100 days later, GST compliance still taxes traders, CAs

Mumbai: It’s been 100 days since the Goods and Services Tax  (GST) was implemented, but traders and tax consultants are still struggling with compliances and have blamed the government for being unprepared for such a big reforms. Traders are still unable to file returns for the July GST and it is compulsory for them to file returns twice every month.

Experts have pointed at the lack of clarity on many issues as the biggest problem in GST compliances. “Even after 100 days, July compliances have not been done. The traders have so many queries but they go unanswered. There has to be some clarity about everything,” chartered accountant Ajit Joshi said.

Another tax consultant who is filing returns on behalf of many traders said that matters were getting more chaotic. “Before we could finish July compliance, it was time for the next compliance. In some cases, traders were fined for late compliance. But it was due to the floods in Mumbai that they could not complete the process. They have assured us that they would refund the fine but it is not clear when they are going to do it. Even the website is down most of the time, making it very difficult for us to upload any documents. It seems that now we are prepared to file returns but the government is not,” said Chirag Barot.

The state government’s finance department seems to be aware of the overall problem and have accepted it. “It is true that the GST website is down and traders are finding it difficult to file compliances. But states have a very small role to play in it. We have conducted many workshops for traders, CAs and tax consultants, with the help of the Centre. But this system has been introduced for the first time and it will take some time to have smooth transactions,” said an official from the finance department.