Use the official GST Portal’s Search Taxpayer service. Search by GSTIN/UIN for a specific registration or use Search by PAN to find registrations linked to a PAN. Match legal name, trade name, status, taxpayer type and state with the invoice, then review filing information where available. A positive search does not by itself guarantee that a particular invoice is genuine or that ITC is eligible.
How this 2026 guide was prepared
The supplied draft was treated as a topic brief, not as legal authority. Outdated portal dates, overbroad thresholds, invented procedures and incorrect rate or format claims were corrected against official GST, CBIC, GST Council and India Code materials available on 2026-07-28.
Effective-date warning: GST rates, exemptions, portal screens and due dates can change. Confirm the live notification and return period before acting.
Why verification matters
A GSTIN check helps detect typographical errors, cancelled or suspended registrations, state mismatch and identity mismatch. It is one due-diligence control among invoice, supply, payment, receipt and GSTR‑2B evidence required for input tax credit.
Search by GSTIN or UIN
Open gst.gov.in → Search Taxpayer → Search by GSTIN/UIN, enter the 15-character identifier and captcha, and review the result. Avoid ads or imitation portals that request login credentials for public verification.
Search by PAN—not casual name
The official portal provides a PAN-based search for registrations linked to that PAN, subject to portal controls. The source draft overstates a general business-name search. Trade-name discovery may be limited; obtain GSTIN or PAN from the counterparty and verify the precise registration.
What to compare
Compare legal and trade name, active/cancelled/suspended status, taxpayer type, state, registration and cancellation dates, principal place details available, nature of business and return-filing table. Confirm the invoice uses the supplier GSTIN for the supplying state.
What public verification cannot prove
It does not prove delivery, tax payment on that invoice, supplier ownership of a bank account, genuineness of goods, ITC eligibility or absence of fraud. Section 16 conditions, invoice data, receipt, supplier reporting and restricted-credit rules remain relevant.
Troubleshooting and evidence
Remove spaces, distinguish O/0 and I/1, validate the 15-character structure, retry official services later if unavailable, and ask the supplier for REG‑06 if details mismatch. Save a dated PDF or screenshot of verification for material onboarding, but recheck periodically.
Need a transaction-specific GST review?
Check registration, classification, value, place of supply, input credit, documents and return treatment before filing.
Request GST supportFrequently asked questions
Can I search GSTIN by company name?
The official workflow is strongest with GSTIN/UIN or PAN; name discovery is not a complete substitute.
Does active status guarantee ITC?
No. All statutory ITC conditions still apply.
What does cancelled mean?
Registration ceased from the effective date shown; invoice dates and legal consequences need review.
Can I verify without login?
Public Search Taxpayer functions are available without taxpayer login, subject to captcha and portal controls.
Should I use a third-party tool?
Prefer the official portal for authoritative status and use third-party tools only as convenience layers.
What if the supplier name differs slightly?
Check legal versus trade name, invoice identity and REG‑06; do not ignore a material mismatch.
How often should vendors be rechecked?
At onboarding and periodically based on risk, especially before material ITC claims or after status warnings.
