The Principal Commissioner of Goods and Services Tax office in Guwahati, Partha Roy Choudhury speaks on GST, its progress in Guwahati and what all things businesses should be aware of.
Excerpts of the interview are as under :-
Q: Please let us know how the implementation of GST has progressed in Guwahati since its inception.
A: Initially, when GST was implemented, the revenue figures can give us a clear picture of the growth. In the year 2017-18, the revenue was around ₹1,800 crore. However, in the last financial year, that figure has increased to nearly ₹5,500 crore. This substantial growth indicates that GST has taken a good pace in Guwahati.
Q: How has it impacted the businesses in Guwahati?
A: The overall impact has been very positive. The seamless flow of goods across the country has also benefited Guwahati. For instance, in 2017-18, the number of taxpayers under Central GST was 37,000, and today, it has nearly doubled to 75,000. This growth shows that businesses are thriving and the economic environment in Guwahati is growing.
Q: Are there any sector-specific provisions or benefits that businesses should be aware of?
A: Yes, there are some special sectors in Guwahati’s Commissionerate, such as the Pan Masala sector, which is making a significant contribution. Another important sector is the cement industry, which plays a crucial role in the region's development and growth. Specific provisions, similar to those for tobacco, have also been made for these sectors.
Q: Are there any compliance issues that businesses are facing?
A: Compliance issues do arise. Some taxpayers pay their taxes monthly but file returns on a quarterly basis, which creates discrepancies. Another major issue is fake registrations where entities are issuing fake invoices without the actual movement of goods, merely transferring credits. This is a serious concern that negatively impacts the economy.
Q: Does your office provide support or resources to businesses for filing GST?
A: Yes, we have a GST Sewa Kendra in our office where officers are available to assist with any issues, whether related to filing returns or other complexities. However, we do face limitations, particularly with system-related issues, where we may need to raise tickets to get them resolved. Taxpayers can also raise tickets through the system, and their problems are addressed accordingly.
Q: What is an audit report, and how should businesses prepare for an audit?
A: We have an audit commission that conducts audits based on the size of the company. Large companies might be audited annually, while smaller ones might be audited once every two to five years. The audit examines documentation, working patterns, tax returns, and other systems in place. If there are any discrepancies, they are pointed out for rectification. If everything is found to be in order, a clean chit is given.
Q: Have there been any recent changes in the GST rates that businesses need to be aware of?
A: Yes, GST rates often change during budget announcements, and our office issues notifications about these changes. For example, a recent change allowed for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) under Rule 16 up to November 21, which was a significant update that businesses were eagerly awaiting.
Q: Are there any exemptions for Northeast businesses regarding GST filing?
A: While there are no exemptions, the government has provided several incentive schemes for businesses in the Northeast, such as BS Refund and the NEIDS scheme. These have significantly encouraged industrial growth in the region, attracting businesses to move operations to the Northeast.
Q: How effective has the GST portal been for businesses here?
A: The GST portal is an open forum where taxpayers can raise tickets for any issues they face, and solutions are provided. However, complex technical glitches can take time to resolve. The portal also includes a rating scale for businesses, which helps assess their credibility based on performance, which is particularly useful for MSMEs. This system encourages businesses to maintain high credibility, fostering better business relationships and growth.
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