Goods and Services Tax. Photo: iStockThiruvananthapuram: A month has passed since the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The expected cut in prices arising out of the tax reform is yet to benefit the common man. Not only that, people are in fact reeling under the burden of rising prices.
Uncertainties in the markets are over and issues like software updates have been taken care of. The government had allowed two months to complete all procedures related to GST implementation.
The authorities claim that the arrival of fresh stocks in the market would bring with it the benefits of GST regime to people. At the same time, complaints are widespread that several trading outlets still do not provide GST bills.
What you should do?
SGST department deputy commissioner A. Nasrudden says apprehensions on GST are out of place. The officer explains what informed customers should do.
1. Customers should demand bills without any hesitation. Otherwise traders will be able to squeeze out prices at their will and pleasure.
» Check if the bill contains a GST registration number. Also make sure that the 'bill of supply' or 'tax invoice' is marked on top of every bill.
2. As per GST, the central government takes a part of the tax on a product. It is the CGST. And the state takes another portion, which is the SGST.
» It is mandatory that each bill should mark the two separately. That often leads to an apprehension among people that there has been an attempt at double taxation.
3. IGST means inter-state GST. It is a tax imposed between states for movement of goods between states and its related services.
4. If the customer doubts any error in marking SGST or CGST in a bill, he/ she can approach the office of the Commercial Tax Assistant Commissioner (Intelligence) or the Deputy Commissioner. A copy of the bill should be presented. Authorities will take action after examining the bill.
Read more at : Latest Kerala | Dinendra Kashyap to continue as head of SIT probing actress attack: Behera
