Key highlights

• The fastest check is the GST portal’s “Search Taxpayer” feature—GSTIN/UIN should resolve to a real legal name and registration status. GST Tutorials
• A valid GSTIN doesn’t automatically mean the bill is “fair”—but it confirms the business is registered.
• Always keep a photo of the bill if something looks off.

Scenario: You’re at a premium restaurant and the bill looks suspicious

You see “GST @ 18%” and a GSTIN printed, but:

• the business name looks generic,
• the GSTIN font/format looks odd,
• or the GST breakup is unclear.

Step-by-step: verify GSTIN in under a minute

1) Find the GSTIN on the bill
It’s a 15-character alphanumeric (state code + PAN-like core + suffix).

2) Use the official GST portal search
On the GST portal, use Search Taxpayer → Search by GSTIN/UIN (or equivalent flow). The GST tutorial pages document the official search process. GST Tutorials

3) Match what matters

• Legal name / trade name
• Registration status (active/cancelled)
• State (should match where you are billed)

Red flags people should know

• GSTIN doesn’t resolve on portal (or shows cancelled).
• Bill shows GST but restaurant claims “we’re not registered” (contradiction).
• Restaurant refuses to share GSTIN when charging GST (very suspicious).

Small question people search: “If GSTIN is valid, can I still complain?”
Yes. Verification only confirms registration—not whether pricing/service charge practices are correct.