Question 1

What does a GSTIN contain?

Accepted Answer

Fifteen characters: two digits for the state, the ten-character PAN, one digit for the registration number under that PAN, the letter Z, and a check character.

Question 2

Does a valid result mean the GSTIN is active?

Accepted Answer

No. This checks the format and the check character, which catches typing mistakes. Whether the registration is active is shown on the GST portal’s “Search Taxpayer” page.

Question 3

What is the check character?

Accepted Answer

The last character is worked out from the first fourteen. If even one character is mistyped, the check usually fails.