GST System in India

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India was introduced as a comprehensive tax reform to replace the complicated and fragmented indirect tax structure. It aims to simplify tax compliance, eliminate cascading effects, and promote ease of doing business. Implemented on July 1, 2017, the GST system has revolutionized the way taxes are levied and collected in the country.

Understanding GST Practitioners

A GST Practitioner is a registered individual authorized by the Goods and Services Tax Practitioner (GSTP) to represent taxpayers and furnish information on their behalf to the government. These practitioners play a crucial role in assisting taxpayers with various GST-related tasks. They are provided with a separate user ID and password by the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) to work on behalf of their clients without requiring their login credentials.

Taxpayers have the flexibility to select a different GST Practitioner by unselecting the previous one and choosing a new practitioner on the GST Portal. This allows taxpayers to seek the expertise of different practitioners based on their specific requirements.

Role of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It is responsible for policy formulation related to the levy and collection of Customs & Central Excise duties, Service Tax, and matters pertaining to Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax, and Narcotics.

The CBIC played an active role in drafting the GST law and procedures, particularly the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) laws. It continues to administer the excise duty regime for the collection and levy of central excise duty on specified petroleum products and tobacco products.

GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs): Bridging the Gap

GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs) act as intermediaries between the GST Network and Application Service Providers, offering GST compliance services to taxpayers. While GSPs cannot read or modify taxpayer data, they can use the APIs provided by the Goods & Services Network to manage enhanced systems and assist taxpayers in their filing requirements.

Taxpayers have the option to directly access the Government-to-Business (G2B) portal or choose the more convenient route of using GSP services. In either case, taxpayers retain complete control, privacy, and security while interacting with the GST system.

Banks' Role in the GST System

Banks play a vital role in the entire process of GST collection and maintenance. They are responsible for accepting payments through various channels such as NEFT, challan, and customized GST software/screens in their systems. When a taxpayer makes a payment, banks provide an acknowledgment, send the instrument (if applicable), and credit the realized amount into the GST pool account or the respective government's account.

The branch of the remitting bank ensures the correct Common Portal Identification Number (CPIN) is entered in the NEFT/RTGS message and informs the taxpayer about the Unique Transaction Reference (UTR). Banks also facilitate tax payments directly through NEFT/RTGS, ensuring seamless transactions within the GST system.

Role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a significant role in the Goods and Services Tax regime by facilitating tax payments and ensuring smooth financial transactions. When a taxpayer generates an e-challan on the GST portal, a Common Portal Identification Number (CPIN) is provided. Taxpayers can make payments through various channels, including internet banking, debit/credit cards, NEFT, RTGS, or Over the Counter (OTC) payment.

Upon receipt of payment, the respective banks generate a Challan Identification Number (CIN) and share it with the taxpayer and GST portal. The funds are settled by agency banks with the RBI, along with the transaction details. The RBI also accepts tax payments directly through NEFT/RTGS, ensuring a streamlined and efficient GST payment process.

Goods and Services Tax Council: Empowering the Nation

The Goods and Services Tax Council, constituted by the President of India, serves as a joint forum for the center and states. It plays a crucial role in making recommendations on various aspects of GST, including taxes, cesses, surcharges, goods and services subject to GST, and procedures for the performance of its functions. The GST Council empowers the Union and the states by providing valuable insights and guidance for effective implementation and administration of GST.

Understanding the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)

The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) is a private company introduced by the Government of India to provide front-end services such as registration, payment, and return filing to taxpayers. GSTN has also developed back-end IT modules for states that have opted for the same. GST Suvidha Providers (GSPs) work in collaboration with GSTN to develop applications used by taxpayers to interact with the GSTN.

GSTN ensures role-based access, allowing taxpayers to access their own data through identified applications such as registration, return filing, and view ledger. Tax officials with jurisdiction can access the data as per GST law, while audit authorities can access the data for audit purposes. GSTN ensures the privacy and security of taxpayer data, making it accessible only to authorized entities.

Role of the Accountant General under the GST System

The Accountant General of each state performs crucial functions in the GST system. They receive daily and monthly Put Through Statements from the Currency Administration System (CAS) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Additionally, they receive verified Datewise Monthly Statements (DMS) from the electronic-Pay and Accounts Offices (e-PAOs) and e-treasuries of the state. The Accountant General reconciles these data to ensure accurate accounting and efficient tax administration.

Navigating the GST Helpdesk

The government has established a dedicated helpdesk to assist taxpayers with any queries or issues related to the GST system. Taxpayers can approach the helpdesk for guidance and solutions to problems encountered during various GST processes. Whether it's filing GST returns, applying for refunds, or seeking clarification on any aspect of the GST system, the helpdesk serves as a reliable source of assistance.

Who is Considered a Taxpayer under the GST System?

Under the GST system in India, every person with a turnover above Rs. 20 lakhs is required to self-register for GST. Registered taxpayers have various responsibilities, including self-registration, uploading details, filing returns, making online payments, and applying for refunds. By complying with the GST regulations, taxpayers contribute to the efficient functioning of the GST system.

Conclusion

The implementation of the GST system in India has brought about significant changes in the country's tax landscape. It has simplified tax compliance, eliminated cascading effects, and streamlined tax administration. Understanding the roles of various entities, such as GST Practitioners, CBIC, GSPs, banks, RBI, GST Council, GSTN, Accountant General, and the GST helpdesk, is crucial for taxpayers to navigate the system efficiently. By embracing the GST system and fulfilling their responsibilities, taxpayers contribute to the nation's economic growth and development.