Verify a supplier's GSTIN with GST Search Taxpayer
Check that a GSTIN on an invoice is live, matches the legal name and is filing returns, so your input tax credit is safe.
Why check
Under India’s GST, a buyer’s input tax credit (ITC) can be denied if the supplier’s registration is not live or returns are not filed. Invoices sometimes carry cancelled or wrong GSTINs. Check new suppliers before ordering and existing ones periodically.
GSTIN format
15 characters, e.g. 27AAACM1234A1Z5: state code (2), PAN (10), entity number (1), “Z” (1), check digit (1). The state code should match where the supplier sits.
Steps
- Open GST – Search Taxpayer. No login needed.
- Enter the GSTIN and the captcha.
- Compare Legal Name of Business (and Trade Name) with the invoice.
- Confirm GSTIN/UIN Status is Active.
- Check Taxpayer Type: “Composition” suppliers cannot pass on ITC.
- Open “Show Filing Table” and confirm GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B are filed up to recent months.
- Save a dated screenshot in your vendor master.
Suggested internal rule
Verify before the first order, re-verify key suppliers quarterly, and reconcile ITC against GSTR-2B. GST law and rate notifications are on the CBIC site.