Sandipan Mitra is the CEO and co-founder of Pice. He boasts eight years of experience in the B2B and fintech sector. Sandipan's journey includes significant roles at multiple Indian Unicorns Including Product at PayU, and as founding member / VP, Product at Open Financial Technologies.
Name mismatches during GST registration often arise due to differences in name order or formatting in the PAN and CBDT records.
Spelling errors, use of initials, or recent name changes can trigger PAN-CBDT verification failures.
Always match the legal name exactly as shown in the CBDT database while applying for GST registration.
Use the NSDL e-payment portal to retrieve the correct legal name format recorded by the CBDT.
Ensuring consistency across official documents can help avoid registration delays and rejections.
Registering for GST becomes complicated when users encounter a validation error message, "PAN and Legal Name Not Matching with the CBDT Database". The PAN-Legal Name common error occurs mainly due to inconsistent data between your PAN information and the CBDT central database system.
Moreover, the registration process becomes slower and more difficult to handle when mismatches between records occur. Following up with the correct implementation steps will help resolve this issue.
This article provides information about effectively overcoming the PAN and CBDT database mismatch of names in GST registration.
Reason for Mismatch of PAN and Legal Name in the CBDT Database
The main reason for this registration error of mismatching PAN information with database names in the CBDT system arises from an alternate display ordering of names throughout different records. Moreover, the PAN card presents names in a determined format, and the CBDT database can store all information in various order sequences, leading to verification mismatches.
You can start with Ravi Pal Singh as an example. The PAN card displays "Ravi Pal Singh", while the CBDT database shows "Pal Ravi Singh" as the corresponding name entry. The ordering arrangement of first, middle and last names in names creates errors when validating GST registrations.
Also, differences can occur because of:
Name Formatting: Whether or not to include middle names, initials, or abbreviations can cause mismatches.
Spelling Mistakes: Typographical errors during PAN application or data entry can lead to mismatches.
Recent Changes: If a person has recently changed their name in the PAN database, these changes may not have reached the CBDT records yet, resulting in temporary mismatches.
While applying for PAN, applicants are required to submit their full name and printed name. Your printed name could differ from the legal name of the record maintained in the CBDT database. Such a difference would lead to confusion if the form for GST registration uses your printed name against your legal name.
Additionally, it is essential to understand these finer points. Therefore, ensuring your name input during GST registration is the same as the legal name in the CBDT records avoids validation mistakes. A safe practice would involve matching the exact name format through CBDT records to prevent registration issues from mismatches.
Steps: PAN and Legal Name Not Matching with the CBDT Database
To resolve this discrepancy of PAN and legal name in the CBDT database, follow these steps:
Step 1: Log on to TIN NSDL Website: Type "TIN NSDL" in Google and go to its official webpage.
Step 2: Go to E-Payment: On the home page, click on "Services" and choose "E-payment: Pay Taxes Online."
Step 3: Select Challan No./ ITNS 280: In the "Non-TDS/TCS" part, choose "Challan No./ ITNS 280."
Step 4: Provide Tax Details on the form:
Tax Applicable: Choose "Income Tax (Other than Companies).
Type of Payment: Select "Advance Tax."
Mode of Payment: Choose any mode and provide your bank name.
PAN Number: Provide your PAN.
Assessment Year: Select the next financial year.
Address: Provide your address details as per AADHAR details.
Captcha: Provide the captcha code.
Step 5: Proceed to Confirmation: Click on "Proceed." The confirmation page will show your name as reflected in the CBDT database.
Step 6: Observe the Proper Name Format: Use this precise name format while submitting the GST registration form.
Summing up, a mismatch of PAN and legal name during GST registration is a common barrier, but it can be addressed effectively with the right strategy. Applicants can make the registration process go more smoothly by realising the root cause behind it and following the steps outlined here.
Consistency of name entries across all documents that are official documents is crucial. If problems arise, one can seek help from tax experts or call the GST helpline for further assistance. Remain updated and proactive to smoothly navigate your GST registration.
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FAQs
Why does the “PAN and Legal Name Not Matching with CBDT Database” error occur during GST registration?
This error usually happens when there is a mismatch in the format, spelling, or sequence of the name entered in the GST registration form versus how it appears in the CBDT (Income Tax) database. Even minor differences—like including a middle name, using initials, or spelling variations—can cause a validation failure. The PAN card may show the name in one format, while the CBDT system may record it differently. Always use the legal name as stored in the CBDT database, not just what's printed on the PAN.
How can I check the correct legal name linked to my PAN in the CBDT database?
You can check the legal name recorded in the CBDT database by visiting the TIN NSDL e-Payment portal. Go to "Challan No./ITNS 280" under the "e-Payment" section, fill out the form with your PAN and other basic details, and proceed. The confirmation page will display your name as per CBDT records. Use that exact name format in your GST registration form to avoid mismatch errors.
What’s the difference between the name on the PAN card and the name in the CBDT database?
The name on your PAN card is the printed name, which may be shortened or formatted differently (e.g., initials instead of full names). The CBDT database stores your full legal name as submitted during PAN application, possibly with different sequencing (first, middle, last). For GST purposes, the CBDT-stored legal name is what matters—not the printed version. Hence, validation fails if the GST form uses the printed name instead.
Can I still proceed with GST registration if there’s a mismatch in the PAN and legal name?
No, GST registration cannot proceed until the name you enter exactly matches the legal name in the CBDT database. If there's a mismatch, your application will be rejected during PAN validation. You must retrieve the correct legal name format via the NSDL portal and revise your application accordingly. If discrepancies persist, consider updating your PAN details or seeking help from a tax consultant.
What should I do if I recently updated my PAN details and still face a mismatch error?
If you've recently updated your PAN details (such as name correction), it might take some time for the changes to reflect across all systems, including the GST and CBDT databases. Wait a few days and check again via the NSDL portal to confirm if the new name has been updated. If the issue continues, contact the Income Tax department or the GST helpline to troubleshoot the delay or verify the updated name format.
Sandipan Mitra is the CEO and co-founder of Pice. He boasts eight years of experience in the B2B and fintech sector. Sandipan's journey includes significant roles at multiple Indian Unicorns Including Product at PayU, and as founding member / VP, Product at Open Financial Technologies.
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