN search URLs

  • Search by GSTIN/UIN: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp
  • Search by PAN: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtpbypan
  • Filing status (returns): https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtpbypan → click GSTIN → 'Show Filing Table'
  • GST home: https://www.gst.gov.in
  • Helpdesk: 1800-103-4786

No login or account needed for basic verification.

How to verify a GSTIN in 30 seconds

1. Open https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp 2. Enter the 15-digit GSTIN (e.g. `27ABCDE1234F1Z5`) 3. Enter the captcha → click Search 4. Review the response: - Legal Name of Business — must match the invoice - Trade Name — brand / shop name - Registration Date - Constitution of Business — Proprietor / Partnership / Private Ltd / etc. - GSTIN Status — must be Active (not Cancelled / Suspended) - Nature of Business Activities — retailer, wholesaler, service provider…

If the portal says 'No records found', the GSTIN is fake or entered incorrectly.

Decoding the 15-digit GSTIN

Example: `27ABCDE1234F1Z5`

  • 27 → State code (Maharashtra = 27; UP = 09; Karnataka = 29; full list at https://www.gst.gov.in)
  • ABCDE1234F → PAN of the entity (10 chars)
  • 1 → Entity number for the same PAN in that state (1st registration = 1)
  • Z → Default alphabet
  • 5 → Checksum digit

Any GSTIN that doesn't follow this exact structure is invalid on its face.

Check filing history (spot dormant vendors)

1. Go to https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtpbypan → enter GSTIN → captcha 2. On the results page, click Show Filing Table 3. You'll see the last 10 filed returns — GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9 4. Red flag: A vendor charging GST but not filing GSTR-1/3B for 3+ months. Your Input Tax Credit (ITC) will be blocked in GSTR-2B.

Always prefer vendors with regular monthly filings.

Red flags for fake GST

  • GSTIN not found on gst.gov.in
  • State code doesn't match the seller's stated address
  • PAN in the GSTIN differs from the PAN on the invoice
  • Status is Cancelled or Suspended
  • Registration is very recent (<3 months) for a large-value bill
  • Vendor refuses to share GSTIN or shares only a photo of the certificate

When in doubt, don't pay the GST portion; ask for a refund or a corrected invoice.

Report a fake GST number

  • Email: helpdesk@gst.gov.in
  • Portal grievance: https://selfservice.gstsystem.in
  • Local jurisdictional GST office (list at https://cbic.gov.in)

Provide the invoice, GSTIN quoted, and screenshots of the search result showing 'No records found' or 'Cancelled'.

FAQs

Is GST number verification free?

Yes. Verification on https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtp is free and requires no login.

How many digits is a GST number?

15 digits: 2 (state code) + 10 (PAN) + 1 (entity number) + 1 (Z) + 1 (checksum).

How to check GST number by name?

The GST portal does not offer name search for privacy reasons. Use PAN search at https://services.gst.gov.in/services/searchtpbypan if you have the vendor's PAN.

What does 'Cancelled' GST status mean?

The GSTIN has been deactivated (voluntary surrender, non-filing, or fraud). Do not accept invoices from a Cancelled GSTIN — you can't claim ITC.

Can I check GST filing status without login?

Yes. Search the GSTIN publicly and click 'Show Filing Table' to see the last 10 return filings, no login required.

#gst verification#gstin search#gst number check#gst portal

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