What is a GSTIN?
Reviewed by Ranga & Company
GSTIN: A GSTIN is the 15-character number every GST-registered business gets, one for each state it is registered in. It is built from the state code, the business's PAN, an entity number and a check digit.
At a glance
- Length
- 15 characters
- Characters 1–2
- State code (Rajasthan = 08)
- Characters 3–12
- PAN of the business
- Character 13
- Entity number for that PAN in the state
- Character 14 / 15
- 'Z' by default / check digit
Reading a GSTIN
A Jodhpur business with PAN ABCDE1234F registered once in Rajasthan would have a GSTIN like 08ABCDE1234F1Z5. If the same PAN registers a second business vertical in Rajasthan, the 13th character becomes 2.
Verify a supplier's GSTIN
- Go to gst.gov.in → Search Taxpayer → Search by GSTIN
- Check that the status is Active and the legal name matches the invoice
- Check return-filing status, since your input tax credit depends on the supplier filing
Common mistakes
- Paying suppliers without checking that their GSTIN is active
- Quoting the wrong buyer GSTIN on invoices, which sends the ITC to someone else
Frequently asked questions
What is the GST state code for Rajasthan?
08. Every Rajasthan GSTIN starts with 08.
Can one PAN have more than one GSTIN?
Yes. A business needs a separate GSTIN for each state it operates in, and can have more than one in a state for separate business verticals.
How do I check if a GSTIN is genuine?
Use 'Search Taxpayer' on gst.gov.in to confirm the GSTIN is active and belongs to the business named on the invoice.
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