Changes on GST portal- You Should know

It has been over three years since the introduction of GST, India’s biggest tax reform, on 1^st July 2017. It’s been a roller coaster ride for the government, Industries, taxpayers and other stakeholders.

Since its inception, in the eye of the government, GST was supposed to be the ‘One Nation One Tax’. However, in actual sense, Due to some confusions, multiple amendments and technical glitches on GSTN portal, to name a few GSTN portal does not have a functionality to link multiple invoices with a single credit note, inability to input negative values in GSTR 3B etc., Assessee  could not actually rip the benefits of these so called ease measure of this taxation regime.

However, GST policy makers have been very proactive in taking cognizance of the hardships faced by the industry and are committed to bring about requisite amendments from time to time.

In this article, we will discuss the two major changes facilitated on GST portal today. Recently, CBIC enabled the following new facilities for the benefit of registered taxpayers under GST.

> Introduction of GSTR-2B

GSTR-2B is an auto-drafted Input Tax Credit (ITC) statement generated for every recipient, on the basis of the information furnished by their suppliers, in their respective Form GSTR-1 (filed by regular taxpayers), GSTR-5 (filed by Non-Resident taxable person) and GSTR-6 (filed by ISD).

It is not a return but a static report of GSTR-2A of invoices uploaded by supplier until 11^th of the subsequent month and will be made available for each month, on the 12^th day of the succeeding month.

However, the same is only recommendatory and not necessarily binding on taxpayers.

> Single year GST refund

A registered person can file a Single Refund Application for multiple financial years, on GST Portal as per the relief provided by CBIC vide Circular no. 135/05/2020 dated 31^st Mar,2020.

For example, a registered person can file a single application for a GST refund for the period 01-01-2020 to 31-06-2020 (Jan 20 to June 20) which is covering two different financial years. The restriction on clubbing GST refunds for tax-periods that are spread across different financial years is removed on GST portal.

A welcoming move by GSTN towards simplification of refund process.

> Bill of Entry details in respect of import of Goods in GSTR-2A

GSTN has enabled the facility to check Bill of Entry information in respect of GST paid at the time of “Import of goods’ from Overseas and SEZ units/developers in GSTR-2A.

Importer can view the below details in his GSTR-2A.

1. Date

2. Port code

3. BE number

4. Taxable value

5. IGST

Now, CBIC has come up with two other major changes on GST portal

1. Principal Place of Business and HSN/SAC :-

Now, one can view Principal place of business and HSN/SAC code for details of goods and services supplied by the registered entity under GST on the GST portal by using Search by GSTIN option.

Steps to access Principal place of business and HSN/SAC facility:

1. Visit www.gst.gov.in.

2. Click on Search by Taxpayer tab.

3. Search by GSTIN/UIN.

4. Enter GSTIN of registered taxpayer.

5. Enter Captcha code and

6. Click on Search.

The below page will appear in which you can see principal place of business and HSN/SAC code of a registered entity.

2. Return filing status GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B

You can also view GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B and other return filing status of last ten (10) returns filed by a registered person in TWO separate tables. Earlier, GST portal shows only status of last ten returns (GSTR-T, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9, GSTR-9C etc.,) filed by a registered person in aggregate.

Steps to view Return Filing Status:

1. Visit www.gst.gov.in.

2. Click on Search by Taxpayer tab available at Home Page.

3. Click on Search by GSTIN/UIN.

4. Enter GSTIN of the registered taxpayer.

5. Enter Captcha code.

6. Click on Search and

7. Click on Show filing table option at the bottom.

Screenshot of the filing status is given below for better understanding.

Hope, you will find this information useful.

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Disclaimer: The views presented are in personal and generic form and not as a legal advice. Users of this information are expected to refer to the relevant existing provisions of the applicable laws.

The author may be reached at tax.bkansalco@gmail.com.