“My Profile” has an Address and Contacts feature.

The GSTN has added a new feature called “Address and Contacts” within the “My Profile” section of the GST Portal as part of an update. To give users complete information, this new tab includes a list of all promoters and authorized signatures. Users can quickly access email addresses, physical addresses, and mobile numbers with this single screen.

Easy Verification with the New GSTN E-Invoice Verifier App

The innovative E-Invoice Verifier app makes the process of confirming electronic invoices quick and easy. The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) created this user-friendly tool that provides quick and precise verification of e-invoices and associated information. The E-Invoice Verifier app guarantees a flawless experience for users with its primary features, which include QR code verification, an easy-to-use interface, extensive coverage across all Integrated Reporting and Payment System (IRP) portals, and a non-login-based system.

Verification of GSTN Reference Number (RFN) for Offline Notices

Soon, taxpayers will be able to use an automatically generated Reference Number (RFN) to validate system-produced documents, such as orders and notifications, on the GST website. Furthermore, for communication delivered to taxpayers in the offline format, a new functionality has been implemented that allows State GST tax authorities to generate an RFN that the taxpayer can validate.

This feature will operate both prior to and after logging in. Taxpayers can verify the RFN of an offline correspondence from the State GST authority by navigating to Services > User Services > check RFN and inputting the RFN. Documents issued by Central GST authority may be used with the CBIC Document Identification Number (DIN) function.

Form GST CMP-08 is now authenticated by STAK.

The Single Use Time-Based Authentication Key (STAK) will be used as a new authentication method for filing Form GST CMP-08; the present authentication modes for filing on the site are DSC and EVC. The “GST Secure OTP” app would need to be installed on the assessees’ Android handsets. It allows assessees who are not corporations or limited liability partnerships (LLPs) to generate a token on their mobile device and use it to file Form GST CMP-08 on the GST web portal.

After filing the GST return within a scheme, the non-filers are eligible to amnesty under Section 62, which is also known as a withdrawal of the ASMT 13 order.

In the event that a return in Form GSTR-3B is filed after 30 days from the date of the order that created the demand under Section 62, the demand will not be immediately canceled.

The government would have provided relief to these assessees, or those who failed to provide their GSTR 3B returns within 30 days of the demand’s creation date, if they had filed Form GSTR 3B and settled their outstanding tax obligations by June 30, 2023, even though the 30-day period had already passed. The demand made against non-filers would be nullified and there is no requirement for preferring appeal in these cases.

Extension of the Application Period for Suo Moto Cancellation of the GSTIN Revocation

Assessees may now claim the amnesty plan on the portal between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, as the government has declared. Assessees who canceled their Suo Moto between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022, may submit an application for the cancellation and revocation of their registration, regardless of whether they would have submitted a revocation application or not.

Validation of Bank Accounts is a New Feature

With great pleasure, the GSTN notifies you that a bank account validation capability has been added to the GST System. In order to guarantee that taxpayers’ bank account information is accurate, this new feature was included. You may find out if your bank account has been validated by visiting the Bank Account Status page located in the Dashboard My Profile part of the FO portal. You will receive information regarding the status of your bank account on your registered phone number and email as soon as the procedure of verifying your stated bank account is complete.

A Novel Way to Use Cash Ledger Amount

Through a transfer using the GST PMT-09 form, which is already available on the GST website, the Goods & Services Tax Network (GSTN) has enabled money from one GSTIN’s cash ledger (a firm with the same PAN) to be used by another GSTIN. One relevant provision is found in Regulation 87(14) of the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017 (the “CGST Rules”).

As specified in subsections (4) or, if applicable, subsection (5) of section 25, a registered person on the common portal may transfer any tax, interest, penalty, or other amounts that are available in the electronic cash ledger under the Act to the electronic cash ledger for central tax or integrated tax of a distinguishable individual.

But, if the registered person has any outstanding liabilities in his electronic liability record, no such transfer shall be allowed.

