GST Number Search by Name: A Simple Guide for Indian Businesses

Have you ever received an invoice from a new vendor and wondered if the GST number is fake or real? Or maybe double-checking with whom you are dealing. It happens more frequently than you believe. In business, trust is a non-negotiable GST number that is proof of authenticity. Yes, there are multiple ways of searching for a GST number, but a GST number search by name is one of the quickest and most reliable ways. 

Thus, in this blog, we will understand the process of GST number search by company name in detail, along with the GST number format, so that you can identify fake GSTN with confidence. 

What is a GST Number and Why is it Important to You?

GSTIN or GST number is a 15-digit identification number that is provided to businesses registered under GST. It is like a tax identification number of the business. 

Why Does it Matter? 

Because every compliant GST activity depends on it.

• To claim an Input Tax Credit
• To check whether the invoice is valid
• To ensure the returns filed match the government records

What Is the GST Identification Number Format?

In the following section, we will understand the format of a GST number: 

A GST identification number has 15 characters.

Here is how it breaks down.

First 2 digits

These represent the state code. 

For example, 27 for Maharashtra, 24 for Gujarat.

Next 10 characters

This corresponds to the PAN of the business.

13th character

This shows how many registrations the entity has under the same PAN.

14th character

Usually, the letter Z is kept for future use.

15th character

A checksum is used for error detection.

Thus, when you see a GST number, you can tell which it belongs to. It will help you in determining whether a GST number is real or fake. 

Check more: Find out HSN/SAC Codes for your goods and services.

Why You Need to Search GST Number by Name?

The following are the situations where you may search for the GST number by company name: 

• Received a vendor’s invoice without GSTIN
• A customer shared only the business name, not the GST number
• Verifying the distributor before onboarding
• To check whether the business is still active 
• Reconciling old records where the GST number was missing

How to Verify the Details After Finding the GST Number?

The first step is finding the GST number. Verifying it is step two.

After having the GSTIN, visit the GST portal or use any third-party tool and verify the following details: 

•  Legal name of business
•  Trade name
•  Registration status
•  Date of registration
•  Type of taxpayer

With this step, you know whether the business is in operation, cancelled or suspended. Ideally, it is suggested to do it every time before claiming ITC. 

This is always to be done before claiming ITC.

Check More: Find out your GSTIN by PAN

Real Life Example on GST Number Search by Name 

Imagine Deepak is the owner of a small trading company based in Mumbai.

A new supplier of Ahmedabad sends him an invoice with applicable GST rates, but the GSTIN of the supplier is missing. 

Since he knows the name of the company, the only option left is to find the GST number by name. 

Benefits of Using Munim’s GST Number Search Tool

And now we will discuss the advantages of using Munim’s GST number search by name tool: 

Quick Verification Without Login

You are not required to log in or create an account. Anyone can use it. That makes it easy to use for businesses. 

Proper Business Name on Legal Certificate

The tool displays the legal name registered under GST, and not only the trade name. This will assist in ensuring that the GST number is actually of the business you are dealing with.

Status Check in Seconds

You can immediately know the status of a GSTIN as active, cancelled or suspended. This is particularly important as inactive or suspended GSTINs are not allowed to collect tax as per the GST law. 

Address and Registration Date

You can also verify the registered address and the date with Munim’s GST number search tool. This particular feature is useful in onboarding vendors or conducting compliance audits. 

Tips for Accurate GST Number Searches

The following are the tips that you should keep in mind when searching for a GST number by name: 

Use Legal Names Wherever Possible

Trade name and brand name may differ from the legal name. Try using variations for accurate results. 

Double Check State Codes

There are cases where it may be registered in multiple states. Check and make sure you are checking the right one.

Watch the Status Carefully

Active means valid. Cancelled or suspended means they are not authorised to collect GST. 

Store Screenshots to Records

In case you are checking vendors on a regular basis, it is better to have a screenshot, as this can be used when auditing or in a dispute.

Do Not Rely Only on One Source

GST number search by name should be combined with invoices and documents to be fully confident.

Final Thoughts 

GST compliance is not only about timely return filing but also keeping the data clean, dealing with verified vendors and making decisions. If you are running a business in India, you must know how to search for a GST number by company name. It is as easy as checking your bank account. 

So, next time you onboard a new supplier or client, pause for a moment, verify their GST number, then proceed. 

Frequently Asked Questions on GST Number Search by Company Name

Is it possible to search the GST number by name on the GST portal?

No. The GST portal does not allow GST number search by name. 

Is GST number search by name legal? 

Yes, GST number search by company name is a legal process. 

What if a business has more than one GST number?

It means a business is registered in multiple states. One should always use the GST number applicable to the state of transaction.

Is it necessary to check the GST number each time?

Ideally, yes, particularly in the case of new vendors. 

How to check if a GST number is valid or not?

You can check the validity of a GST number on the GST portal as well as third-party tools such as Munim’s GST number search by name or PAN. 

How to identify a fake GST invoice?

Check the GST number provided in the invoice. Search by company name. If the GST number does not match the one provided, there are high chances that the GST number is fake. 

How can I find a GST number using a business name?

You cannot directly enter a business name on the official GST portal to find a GST number. However, there are third-party websites that allow you to find GST numbers using a business name. 

Where to search GST details by company name online?

There are some private platforms and tools that offer ways to find GST details using publicly available data by company name online. Munim is one such platform. 

Which websites offer GST number search by individual or company name?

The following are the websites that offer GST number search or company name:

1. Munim

2. Razorpay

3. Cleartax

Can I get GST details of a supplier just by their name?

Yes, you can get GST details of a supplier with their company name.

About the author

Mehul Jagwani

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Mehul is a seasoned content writer with a passion for simplifying complex accounting and GST topics. With a keen interest in entrepreneurship and business management, he specializes in creating informative and engaging content for themunim.com. His goal is to help businesses understand and implement accounting and GST software solutions effectively. When he's not crafting content, Mehul enjoys exploring new places and spending time with his Golden Retriever.