Geocoding

• Amid concerns over fake registrations and fraudulent availment of input tax credit under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, GST Network (GSTN) has launched geocoding for all states and territories.
• Geocoding converts an address or description of a location into geographic coordinates.
• It has been introduced to ensure the accuracy of address details in GSTN records and streamline address location and verification process.
• Submission of geocoding will be a one-time activity and once submitted, revision in the address is not allowed.
• GSTN has already geocoded 1.8 crore principal places of businesses.

ABOUT GSTN

• GSTN is a non-profit organization, which provides IT infrastructure and services to Central and State Governments, taxpayers and other stakeholders for implementation of GST.
• The Board of GSTN in its 49^th Board Meeting held in June, 2022 has approved the conversion of GSTN into Government Company and hence 100% of the shareholding being held by Government (50% with Union Government and 50% jointly with State Governments & UTs) in GSTN.