GSTIN is a unique identification number of 15 digits assigned to each registered taxpayer under the GST system in India. The process of verifying the authenticity of this number or GSTIN is known as GST verification. By verifying the GSTIN, you, as a registered taxpayer, can confirm details regarding your business like name, address, and business type. Moreover, it helps ensure that the GST number mentioned on your invoices and other documents is active and valid.

There are two ways in which you can verify GST:

• Online
• Offline

The verification of GST is preferably done online due to convenience. Here are the steps involved in GST number verification:

Step 1: Visit the official portal of the Indian Government to verify the GST number.

Step 2: Go to the menu bar and click on the ‘Search Taxpayer’ option.

Step 3: Select the 'Search by GSTIN/UIN' option.

Step 4: You will be transported to a new page where you have to type your valid 15-digit GST number.

Step 5: Click on the ‘Search’ button.

Step 6: You will get all the information relating to the accuracy of your GST number.

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However, other than this, there is an offline GSTIN verification procedure, which is also commonly known as the physical verification of GST numbers. The steps for doing so are as follows:

Step 1: A GST verification officer is allotted to verify your respective GST number.

Step 2: This officer will first make a visit to the registered place of business as per the details in the GST number.

Step 3: In case the business does not exist in that particular place and no other place has been mentioned, this officer can cancel your GST registration. Otherwise, if everything is perfect, then this officer proceeds with further verification and ultimately provides a good review of your GST verification.

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The necessities or importance of GST number or GSTIN verification are as follows:

• GST number or GSTIN ensures the authenticity of every business that deals with GST-registered taxpayers.
• Being printed on the invoice of the vendors that are provided to customers, a verified GST number will help in avoiding GST revocation.
• Generating correct invoices and e-invoices will further help in claiming a genuine tax credit and passing them to your rightful customers.

The tools that are used for GST verification online are as follows:

• GST Number Search Tool: GST number or GSTIN search tool helps in providing all the valid information related to the GST number or GSTIN. This includes legal name, business name, registration date, place of business, and many more. Other than this, it also verifies whether the particular GST number exists or not.

• GSTIN Validator: GST number or GSTIN validator tool is used to check whether the structure of your GSTIN is correct. Although even if it turns out to be correct, it does not necessarily have to be an existing and valid GST number.

The benefits that you will get on conducting GST verification are as follows:

• Identifies any existing error in your registered GST number as well as the authenticity of your business.
• Check whether your GST number has validity and the business details it contains.
• Verifying the business details associated with your GST number, it can avoid fraud during transactions.

Therefore, GST verification is essential in ensuring compliance with GST regulations and avoiding any legal implications that may arise due to non-compliance. With this verification process, you will also be able to identify any fraudulent entities, thereby preventing tax evasion. In addition, you can avoid any errors or discrepancies that may arise during the filing of GST returns or claiming input tax credits.