'Step to inform people about changes in GST Council must'

Kolkata: Pandiyaraj G V, the assistant commissioner of CGST, said steps should be taken to inform everyone about the recent changes in GST council.

For those businesses that came under late fee filers, the government has given a benefit to file return by March 2019. The government has given a lot of rate cuts to benefit businesses. Rate cuts have to be passed onto final beneficiary as he pays taxes. Also he mentioned that much of the issues can be resolved if technical issues are reported. Also GST practitioners' exams will come in future.

Pandiyaraj was addressing a day-long session organised by the Bengal Chambers of Commerce on Friday.

The target for the state is to achieve 18,000 crore (CGST) in this financial year, till now 12,000 crore have been achieved (December, 2018). If a person or business fails to file GST return, for two consecutive months, a ten rupees fine would be applicable.

Also, e-way bill will not be issued unless he files his return as system will not work

Speaking at the opening address, T B Chatterjee, Chairperson, Indirect Taxes Committee, The Bengal Chamber and senior partner and mentor Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP said: "Most of the judgments on GST that have

been passed by high courts have all come through writ petitions and not appellate proceedings. GST is still in its nascent stage and it would take another 2-3 years to get good judgments on relevant topics. It would take some time to understand GST and its recent notifications and its impact on businesses and individuals.

"The GST legislation is also one of the most important legislations after independence. We have significant issues at the initial stage and I must say issues are getting resolved. I must appreciate initiatives of the government of India and GST councils," Chatterjee said.

The Bengal Chamber has organised four GST workshops in the past.

The objective in holding such seminars is to appraise members about GST so that they can implement it in their respective organisation.

The Bengal Chamber also conducts courses on three specific subjects — international taxation that includes direct and indirect taxation, international trade that include costing, pricing, strategic management and lastly, the chamber will start a course to train candidates to make them suitable for giving GST examinations.