SRINAGAR: The State Taxes Department (STD) today continued the inspection drives across district Srinagar and Ganderbal districts to ensure compliance by business establishments to the provisions of J&K Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, prevent tax evasion and to create awareness among the consumers about their rights under the tax.
Led by Tabassum Shafat Kamili, Deputy Commissioner, Appeals I, Kashmir, the teams conducted inspections in various areas of District Srinagar and Ganderbal. These areas included Zaina Kadal, S.R Gunj, K.K. Mohallah, Bohri Kadal, and other nearby areas falling within the jurisdiction of Circle-C Kashmir. They also inspected areas in Nowgam and adjacent areas falling under Circle I, Kashmir, as well as Nagbal, Malshahi Bagh, Beehama, Duderhama, and Tawheed Abad areas of District Ganderbal.
During the inspections, several major violations were observed. Some businesses were found to be unregistered taxable entities, while others were found to possess multiple GST numbers to evade taxes.
There were also instances of violation of section 122 of the GST Act, 2017, where businesses failed to reflect the GST component on customer invoices. Other violations included the suppression of outward supplies, failure to issue GST invoices to customers, breach of conditions of Section 130 of the GST Act, 2017, and failure to generate e-Way bills. These violations will result in penalties.
The concerned jurisdictional officers were given directions on the spot to take necessary steps as laid down under the provisions of the GST Act, 2017, and initiate proceedings against the tax evaders. This is to ensure that the state exchequer is protected.
During the inspection, emphasis was placed on GST Compliance and the dealers were acquainted with the provisions of the GST Act. Dealers were assured assistance from the department in ensuring hassle-free compliance. Awareness regarding violation of the provisions of the act and the rules made thereunder was also carried out. Special focus was on bringing hitherto unregistered traders within the ambit of the act.
The teams involved in the inspection comprised jurisdictional STOs including Tahir Mohi-ud-din, Aijaz Chowdhary, Mohammad Sarfaraaz Khan, Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat as well as other officials.
