Filing GST returns still a headache for traders

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 8

Despite restoring the internet facility at various government offices, the filing of goods and services tax (GST) returns continues to remain a headache for traders.

Traders said the non-filing of returns for the past four months has led to several problems that needed the attention of GST council.

“We welcome the restoration of internet facility at the Commercial and Sales Tax Department to file GST returns. As we have not been able to file returns for the past four months due to the suspension of internet service, late fee charges of all traders have not been waived off. Only those traders were able to file GST returns, whose late fee was waived off. Others are not able to file returns as the website tells them to first clear the late fee,” said Aijaz Shahdhar, vice-chairman, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA).

He appealed to the GST council to look into the matter as the internet gag had compounded the problems of traders. “The GST council should keep in mind that internet remained snapped in Kashmir since August 5 in view of the abrogation of Article 370. Therefore, the waiver of late fee charges should reflect in the accounts of all traders as going to the Sales Tax Department daily is not an easy task,” Shahdhar said.

He said the traders were also unable to import goods and the internet gag was adding to the losses suffered by them as normal life had been thrown out of gear since August 5. “We are unable to bring goods from outside the Valley, as we were asked for the receipt of filing GST returns. Internet ban should be revoked at the earliest,” he said.