How to do GST Number Search by PAN?

In India, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration transition combined with the existing Service Tax Registration and Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration took place on July 1^st, 2017. The Ministry allotted GST numbers that were covered under the same number as in the indirect tax codes. This GST number is also seeded with the PAN number of the taxpayer, making it easy to find the GST number by just entering the Permanent Account Number (PAN) number. This is because the linked 15 digit GSTN in PAN card has the PAN number included where an individual can find GST no by PAN. We shall now look at how we can read the format of the GST number and find the GSTIN (The GST number is referred to as GSTIN or Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) from the PAN or vice versa.

How to find GST Number by PAN No.?

The digits of the GST Number are coded as follows: The first 2 digits are the State Code. The following 10 are the individual’s PAN number. The 13^th digit is the Entity Code followed by a BLANK space, and the 15^th digit is the check digit, as shown in the figure below:

The GST Number’s State Code

The Indian Census of 2011 is the basis for the first 2 digits of the GST number’s State Code. These two digits represent the State the taxpayer has registered in. 

Here’s the complete State Code list:

Also Read: What Is The Difference Between TIN, VAT, PAN, DSC and DIN

GST search by PAN

• The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a 10-digit alpha-numeric number contained in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) number between the digits 3 and 12. 
• It allows you a GST search by PAN and connects the PAN and GST numbers, making it possible to read the other number given one number. 
• Therefore, with the PAN number, you can do the GSTIN search by PAN.

Entity Code

• The 13th digit of a GST number denotes the number of registrations assigned to the legal entity. 
• It reads 1 if the individual or entity has one GST registration in the State and 2 when the same person avails another GST number for a different vertical in the same State. 
• Thus, theoretically, this number can read up to 35 as a single person can register up to 35 GST registrations in a single state.

The 14^th and 15^th GST digits

• The 14^th digit of the GST number is blank for future use, while the 15^th digit is used as a check digit.

Who is eligible for a GST registration?

Businesses with the following eligibility must obtain a GST registration:

Interstate Business

A person/entity must obtain a GST registration in India when dealing with the interstate supply of goods.

Aggregate turnover

If a service provider has an aggregate turnover greater than Rs 20 Lakhs in a year, they must obtain a GST registration mandatorily. In the case when the aggregate turnover is more than Rs 40 lakhs, they must mandatorily obtain a GST registration.

Casually taxable persons

Any individual supplying services or goods intermittently or seasonally through a temporary shop or stall should obtain a GST registration irrespective of their turnover.

E-commerce platforms

E-Commerce platforms dealing in services or goods should mandatorily obtain a GST number in India before the commencement of business and irrespective of their turnover. 

Voluntary registration

Any person/entity can also get a voluntary GST number. In the previous procedures, those with a voluntary registration had to keep the number for a year at least before closure. But the recent revisions make it possible to surrender the GST registration at any time.

Which documents are required to get a GST registration?

Getting a GST number is easy, and you can get it through the online process. You can either go to the portal and register or have an external company process your GST within 3 to 7 days by giving them the requisite details. The below documents need to be submitted by a taxpayer when applying for a GST registration:

• PAN Cards of the applicant and the business.
• Photographs and applicant identity proof.
• Applicant’s address proof.
• Certificate of Incorporation or Business registration document.
• Location proof of the business.
• A cancelled cheque and Bank Account statement.
• The Digital Signature Certificate.
• Board Resolution or Letter of authorisation of the authorized signatory.

What are the types of GST Registration?

Here are the four types of GST registration:

Normal Taxpayer

Under this category, a taxpayer with a GST registration in India operating a business and turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs* (Rs 10 lakhs for NE and hill states) requires this registration. 

Composition Taxpayer

 A taxpayer registers for the GST registration and pays a flat composite GST rate. Such taxpayers cannot avail of the input tax credit, i.e., reduce the tax amount.

Non-resident Taxable Person

Individuals located outside India can register as non-resident taxable persons for the GST registration. You will have to deposit an amount equal to the GST liability amount for the active registration periods. This registration is valid for 3 months.

Casual taxable person

Any individual supplying services or goods intermittently or seasonally through a temporary shop or stall should obtain a GST registration irrespective of their turnover as a Casual Taxable person and deposit a sum equal to the GST liability for the active registration periods. This registration remains active for 3 months.

GST registration benefits

Some of the benefits of GST registration are:

• The cascading tax effect has been eliminated and now all indirect taxes come under one umbrella. 
• The threshold for registration is higher. Under the VAT regime, a taxpayer with a business turnover higher than Rs 5 Lakh had to pay VAT which was different in the various states. Additionally, service providers with turnover less than 10 lakhs were exempt from service tax. The GST threshold is a turnover of Rs 20 lakh, thereby helping many small service providers and traders. 
• The Composition Tax Scheme for small businesses allows small traders to benefit from a reduced burden and compliance under this scheme.
• GST registration is now an easy and simple online procedure.
• Returns filing and compliances have been simplified. Though there are around 11 GST returns, you have to file just one online.
• Improved logistical efficiency under the GST Act has removed the interstate movement restrictions considerably and increased business profits due to a uniform tax rate.
• GST includes the unorganised sector too which is bringing accountability to the textile, construction etc. industries.

Now, let's understand the core aspect of the topic, .i.e., search GST number by PAN.

How to find GST number by PAN

Here’s the step by step procedure explained to search GST by PAN number:

Step 1– Visit the GST portal - https://gst.gov.in

The portal is the easy way to find all details about your GST number, filing your returns, etc., under the services tab and more. You can use the downloads tab to download offline tools, and the eleven GST return forms.

Step 2– Select the “Search Taxpayer” tab of the various tabs available and click on it.

Step 3– Under this tab, you get options to Search by UIN/GSTIN. Look for Composition Taxpayer and Search by PAN options. Click on Search by PAN to do a GST no search by PAN.

This opens the below screen.

Step 4- You need to enter the individual/ dealer’s PAN number, refresh and enter the captcha code.

Step 5- Click the tab “Search” for GST by PAN, and the portal shows the GSTIN registration linked to the particular PAN. Your next screen appears as below.

Step 6- Choose any of the hyperlinked GSTIN, and the page is redirected to the ‘Search by GSTIN’ page, which is already auto-filled as in the picture below, to complete your GST no by PAN search.

Step 7- Now, enter the captcha code required. Click again on the ‘Search’ button to display the search results of the GST from PAN search and business details of this specific GSTIN, which is displayed as the below page.

By following these processes, you would be successfully able to conduct the PAN number search.

Also Read: Advantages of GST – GST Benefits Explained With Example

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the GST number, its various types, its format, how to do the GSTIN search by PAN number and such procedures. This is a necessary procedure that can help every single individual to do the GST search by PAN. We hope we were able to decode the steps required for the PAN number search in  the GST portal through a step-by-step process. You can download the Khatabook app to learn more about your GST billing system and other business related information.