A GST Number, also known as GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) is a
unique 15-digit identification number that is assigned to every taxpayer registered under the
Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India.
The GST number identifies the location of the taxpayer, the type of business they are engaged
in, and the turnover of their business. It is a PAN-based identification system, which means that
the first ten digits are the same as the PAN (Permanent Account Number) of the taxpayer. The
next two digits represent the state code, followed by the entity code and the last digit is a check
code.
The GST number is mandatory for all businesses that have an annual turnover of more than Rs.
20 lakh. For businesses located in northeastern or special category states, the threshold limit for
registration is Rs. 10 lakhs.
The GST Council is a constitutional body formed by the President of India under Article 279A of
the Constitution. It is a federal body that oversees the implementation of the Goods and
Services Tax (GST) in India. The Council is made up of the Union Finance Minister, who is its
chairman, and the state finance ministers. The decisions taken by the GST Council are binding
on both the central government and the state governments. The council is responsible for
deciding GST rates, exemptions and regulations.
