GST return non-filers will face severe consequences

The GST Department of Visakhapatnam Zone has in a recent press conference held that the taxpayers have to file their GST annual returns by 31 August 2019 and reiterated that no further due date extension will be granted.  The Chief Commissioner of Customs and CGST, Mr.Naresh Penumaka, along with Principle commissioners of Customs and GST made the announcement. 

With just a few days left for completing the filing, it is observed by the department that 80% of the taxpayers in the zone have not submitted their returns.  At the national level, the compliance is 90% whereas, in some states, it is as high as 70%.

Reasoning by many taxpayers that the process to file GSTR-9 is cumbersome to file GSTR-9 will not be entertained any more. They informed that taxpayers should approach the Central Excise officials of their jurisdiction or nearest ones for any clarifications in filing GST returns and attend outreach programmes for filing GSTR-9 for FY 2017-18 being held on  19th, 23rd, and 27th of August 2019.

The officials found issues regarding non-passing of GST benefit to end-consumers, committing fraud related to the input tax credit, non-remittance of GST collected from customers, non-issuance of GST bills reflecting reduced rates as effected by GST council.

Also Read: Taxpayers to face severe consequences for not filing GST returns on time

The officials warned that these actions by a taxpayer will be considered as very severe and may lead to imprisonment. The Director General of Analytics and Risk Management is consistently analysing the return filing data to check GST fraud along with the investigation by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority. 

They also informed that from January 2020, after full implementation of the new return filing system, filing of GSTR-3B would cease.

The current year target GST revenue for Andhra Pradesh is Rs.58,222 crore against which only Rs.16,037 crore has been collected so far. The official also added that the previous year collections were Rs.50,000 crore. He requested traders to file returns within time and pay taxes appropriately to improve collections.

The department also insisted for payment of central excise and service tax dues pending for the past two years within two weeks, if not may otherwise lead to imprisonment.