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April 16, 2026

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What is the GSTIN number in the PAN card? Explained for beginners

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax has brought about many vital changes to the taxation system. Instead of many small taxes, it has established a single large taxation system. One of these key elements is the GSTIN number in the PAN card, which every registered person or business gets. While the PAN is used for general income-related purposes, the GSTIN handles tax filings under this system. It is essential to understand how they connect, especially if one is running a business or trying to navigate GST rules. Understanding how GSTIN relates to PAN is essential for businesses, taxpayers, and anyone looking to learn the basics of GST compliance.

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What is a GSTIN number?

It stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN). It is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric identification number allotted to every business or taxpayer under the GST regime in India. The GSTIN number serves as a tax identity for businesses. It enables the government to track GST payments, returns, and transactions. The basic differences between a GSTIN and a PAN are:

GSTIN	PAN
Stands for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, used for GST-related transactions	Stands for Permanent Account Number, used for income tax and financial transactions
Issued by the GST Department (under the Government of India)	Issued by Income Tax Department
Majorly for businesses registered under GST	For individuals, businesses, and entities
Use for filing GST returns, collecting GST, and claiming ITC	Use for filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and investments
One PAN can have multiple GSTINs statewise	There is only one PAN per person/entity

Let’s consider a GSTIN number 27ABCDE1234F1Z5. Here is the breakdown of this number:

27	State Code, where the business is registered
ABCDE1234F	Issued PAN number
1	Entity number, which shows the sequence of registration for the same PAN within that state.
Z	Default Value
5	Check digit, used to verify the accuracy of the GSTIN

Key features of the GSTIN number

It is a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code

It reveals vital information, like the state code, PAN, registration sequence, and a checksum digit for verification.

Using this ensures safe and compliant transactions as GSTIN can be verified using the GST portal.

Provides various tax benefits under ITC compliance.

Who needs a GSTIN?

Under the GST law, the business and individuals with certain criteria require a GSTIN. Here are a few categories that must register and obtain a GSTIN:

A business whose annual turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods and ₹20 lakh for services must register for GSTIN.

Businesses that supply goods or services across state borders are required to have a GSTIN, regardless of turnover.

Sellers who are operating through an online platform must have a GSTIN registration.

It is mandatory for companies running e-commerce platforms to obtain a GSTIN.

In cases where individuals or businesses occasionally supply goods/services in a state where they don’t have a fixed place of business, they should also have a GSTIN number.

Foreign individuals or entities supplying goods or services in India are also required to register for GST.

Businesses distributing input tax credit to different branches should also register for a GSTIN number.

Agents who supply goods or services on behalf of another registered taxpayer should also have a registered GSTIN number.

Businesses liable to pay tax under reverse charge must register for a GSTIN number.

Businesses can register for a GSTIN if they choose to avail themselves of the benefits, such as Input Tax Credit.

Why is the GSTIN number important?

GSTIN number is important for a business because of the following reasons:

GSTIN provides legal recognition to a business as a registered taxpayer under GST, allowing it to operate according to business laws.

Businesses really need a valid GSTIN to handle GST properly. GSTIN is mandatory to collect the tax from customers on those taxable items or services.

The GSTIN number is important for filing returns like GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B to stay compliant and ensure everything lines up with the rules.

Owning a GSTIN number helps in claiming Input Tax Credit on what one buys, which cuts down the total tax one owes.

Inter-state deals go smoother with a GSTIN number; there are no legal blocks when one has the GSTIN.

Increases customer credibility as it creates trust among customers, suppliers, and financial institutions.

It brings more transparency as it helps the government to track transactions and prevent tax evasion.

How to apply for a GSTIN number?

GSTIN is a part of the GST registration process. Once the application is approved by the GST officer, a unique GSTIN is allocated to the dealer. Here are the steps required for the registration of GST:

Go to the official GST portal and click on New Registration.

Enter basic details like your PAN, mobile number, email, and business information.

Upload required documents.

Requirement	Purpose/ Supporting Documents
PAN Card	To verify the identity of the business and its owner
Proof of Business Registration	Incorporation certificate, partnership deed, or any equivalent business formation document
Identity Proof	Documents like Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID for the proprietor or authorised signatory
Address Proof	Utility bills, rental agreements, or property tax receipts to confirm the business address
Bank Account Details	A cancelled cheque or bank statement for verifying bank account information
Photographs	Recent passport-sized photos of the proprietor or authorised signatory
Jurisdiction Details	Proof information specifying the state code and the relevant local jurisdiction under which the business operates

Verify your mobile number and email using OTP.

Submit the application (with digital signature if required).

The authorities will check your application.

Once approved, you will receive your GSTIN.

Conclusion

Hence, businesses need a GSTIN to keep things legal with the GST. It's basically a unique number for each business, to make sure everything runs right. It helps with collecting taxes properly and filing those returns on time. Also, it is useful for the Input Tax Credit, where companies can claim back some tax they paid earlier.

FAQS

1. Is it possible for a person to have multiple GSTINs on their PAN?

Yes, one can have more than one GSTIN number.

2. How is GSTIN connected to input tax credit (ITC)?

GSTIN is mandatory for proper claim of ITC. GSTIN status, which is active and correct, is highly important in order to get valid ITC claims and be recorded appropriately in one's GST returns.

3. What does GSTIN status 'active' mean?

GST in active status means that it is still usable. The user can use it for business purposes and for claiming ITC.

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