GST helpdesk soon to assist in filing returns

Mumbai: More than 50,000 people have not paid GST. The officers came to know about this after summoning over 1,000 GST payers facing problems while filing GST returns.

Now GST officials are planning to start a helpdesk equipped with computers, Internet, and chartered accountants as many small units have been unable to file GST returns without the help of CAs and tax consultants.

While many people have already adapted themselves to the new GST-based tax system, many others are struggling to file GST returns. In particular, small shopkeepers are struggling to create different invoices for goods with different GST rates.

No one seems to be sure about the appropriate process for filing GST returns. For now, people have to file only one return every month and an annual tax return.

“To file returns, people either have to take help from CAs or tax consultants who charge heavily,” said sources.

When it dawned that over 50,000 people had not filed their GST returns, GST officials started calling everyone and within the first 1,000 calls found out that the common reason for not filing GST returns was lack of facilities and the knowledge to do so.

Hence, GST officers are now planning to start a helpline and helpdesk where people struggling to file GST returns can get necessary directions. Sources further said that the initiative will be kicked-off soon and mostly, the help of Charter Accountant students will be sought.