Check a GSTIN before creating a party
1 min read
Updated 04 Oct 2026
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AI summary
Read a GSTIN correctly, confirm it is active, and avoid wrong or duplicate party ledgers.
4 sections 3 steps
GSTIN structure (15 characters)
| Position | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | State code | 09 = Uttar Pradesh |
| 3-12 | PAN of the business | ABCDE1234F |
| 13 | Entity number for that PAN in the state | 1 |
| 14 | Always Z | Z |
| 15 | Check character | 5 |
Three checks before you save a party
- State matches: the State you pick in the ledger must be the state of the first two digits. A mismatch makes Hisab Central charge the wrong tax (IGST instead of CGST/SGST or the reverse).
- PAN matches: characters 3 to 12 should equal the PAN / IT No. you enter.
- It is active: paste the GSTIN into the Help Center's GSTIN & PAN Checker (Tools) for the format, then confirm it is active on the GST portal. Invoices to a cancelled GSTIN cannot be e-invoiced and the buyer gets no credit.
Avoid duplicates
Search the Directory on the Add Ledger screen before creating a party. Two ledgers for one customer split their balance and ageing, and the Data Integrity Scan on the Gateway will keep flagging it.
Fixing a wrong GSTIN
Open the ledger from Ledgers, correct the GSTIN and state, and save. Invoices already issued with the wrong GSTIN need an amendment in the next GSTR-1.
Unregistered customer? Leave GSTIN blank and set the Registration Type to Unregistered or Consumer. Their sales then go to the B2C tables of GSTR-1 instead of B2B.
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