User Interface for GST REG-01 Form Auto-Filling

The most recent innovation from the GSTN has improved the efficiency of the Registration application’s user interface (UI). For a more efficient procedure, the user interface for the address fields in the GST REG-01 Registration Application has been changed. Numerous additions and modifications are also included, such as the address pinhead integration with the map tile and the address input field’s automated filing. One of the macro-level address with the PIN codes has been the address fields automatically filling in.

Additionally, the address field has been segregated for a better Latitude/Longitude of the address type of auto-population, and users can auto-fill the address with suggestion-based data.

Application for Withdrawal of GST Registration Cancellation

The option to withdraw an application for the cancellation of GST registration has been made available by the GSTN to individuals who may have mistakenly registered for GST and now need to do so. After accessing the common portal, the taxpayer should proceed to Services > User Services → View My Submissions. After selecting the “Withdraw” option next to the registration cancelation application, he must confirm.

GSTIN’s New Taxpayer Detail Search Feature

The government recently updated the GST portal and included the best feature yet—the ability to search for taxpayers by name, ID number, or details—to make it easier for professionals and taxpayers to navigate the system. The most recent version of the GST portal now has a search tab that allows users to bring up the necessary taxpayer search and its details with the assistance of the GSTN.

GSTN New Feature for Stopping to File GSTR 1

Clause (a) of sub-rule (6) of Rule 59 of the CGST Rules, 2017 modifications was indicated in the central tax notification no. 35/2021. It states that the words from the previous two months will be replaced on January 1, 2022. Should the taxpayers fail to file GSTR 3B for the most recent month, the utility will prevent them from filing GSTR 1. Soon, the utility will be operational on the GSTN portal, requiring taxpayers to file GSTR 1 and 3B.

A New Tool to View the Previous Five GST Returns

The Goods and Service Tax Networks (GSTN) have added a new feature to the GST portal that allows assessees to view their returns for the previous five return periods. By checking the previous five return periods, this return calendar will help all enrolled businesses and professionals avoid any interest or late fines.

Two New Features Are Added by GSTN to GSTR-3B

In an effort to improve user friendliness, the Goods & Service Tax Network (GSTN) has recently introduced two new features to the interface. The GSTR-3B monthly statements are now automatically generated for the taxpayers on the platform.

Read More: Learn When To Discard Your Income Tax Returns?

The website now offers “Communication between Taxpayers” as another feature. Go into your GSTN account, locate the option under services > user services, and use that to access this feature. By facilitating smooth peer-to-peer communication, this feature seeks to improve scalability, security, and user experience.

 

A comprehensive process for submitting an appeal under the amnesty program for GST assesses has been released by the Finance Ministry. Authorities anticipate that many taxpayers who were previously unable to file appeals within the allotted time frame will benefit from this program.

On November 2, a communication was sent out in accordance with the recommendation. For taxpayers who were unable to file an appeal under section 107 of the CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) Act, 2017, against a demand order under section 73 or 74 of the CGST Act, 2017, passed on or before March 31, 2023, or whose appeal against the aforementioned order was denied because it was not filed within the allotted time frame, the GST Network has now made the mechanism to implement amnesty available.

For orders passed on or before March 31, 2023, taxpayers may now file an appeal using FORM GST APL-01 on the GST portal by January 31, 2024, at the latest. In addition, the Appellate Officer has advised the taxpayers to pay in order to support the appeal.

Taxpayers can select the method of payment (cash ledger or electronic credit) using the GST Portal. In order to use this system, you must pay a pre-deposit of 12.5% of the tax that is disputed, of which at least 20% (or 2.5% of the tax that is disputed) must be deducted from the electronic cash ledger.

Additionally, before considering an appeal, the Appellate Authority office will verify that the money was made correctly. If an appeal is filed without the required payment, it may be handled in accordance with the law.

