There have been various new updates on the GST portal during the last few months. The GST portal keeps adding new updates to help the taxpayers file their returns more effortlessly and successfully. Taxpayers need to be updated to avoid missing out on the important compliances, which would help to prevent notices being issued.

Let’s take a look at some of the recent updates which have been updated.

1. Comparison of liability declared and the input tax credit

This new functionality given by the website allows tax filers to compare their GSTR-3B tax liabilities with the GSTR-1 that has been filed. Similarly, the user can also compare their input tax credit claimed in the GSTR-3B with the credit available in the GSTR-2A.

There are four various tabs through which the data validation and comparison can take place.

1. Liability other than export/reverse charge
2. Liability due to reverse charge
3. Liability due to export and SEZ supplies.
4. ITC credit claimed and due
   
   

These functionalities are very helpful to reconcile the GST returns filed and also for the preparation of the annual return. The data is accessible for the financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19.

2. GSTR-9 and GSTR-9A

The GSTR-9 is the annual form for regular taxpayers while the GSTR-9A is the annual return form for composition taxpayers. Both of these have been updated on the website. In the recent 35th GST council meeting the due date for filing the annual returns has been extended till August 30, 2019. For which the taxpayers are encouraged to fill the details as soon as possible and not wait for the last moment. A detailed guide for the file is also accessible to the users.

Also read: Budget impact: Taxation on businesses

3. Filing of appeals

The file of appeals is easily accessible for taxpayers online now in circumstances of:

• an order passed by an appellate authority
• an advanced ruling by an appellate authority OR
• an application to the appellate authority in the case of a modification of a mistake in an order.

An automatic acknowledgement will be issued if the appellate authority fails to issue a final acknowledgement within the given time frame. The automatic system generated acknowledgement will have the remark “subject to validation of certified copies”.

4. Incorporating GSTIN

Taxpayers can now enter the GSTIN while filing a refund application which can be filed by a registered taxpayer for the collected input tax credit. The website now has the function to enter the taxpayer’s GSTIN in the inward supply detailed statement while filing the same on the GST portal.

5. Quarterly filers

Quarterly filers now have to option to file refund applications monthly which were not possible earlier. To file a refund application, a taxpayer has to ensure that the GSTR-1 for the quarter has been filed prior. Businesses and SMEs can assemble their cash flows as they aren’t required to wait until the end of the quarter to apply for a refund.

6. TDS/TCS credits

The GST website now has the function to claim TDS/TCS credits while filing for GST returns. It is optional and totally dependent on the taxpayer whether they want to accept or reject the credits and they are further taken to the next step which is tax ledger. If accepted, these credits can be utilized to make GST payments. This function helps the user to know their current credits and options of how they want to utilize them.

Also read: Budget 2019: Highlights for startups & MSMEs

7. Show-cause notices

Now there is an easy function through which taxpayers can respond to show-cause notices which have been issued for compulsory withdrawal from the composition scheme. If a show-cause notice has been raised and the proceedings for the same have started then there is an option to reply on the same website. It helps to save time and has simplified responses for composition taxpayers.

8. Bank account information

Regular OIDAR and NRTP taxpayers now have the option to declare their bank details at the time of registration and can even submit it later. Previously, it was compulsory to submit the bank details during the time of registration; moreover, the same can be submitted when logging in for the first time. This option is beneficial for new businesses as a GST registration number can be availed without the trouble of opening a bank account first.

9. Input tax

The website has opened the option to claim input tax which was earlier closed. It also offers B2B invoices of the FY 2017-18 to be amended.  This facility was available till March 31, 2019, and would have benefited taxpayers who made mistakes in reporting invoices or missed or on claiming the input tax credit.

10. Preferred banks

There are six preferred banks available and saved while making payments. The bank details are saved in the portal and the user just needs to select from the drop-down menu.

11. E-way bill

The portal is integrated with the E-way bill to allow users the option to import data. Users can now import B2B and B2C invoices, and HSN-wise-summary of outward supplies automatically.

These top 11 updates give the user the opportunity to make the process related to tax easier and accessible with it now being there on the website.

Also read: The big business potential

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