What is GST Number (GSTIN): Format, Significance, and Verification

If you are wondering what is GSTIN number, below is your answer.

As discussed above, all individuals/businesses registered under GST are allocated a GSTIN. It's a unique 15-digit number that is state and PAN-based.

To answer what is GSTIN number format, let's go through the distinctive format of the identification number issued:

• The first two digits represent the state where GST registration was made.
• The following 10 numbers are the PAN of the registered entity
• The 13th number is the number of registrations done by the business or individual within a state using one PAN.
• The 14th letter is mandatorily Z.
• The 15th place is a check code that can be either a number or letter.

It is also easy to verify the GSTIN online, which we will discuss in a later section.

Now that you have an answer to what is GSTIN, let's look at the many benefits we can claim through GSTIN.

• Having a GSTIN makes you a legally recognized supplier. This recognition helps build customer trust and draws several consumers to the business.
• You can claim input credit on your purchases.
• Having GSTIN opens new avenues for small business owners, who can easily go ahead with interstate supplies. Some SMEs can opt for casual taxable person who carry out occasional transactions.
• Once you have understood what the GSTIN number is, there is no going back as the advantages are many. As a GSTIN holder, you can expand your business by listing your goods on e-commerce websites or opening an e-commerce website.
• Since returns filing is automated for businesses holding GSTIN, you establish your business as an entity complying with all GST rules. This builds a good business reputation, consequently leading to better sales numbers.

GSTIN and GSTN are often confused with each other, but they have no connection whatsoever. Since we have already answered what is GSTIN, we know it's a unique tax identification number under the GST regime. It came into existence when GST replaced other indirect taxes under the agenda 'One Nation One Tax'.

On the other hand, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) is an interface between taxpayers and the central and state governments. It is responsible for providing IT support to all the beneficiaries of GST and the stakeholders. Payments and returns are simplified for taxpayers with the help of GSTN. This IT initiative takes care of India's entire ecosystem of indirect tax.

Since we now know what is GSTIN, let's broaden our understanding of the concept by understanding how to apply it.

You can get your get unique number only by registering for GST. Here is the procedure you must follow:

• Go to the official GST portal.
• Register yourself under the GST regime by filling out the form GST REG-01.
• In Part A of the form, fill in personal details like name, contact number, and email address.
• Submit Part A and verify the details with an OTP.
• Application Reference Number (ARN) will be sent to your registered mobile or email.
• Use this number to fill Part B of the form, which requires details like bank statements, address proof, address proof of place of business, and others.
• Complete the submission by uploading the documents with the help of Aadhar OTP.

Once the details are submitted, they will be verified by a GST officer within three office days.

So, if you are still wondering what is GSTIN number in PAN card is, remember it is automatically generated when the officer approves your registration. Upon you get the approval, you also receive a Certificate of Registration.

GST registration can also be done offline. Offline registration is ideal for those who don't know how to use the GST online portal.

If you know what GSTIN is but can't wrap your head around the registration process online, feel free to visit the Seva Kendra.

To further your knowledge of what is GSTIN, you must know the key documents required for GST registration. These are:

• Applicant's PAN Card
• PAN or Aadhar of partners or business promoters
• Address proof of the place of business
• Organization's bank details
• A certificate of incorporation

f you understand what is GSTIN number, you will easily be able to identify any fraud. You can also verify the number on an official platform as well.

Follow the steps to verify the number:

• Visit GST online portal.
• Select 'Search Taxpayer' from the menu bar.
• Type in the number you wish to verify. Enter a captcha to carry out the assessment.
• If the GSTIN is valid, you will receive business-related information on the home page. If not, the website will display an 'error'.

With an understanding of what is GSTIN, we are sure you will feel more empowered if you are a regular taxpayer or a business owner. Some additional information that will come in handy are GST slabs, GST returns, and many others.