In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to access information about businesses and their operations, thanks to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. Whether you’re a customer looking to verify the legitimacy of a shop or a business owner curious about your own GST details, knowing how to get shop details from a GST number is essential. In this blog, we will guide you through the process step by step and ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
What is a GST Number?
Before diving into how to retrieve shop details from a GST number, let’s first understand what a GST number is. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) number is a unique identifier issued by the government to businesses and merchants who have registered under the GST regime. This number is used to track tax payments and is required for conducting business legally in India.
The GST number is a 15-digit alphanumeric code. It plays a crucial role in helping businesses comply with the tax system while enabling customers to verify whether a shop or business is officially registered.
Why is it Important to Get Shop Details from a GST Number?
Getting the shop details from a GST number can be extremely helpful for a variety of reasons. For customers, it provides an assurance that the business is legitimate and follows the tax norms. It also gives insight into the type of business, its registration status, and its jurisdiction.
For business owners, it helps to ensure that their information is up to date and accessible for customers who may want to verify their GST registration. This can also help in case of disputes or issues regarding tax payments.
How to Get Shop Details from GST Number?
Now that we know the significance of the GST number, let’s explore how you can retrieve shop details from it. Follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the GST Portal
The first step in retrieving shop details is to visit the official GST portal. The GST portal is where businesses can register, check their GST details, and even verify GST numbers. It is a trustworthy platform provided by the Indian government.
2. Access the GST Number Search Tool
Once you are on the GST portal, you’ll find a search tool specifically designed for GST number verification. This tool allows you to input any GST number and retrieve the corresponding business details.
3. Enter the GST Number
In the search tool, enter the GST number of the business whose details you want to access. Ensure that the GST number is accurate, as even a small mistake in the digits can lead to incorrect results. Once entered, click on the ‘Search’ button.
4. Review the Shop Details
After a few seconds, the portal will display the relevant details of the business registered under that GST number. The details will typically include:
Business Name: The name of the registered shop or business.
Business Type: Whether the business is a service provider, goods supplier, or both.
GSTIN Status: Whether the GST number is active or inactive.
State Code: The state in which the business is registered.
Address: The registered address of the business.
PAN: The Permanent Account Number of the business, which is used for taxation purposes.
Legal Name: The official legal name of the shop or business.
5. Verify the Information
Once the details are displayed, carefully verify the information provided. This can help you confirm the authenticity of the business or shop. If the business is newly registered, the information might not be fully updated yet, so always double-check with other available sources.
What to Do if Shop Details Are Incorrect?
In rare cases, the details displayed on the GST portal might be incorrect or outdated. If you find discrepancies, here are a few things you can do:
Contact the Business: Reach out to the business directly to confirm the details.
File a Complaint: If you suspect fraudulent activity, you can file a complaint with the GST department. They will investigate the matter and make corrections if necessary.
Alternative Ways to Get Shop Details from GST Number
If for some reason you are unable to retrieve the details from the GST portal, there are a couple of other ways you can obtain the information:
1. GST Helpline
The GST helpline is available for business owners and customers who need assistance regarding GST details. You can call the GST helpline number and inquire about the business information linked to a specific GST number.
2. Using GST App
There are various GST-related apps available that help users verify GST details quickly. These apps allow you to input the GST number and retrieve the shop’s information from the comfort of your mobile phone. Ensure that you use a reliable app that pulls data from the official GST portal.
How to Use Shop Details from GST Number?
Once you have obtained the shop details, how do you use them effectively? Here are a few ways shop details can be useful:
1. Verifying Seller Legitimacy
If you’re shopping online or from an unfamiliar store, verifying the shop details from the GST number is a great way to ensure that the seller is genuine and operating legally. This can help protect you from fraud or scams.
2. Tax Purposes
For businesses, keeping track of GST numbers helps in managing tax obligations. Verifying a GST number ensures that your business is correctly registered and compliant with government regulations.
3. Business Partnerships
If you are looking to partner with another business, it’s crucial to verify their GST details. Doing so ensures that you’re working with a legitimate entity that complies with the law.
Things to Keep in Mind When Getting Shop Details from GST Number
While getting shop details from a GST number is a simple process, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Accuracy of GST Number: Always double-check the GST number before using it to search for details. A wrong number can lead to irrelevant or inaccurate information.
GST Portal Update Delays: The information on the GST portal may not always be up to date, so be cautious when relying solely on this source.
Confidentiality: Be mindful of privacy and confidentiality when handling GST numbers, as they contain sensitive business information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting shop details from a GST number is a quick and easy process that can help you verify the legitimacy of businesses, stay compliant with tax rules, and make well-informed decisions. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you’re always getting accurate and reliable business information. Whether you’re a customer or a business owner, understanding how to access GST details is essential in today’s digital and regulated marketplace.
Our other related articles
1.Who maintains the database of GST registered shops?
2.What is the process to obtain shop details from a GST number?
3.What details are available when searching a GST number?
4.Why is it important to verify shop details using a GST number?
5.When should I verify shop details using a GST number?
