GST Identification Number (GSTIN)/ GST Number?

Nov 17, 2022

1,942 5 mins

Read on to learn everything you need to know about GST no. and the features, importance, verification, and application process for the same.

GSTIN is the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number or GST number. The Government of India introduced a tax for goods as well as services, popularly known as GST, on 1 July 2017 to ensure transparency and simplification in India’s tax collection structure. GST replaces different state and central taxes to promote the motto- one tax in one nation.

Previously business entities were allotted a Tax Identification Number or TIN by State Tax departments. This has now been replaced by a PAN-based 15-digit unique Goods and Services Tax Identification Number known as GSTIN registered by the authority of GST Registration Process. All legal Taxpayers are registered under a uni authority known as GST.

Format/Features of a GSTIN

GSTIN is a PAN-based 15-digit unique number that is allotted to every taxpayer according to his/her state.

The two digits at the very first signify the unique code of each state as decided by the Census of India, 2011. The unique code of West Bengal is 19, so a PAN registered for a person or business entity in this state will start with 19
The next ten digits stand for the unique Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business house or taxpayer
The thirteenth digit signifies the sum total of registrations in that particular state under the same PAN. This number is alphanumerical, which means it can range from 1-9 for businesses with up to 9 business registrations in the state and more than 9 registrations – it will start from A-Z. For example, if a business entity gets 2nd business vertical, the 13th digit will be 2, whereas when a business entity gets GSTN for its 12th business vertical, this digit will be C
The fourteenth digit comes with the alphabet “Z” by default
The 15th digit indicates the check code for the sum digit to detect mechanical errors. It can either be an alphabet or can be a number.

How To Verify GSTN Online Instantly?

If you have your GSTIN, you can easily verify any GSTIN free of cost with a single click. Online verification can help you check the authenticity. It is easy, and you can avoid fraud, correct any errors in reporting and Finding GST number search, and prevent association with vendors who use fake GTINs.

Go to any online GSTIN search and verification tool, enter a valid GSTIN number in the search box, and click on ‘search’.

If the entered GSTIN is valid and authentic, you can verify:

The legal name of the business
Date of Registration
State
GSTIN status/ UIN status
Constitution of business- company, sole proprietor, or partnership
Type of taxpayer- regular taxpayer or composition dealer.

How To Apply For GSTIN?

You can register for GST and obtain a GSTIN for free –

Log in to gst.gov.in
As part of the GST REG-01 form, fill out the following pages-

Business details
Promoter/ partners
Authorized Signatory
Authorized Representative
Principal Place of business
Additional place of business
Goods and services
Bank Accounts
State-specific Information
Verification.

After submitting the form, you will receive an e-mail and SMS about the submission of the registration application with a 15-digit Application Reference Number
After verification in the GST portal, the application might get rejected or approved, or further documents might be demanded
If more clarification is required, a Show Cause Notice Reference Number will be provided, using which you will have to log into the portal, navigate to the exact page demanding clarification and use the same to upload documents
Once your new Registration Application is verified and approved in the GST portal, you will get a 15-digit unique (GSTIN) along with a temporary password which can be reset after the first login.

Importance of a GSTIN

GST registration has proven crucial for business entities to enjoy a number of important benefits that are offered under the GST authority. It is necessary for businesses which has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 20 Lakh to be registered under GSTIN. If you are lawfully registered as a dealer, you have to file and pay GST returns if liability for GST exists. If the GST payable is more than the GST liability, you can ask for a refund via your GSTIN.

You can reap great benefits with a GSTIN if you are interested in getting a loan to fund your business. Some financiers facilitate business loans to grow trade by lending money to acquire inventory, expand the commercial areas and grow trade. To be eligible to avail of this kind of loan, you need to register yourself with the Govt. of India and have a genuine GSTIN.

How to Calculate GST?

If you are not familiar with calculating the GST amounts, filling a GST return can become tedious work. Failing to calculate proper GST and giving an improper amount can become subject to legal action against you. Therefore, calculate your GST in India in simple and easy steps. Here is how you can calculate GST Tax offline. The formula to calculate GST is, Cost of the product multiplied by the GST Rate, and the value is to be divided by 100.

GST Amount = (Original Cost * GST%)/100

Net Price = Original Cost GST Amount

You can also deduct the discount from the original before calculating GST. As stated by the GST Law, the supplier of goods shows a discount on a basic price and then charges GST. This does not apply to freight charges. If the freight is to be shown on the invoice, then it must be included in the basic value of the goods. If the taxpayer is sending goods through courier and is charged to the recipient on the invoice, the GST is payable on such courier charges.

Use our GST calculator to determine the exact amount of GST to be paid before registering for GST.

If you want a hassle-free tax filing experience, you can go through the free GST online calculator. However, it will calculate the total GST amount only and will not give a break-up of CGST and SGST. You will need to simultaneously divide the total GST amount into CGST and SGST for intrastate sales. In the case of interstate sales, you can consider it as IGST. Follow these quick steps to calculate GST online.

Fill the Amount

This amount should be the assessable value amount after deducting any discount. You can also add the value of the freight amount if any

Enter rate of GST as applicable (5% GST, 12% GST, 18% GST, 28% GST)
Click on the Add GST button to calculate the amount
You get the total GST amount payable.

Conclusion

GSTIN is an important point for legal hindrance-free business across the country. This article clearly summarises the format, verification, importance, and process to calculate GST.

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