A taxpayer would have to make differential payments if they have already filed an appeal and wish it to be covered by the amnesty program. Using the “payment towards demand” option offered by the GST portal, the payment must be made in relation to the demand order.

Taxpayers who have previously submitted an appeal in APL-02 but had it denied by the Appellate authority as time-barred may resubmit the petition. However, a ticket must be made on the Grievance Redressal Portal if the taxpayers encounter any problems when resubmitting APL-01.

The taxpayer must contact the appropriate Appellate Authority office well in advance in order to meet the deadlines stated in the notification if the Appellate Authority has issued a rejection decision because the appeal application is past due. After determining whether the taxpayer qualifies for the amnesty program, the Appellate Authority will transmit the matter to GSTN via the State Nodal Officer.

Read More: The Income Tax Department Launches “Discard ITR“ Feature on Its Website Starting from Assessment Year 2024

It’s also vital to remember that neither GSTN nor the Grievance Redressal Portal would accept direct representations for cases issued under APL-04. Cases issued under APL-04 are required to be mandatory sent to the State Nodal Officer. GSTN will allow the taxpayer to file an appeal against the relevant order after obtaining the case from the State Nodal Officer.

Businesses are more likely to come across phony GST bills in the era of Goods and Services Tax (GST). These fake documents may result in serious financial losses as well as legal issues.

Indirect taxes in India has undergone a radical change with the introduction of a unified system through the Goods and Services Tax (GST). On the other hand, fraud has also become easier as a result of this shift, with phony GST bills being issued. Tax evasion, wrongful refund claims, and the creation of fictitious input credits are all possible with these phony bills.

How to determine a fake GST bill

Verify the GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number)

In India, each GST-registered entity is assigned a distinct 15-digit GSTIN. The entity type is represented by the tenth digit of the GSTIN, while the state code is represented by the first two digits. To confirm the authenticity of the GSTIN on the bill, compare it to the online GSTIN database.

Validate the Bill Number and Series

Every GST bill has a distinct series and bill number. Compare these facts with the standard numbering scheme and invoicing format that the supplier uses. Any discrepancies or departures from the standard format could point to a fraudulent bill.

Examine the Bill Format and Printing Quality

There is a set format and layout for GST bills, which includes font sizes, color palettes, and other specifications. To look for any differences, compare the bill you receive with the required format. Additionally, keep an eye out for printing quality irregularities, such as crooked spacing or hazy lettering, as these could be indicators that the bill is fraudulent.

Check for Signature and Stamp

The supplier’s rubber stamp and signature are required on a legitimate GST bill. Check that the signature on the supplier’s GST registration certificate corresponds to the authorized signatory’s data. Make sure the rubber stamp is readable and clear as well.

Verify the Reverse Charge Mechanism

Make sure the buyer’s GSTIN is listed accurately if the bill has a reverse charge mechanism where the buyer is in charge of paying GST. Additionally, make sure the bill has the correct reverse charge indicator.

Scrutinize the Tax Calculation

Verify that the taxable value of the goods or services and the applicable GST rate are reflected in the GST amount computed on the bill. Any disparities or peculiar tax computations may be cause for concern.

Cross-Check with Purchase Order and Delivery Challan

Examine the purchase order and delivery challan that correspond to the information on the GST bill. Make sure that all documents have the same information about the quantity, description, and cost of the items or services.

 

Use GST Verification Tools

With the use of the GST e-Invoice site and bill number, you can use one of the many online tools for GST verification to confirm the legitimacy of GST bills.

 

Read More: How to Claim GST Input Tax Credit and Perform Reversal for the FY 2022-2023

 

Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicions

When handling GST bills, especially from new or unknown providers, you should always use caution. Report any questions or concerns you may have concerning a bill right away to the relevant GST authorities.

You can effectively secure your business interests and prevent yourself from the perils of phony GST bills by adhering to these instructions and exercising caution. Recall that when it comes to tax fraud, prevention is always preferable to treatment.