How can I find if a merchant is registered for GST or not?

How to Verify a Merchant GST Registration Status

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to ensure that the businesses we interact with are legitimate and compliant with the law. One such compliance is the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration. This blog post will guide you through the process of  How to find Merchant GST Registration Status.

What is GST?

GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition. In simple words, GST is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. This law has replaced many indirect tax laws that previously existed in India.

Why is GST Registration Important?

GST registration is important because it allows a merchant to collect GST from customers and pass it on to the government. It also allows the merchant to claim input tax credit, which is the GST paid on the purchase of goods and services used in the course of business.

How to Check GST Registration Status?

To check a merchant’s GST registration status, you need their GST Identification Number (GSTIN). The GSTIN is a unique 15-digit number assigned to each registered person under GST. Once you have the GSTIN, follow these steps:

1. Visit the GST Portal: The first step is to visit the official GST Portal. This is a government-run website that provides various GST-related services, including the facility to check GST registration status.
2. Enter the GSTIN: On the GST Portal, there is a search bar where you can enter the GSTIN of the merchant. After entering the GSTIN, you will need to complete a CAPTCHA for security purposes.
3. Check the Status: Once you’ve entered the GSTIN and completed the CAPTCHA, click on the ‘Search’ button. The portal will then display the merchant’s GST registration status.

If the status is ‘Active’, it means that the merchant is registered under GST and is compliant with the GST laws. If the status is ‘Inactive’ or ‘Cancelled’, it means that the merchant is not registered under GST or their registration has been cancelled.

Conclusion

Checking a merchant’s GST registration status is a simple process that can be done online. It’s an important step in ensuring that you’re dealing with a legitimate and compliant business. Remember, a business that is compliant with tax laws is more likely to be reliable and trustworthy.