The then-prevailing tax structure of India was entirely changed on July 1, 2017, with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Instead of the Tax Identification Number (TIN), every business entity in India now has to register under GST for compliance. Businesses use this 15-digit GST number for claiming credit returns and collecting various taxes. By performing a GSTIN search, you can get immediate information about your business across India.
In this ultimate guide, you will learn in-depth about GST state code, GSTIN, and how to apply for a GST number. Keep reading!
Also Read: Key Points On Understanding The GST Number
What is GSTIN?
Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) is a 15-digit long recognition number for taxpayers who are registered through the GST platform. The application process for GST registration is free for every Indian business. Once this process concludes, the GST authority assigns a unique GSTIN to the registered business for identification.
What is the structure of GSTIN?
GST Authorities provide a unique 15-digit number for the identification of a business in India. This unique number is created with the help of PAN and state code.
Also Read: How To Track GST Registration Status
Here is the structure of GSTIN explained in detail.
- The first two digits are the indicator of the state code of the business.
- The succeeding ten digits are the PAN of the business or entrepreneur.
- Now, the third-last digit describes the number of registrations done against the same PAN in one particular state. It is represented by numbers 1-9 and then followed by numbers A-Z for numbers onwards 10.
- By default, the second-last digit is Z.
- The 15th digit is a check-sum number or alphabet that detects errors.
How do I apply for GSTIN?
The application process for GST registration is done through gst.gov.in. The applicants need to submit the required documents of their business and financial details to receive their GSTIN number. Once the number is received, you can perform a GST number check for future use.
Also Read: Process For Online Registration For GST
How to find the State GST Code?
While performing a GST number search, the first two digits of the GSTIN will speak about the state of the business. So below is the latest GST State Code list 2021 updated by the Goods and Service Tax department of the Government of India:
| S. No. | State Name | State Code |
| 1 | JAMMU AND KASHMIR | 1 |
| 2 | HIMACHAL PRADESH | 2 |
| 3 | PUNJAB | 3 |
| 4 | CHANDIGARH | 4 |
| 5 | UTTARAKHAND | 5 |
| 6 | HARYANA | 6 |
| 7 | DELHI | 7 |
| 8 | RAJASTHAN | 8 |
| 9 | UTTAR PRADESH | 9 |
| 10 | BIHAR | 10 |
| 11 | SIKKIM | 11 |
| 12 | ARUNACHAL PRADESH | 12 |
| 13 | NAGALAND | 13 |
| 14 | MANIPUR | 14 |
| 15 | MIZORAM | 15 |
| 16 | TRIPURA | 16 |
| 17 | MEGHALAYA | 17 |
| 18 | ASSAM | 18 |
| 19 | WEST BENGAL | 19 |
| 20 | JHARKHAND | 20 |
| 21 | ODISHA | 21 |
| 22 | CHATTISGARH | 22 |
| 23 | MADHYA PRADESH | 23 |
| 24 | GUJARAT | 24 |
| 25 | DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU (NEWLY MERGED UT) | 26 |
| 26 | MAHARASHTRA | 27 |
| 27 | ANDHRA PRADESH(BEFORE DIVISION) | 28 |
| 28 | KARNATAKA | 29 |
| 29 | GOA | 30 |
| 30 | LAKSHADWEEP | 31 |
| 31 | KERALA | 32 |
| 32 | TAMIL NADU | 33 |
| 33 | PUDUCHERRY | 34 |
| 34 | ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS | 35 |
| 35 | TELANGANA | 36 |
| 36 | ANDHRA PRADESH (NEWLY ADDED) | 37 |
| 37 | LADAKH (NEWLY ADDED) | 38 |
Also Read: How GST Changed The Face Of SMEs
Conclusion
Performing a GST search becomes convenient and easy with the knowledge of its format. Implement the information received through this article to execute a GST check of various numbers.
