How to Get Company Details Using a GST Number: A Complete Guide

In today’s transparent and digitally connected business environment, verifying the authenticity of a company has become more important than ever. Whether you are a business owner, vendor, customer, freelancer, or professional, there are many situations where you may need to confirm basic details about a company before entering into a transaction. One of the most reliable ways to do this in India is by using the GST number.

A Goods and Services Tax (GST) number is a unique identification number assigned to businesses registered under the GST system. This number is not just used for taxation—it also acts as a gateway to important company information. This article explains what a GST number is, what details you can find using it, why such verification is useful, and how you can legally access company information using a GST number.

Understanding What a GST Number Is

A GST number, also known as a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number), is a 15-character alphanumeric code assigned to every registered business entity. Each part of the GST number has a specific meaning:

• The first two digits represent the state code

• The next ten characters are linked to the business’s permanent account number

• The thirteenth digit indicates the number of registrations under the same PAN

• The fourteenth digit is usually a default character

• The last digit is a checksum used for validation

This structured format makes the GST number a reliable identifier for businesses operating under the GST framework.

Why Company Details Matter in Business Transactions

Before discussing how to get company details using a GST number, it is important to understand why such verification is necessary. Some common reasons include:

• Confirming business authenticity before signing agreements

• Avoiding fraudulent vendors or clients

• Ensuring GST compliance for input tax credit claims

• Performing due diligence for partnerships or investments

• Verifying billing and invoicing information

Using a GST number allows you to access verified information that has been submitted to government authorities, making it more trustworthy than informal sources.

What Company Details Can Be Found Using a GST Number

When you search for company information using a GST number, you can usually access the following details:

• Legal name of the business

• Trade name (if any)

• Type of taxpayer (regular, composition, etc.)

• Registration status (active, cancelled, suspended)

• Date of GST registration

• Nature of business activities

• Principal place of business

• Additional places of business, if registered

It is important to note that sensitive financial data such as turnover, bank details, or personal identification numbers are not publicly visible.

Is It Legal to Search Company Details Using a GST Number?

Yes, it is completely legal to look up company details using a GST number only publicly available data  . The GST system is designed to promote transparency and compliance. Basic business information is made publicly accessible so that:

• Businesses can verify their trading partners

• Customers can confirm the legitimacy of sellers

• Authorities can reduce tax evasion and fake invoicing

As long as the information is used for lawful and ethical purposes, there are no restrictions on accessing publicly available GST data.

How to Get Company Details Using a GST Number

Step 1: Identify the GST Number

The first step is to obtain the correct GST number. You can usually find it on:

• Tax invoices

• Bills or receipts

• Contracts or agreements

• Business websites or official documents

Ensure that the GST number is complete and correctly entered, as even a single incorrect character can lead to invalid results.

Step 2: Use an Official GST Search Facility

The most reliable way to check company details is through an official GST search facility provided by the government. This platform allows users to search for registered businesses using their GST number.

Once you enter the GST number and complete the verification process, the system displays the registered business details associated with that number.

Step 3: Review the Displayed Business Information

After the search is completed, you should carefully review the information shown on the screen. Pay special attention to:

• The legal name matching the invoice or agreement

• The registration status being active

• The address matching the place of operation

• The nature of business being relevant to the transaction

Any mismatch should be treated as a red flag and investigated further.

Step 4: Save or Document the Details

For business records or compliance purposes, it is advisable to save or document the retrieved information. This can be helpful in case of:

• Future audits

• Tax disputes

• Vendor verification records

• Contractual disagreements

Maintaining proper documentation supports transparency and accountability.

Who Can Benefit from GST Number Verification?

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs often deal with multiple vendors and clients. Verifying GST details helps ensure that business partners are legitimate and compliant with tax regulations.

Freelancers and Consultants

Freelancers working with registered businesses can use GST verification to confirm the legal status of their clients before providing services or sharing sensitive information.

Customers and Buyers

Consumers, especially in business-to-business transactions, can verify sellers to ensure that they are dealing with registered entities and receiving valid tax invoices.

Accountants and Tax Professionals

Professionals handling GST filings and audits frequently use GST number searches to confirm client details and avoid errors in tax returns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Checking GST Details

Even though the process is simple, people often make avoidable mistakes:

• Entering an incorrect GST number

• Confusing trade name with legal name

• Ignoring registration status

• Assuming GST registration guarantees business credibility

• Relying on outdated or unofficial sources

GST verification should be one part of a broader due diligence process, not the sole decision-making factor.

Limitations of Using GST Number for Company Details

While GST verification is useful, it has certain limitations:

• It does not show financial performance

• It does not confirm business reputation

• It does not provide ownership or director details

• It does not reflect real-time operational activity

For high-value or long-term business relationships, GST verification should be combined with additional background checks.

Importance of GST Verification in Preventing Fraud

Fake invoicing and tax evasion have been major challenges in the business ecosystem. GST number verification plays a crucial role in:

• Detecting fake or inactive registrations

• Preventing wrongful input tax credit claims

• Identifying suspicious vendors

• Encouraging tax compliance

By verifying GST details, businesses protect themselves from legal and financial risks.

How Often Should GST Details Be Verified?

GST details should not be checked just once. It is good practice to verify:

• Before onboarding a new vendor or client

• Periodically for long-term partners

• When invoice details change

• Before claiming input tax credit

A registration that was active earlier can later be cancelled or suspended, making periodic verification essential.

Best Practices for Using GST Information Responsibly

When using GST-based company details, keep the following best practices in mind:

• Use the information only for legitimate business purposes

• Do not misuse or misrepresent the data

• Avoid sharing details unnecessarily

• Respect privacy and data protection principles

Responsible use of publicly available data helps maintain trust within the business ecosystem.

Conclusion

Getting company details using a GST number is a simple, legal, and effective way to verify business information in India. The GST system has made transparency more accessible, enabling businesses and individuals to make informed decisions before entering into transactions.

While a GST number does not reveal everything about a company, it provides a reliable starting point for verification. By understanding how to use GST numbers correctly, avoiding common mistakes, and combining this information with broader due diligence, you can significantly reduce business risks and build stronger, more trustworthy professional relationships.

In an increasingly digital economy, informed verification is not just an option—it is a necessity.