Finding a Goods and Services Tax (GST) number by a company or individual’s name in India can be essential for various business activities, such as verifying GST details, ensuring proper tax compliance, or confirming vendor authenticity. Whether you’re a small business owner or an individual, understanding how to locate a GST number by name can help you maintain compliance with tax laws and avoid scams.

What Is a GST Number?

A GST number, also known as a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), is a 15-digit unique identifier assigned to businesses and individuals who are registered under India’s GST system. It’s essential for businesses to include this number on their invoices, tax filings, and other official documents.

Key Components of a GST Number:

1. State Code: The first two digits represent the state in which the business is registered.
2. PAN Number: The next ten digits are derived from the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the business.
3. Entity Code: The 13th digit represents the number of registrations the entity has in a state.
4. Default Letter: The 14th digit is always ‘Z’.
5. Check Code: The 15th digit is a checksum to verify the authenticity of the GST number.

Why You Might Need to Find a GST Number by Name

• Verify Vendor Authenticity: To ensure that the business you are working with is registered under GST.
• Avoid Tax Fraud: Checking the GST number helps prevent being caught up in fraudulent tax activities.
• Legal Compliance: Verifying GST numbers is part of maintaining your own tax compliance, especially when dealing with invoices or claiming input tax credits.

Methods to Find GST Number by Name

1. Using the Official GST Portal: The official GST Portal allows users to search for GST numbers using the legal name of a business or its trade name. Here’s how:
   • Visit the GST portal.
   • Navigate to the “Search Taxpayer” section.
   • Choose the search criteria as “Legal Name of the Business” or “Trade Name.”
   • Enter the business name and complete the CAPTCHA verification.
   • Click on the search button to get details, including the GSTIN and registration status​.
2. Local State Tax Department Lists: States often publish lists of businesses registered under GST. These lists may be available through the state’s tax department website and can help you find a GST number based on the business name, especially for local searches​.
3. PAN-Based Search: If you have the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the business, you can also search for the GST number using it. Many online platforms and the GST portal allow searching by PAN number to list all associated GST registrations​

Important Tips for Accurate Searches:

• Use Full Legal Name: When searching, use the exact registered name of the business. If you’re unsure about the spelling or format, try different variations.
• Add State Information: To narrow down your results, include the state where the business operates. Since businesses can have multiple GST registrations across different states, this will help you find the exact match.
• Check the Details Carefully: If you get multiple results, verify the details (like business address or trade name) to ensure you have found the correct GST number.

Why It’s Crucial to Verify GST Numbers

1. Input Tax Credit Claims: If you’re a registered GST taxpayer, verifying your vendors’ GST numbers ensures you can claim input tax credits properly.
2. Avoiding Penalties: Inaccurate GST numbers or working with vendors who use fake GST numbers can lead to fines, penalties, or denial of tax credits.
3. Spotting Fraud: Some fraudulent businesses might use fake GST numbers on their invoices. By checking the authenticity of a GST number before making payments, you can avoid potential tax-related issues​.

Conclusion

Finding a GST number by name is a straightforward process that can be done through official or third-party online tools. It’s important to perform this search when engaging in business transactions to ensure that the company you are working with is legitimate and compliant with tax regulations.

By using the GST portal or reliable third-party websites like ClearTax, TaxBuddy, or Masters India, you can easily access GST details, verify them, and protect yourself from fraud. This is crucial not only for businesses looking to maintain compliance but also for individuals who want to make sure they are transacting with trustworthy parties.