GST registration status codes, explained with what to do next
Active, Cancelled, Suspended, Provisional, Inactive. Each status has a clear operational response. A reference for onboarding teams.
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Active
The registration is valid and the business can issue tax invoices that support input tax credit. This is the only status that should pass a standard onboarding check automatically. Record the check date and move on.
Cancelled
The registration has been cancelled, either voluntarily or by the department. Invoices from a cancelled GSTIN do not support ITC and may indicate the business has wound down or been struck off. Treat as a hard decline and ask the vendor to explain.
A vendor can apply for revocation of cancellation within a window; if they are mid-process, ask for the acknowledgement and re-check in a week.
Suspended
Suspension is a temporary state, usually while the department examines a cancellation request or a mismatch. The business cannot make taxable supplies while suspended. Hold onboarding and re-check; do not approve on a suspended status.
Provisional and Inactive
Provisional means registration is granted but not yet fully activated, common right after application. Inactive covers records that never completed migration. For both, ask for a current registration certificate before proceeding.