GST State Code 33 — Tamil Nadu
GST state code 33 is the code for Tamil Nadu. Any GSTIN beginning with “33” was issued to a business registered in Tamil Nadu under the Goods and Services Tax.
Where the code sits inside a GSTIN
A GSTIN is exactly 15 characters. The first two digits are the state code — 33 for Tamil Nadu. Characters 3 to 12 are the PAN of the registered business, character 13 counts that PAN's registrations within the state (1–9, then A–Z), character 14 is the letter “Z” by default, and character 15 is a check digit computed from the first fourteen.
Worked example (fictitious PAN, valid structure and check digit):
33ABCDE1234F1Z7
Here 33ABCDE1234F1Z7 reads as: registered in Tamil Nadu, PAN ABCDE1234F, first registration for that PAN in the state, with a mathematically valid check digit. Do not invoice against example numbers — always verify the real GSTIN first.
GST administration in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, capital Chennai, is administered through the CBIC Chennai zone (which also oversees Puducherry) with major Commissionerates at Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem. Chennai's auto manufacturing corridor, Tiruppur's knitwear exports, Coimbatore's pumps and castings, Sivakasi's printing and fireworks, and Karur's home textiles give code 33 exceptional manufacturing depth.
Verify a Tamil Nadu GST number
All GST state codes
| Code | State / Union Territory |
|---|---|
| 01 | Jammu & Kashmir |
| 02 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 03 | Punjab |
| 04 | Chandigarh |
| 05 | Uttarakhand |
| 06 | Haryana |
| 07 | Delhi |
| 08 | Rajasthan |
| 09 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 10 | Bihar |
| 11 | Sikkim |
| 12 | Arunachal Pradesh |
| 13 | Nagaland |
| 14 | Manipur |
| 15 | Mizoram |
| 16 | Tripura |
| 17 | Meghalaya |
| 18 | Assam |
| 19 | West Bengal |
| 20 | Jharkhand |
| 21 | Odisha |
| 22 | Chhattisgarh |
| 23 | Madhya Pradesh |
| 24 | Gujarat |
| 26 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| 27 | Maharashtra |
| 29 | Karnataka |
| 30 | Goa |
| 31 | Lakshadweep |
| 32 | Kerala |
| 33 | Tamil Nadu |
| 34 | Puducherry |
| 35 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| 36 | Telangana |
| 37 | Andhra Pradesh |
| 38 | Ladakh |
| 97 | Other Territory |
| 99 | Centre Jurisdiction |
Frequently asked questions
Which state has GST state code 33?
GST state code 33 belongs to Tamil Nadu. Every GSTIN issued to a business registered in Tamil Nadu begins with the digits 33.
Where does the state code appear in a Tamil Nadu GSTIN?
The state code is always the first two characters of the 15-character GSTIN. If a GSTIN starts with 33, the registration was issued in Tamil Nadu. Characters 3–12 are the PAN of the business, character 13 is the entity number, character 14 is always “Z”, and character 15 is a checksum.
Is the GST state code the same as the state's vehicle or census code?
No. GST state codes follow the Indian Census 2011 numbering adopted by GSTN, which is different from RTO vehicle registration codes. Always use the two-digit GST code when filing returns or raising invoices.
What does it mean if my supplier's GSTIN does not start with 33 but they claim to operate from Tamil Nadu?
It usually means the supplier is registered in a different state and supplies to Tamil Nadu inter-state (IGST applies instead of CGST+SGST). If they invoice you claiming local registration with a mismatched state code, verify the GSTIN before paying — the place of supply affects your input tax credit.
Can one business have more than one GSTIN in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. A business with multiple verticals or units in Tamil Nadu can hold multiple GSTINs, all starting with 33 and sharing the same PAN — only the 13th character (entity number) differs. Search by PAN on GST Search to see every registration held by one PAN.