GST
What the 15 characters of a GSTIN mean
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Facts
A GSTIN has 15 characters: the first 2 are the state code, the next 10 are the business's PAN, the 13th is the entity number for that PAN in the state, the 14th is usually Z, and the 15th is a check digit.
Provisions and law
- Sec 25, CGST Act 2017GSTIN is issued based on PAN for each state of registration
Analysis
A Delhi business would start with 07, a Maharashtra one with 27. If a Delhi restaurant's bill shows a GSTIN starting with 29 (Karnataka), ask why. Characters 3 to 12 should look like a PAN: 5 letters, 4 digits, 1 letter. A wrong pattern means a fake or mistyped number.
Conclusion
- Check the first two digits against the state you are in.
- Check that characters 3 to 12 follow the PAN pattern.
- Verify the full number on Search Taxpayer.
- Question bills that fail these checks.
A Savvy can do this for you
Checking GST on a bill: GSTIN validity, rate and tax shown
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