#GST: One service trending across nation

Even as Union ministers and senior officials were sounding positive about the new tax regime, the Centre in a swift response to suggestions from farm sector reduced the rates on fertilizers and tractors. While the parties were divided over the GST, the main opposition Congress, its key ally DMK, the Left TMC and RJD were sternly opposing saying all the flaws should be fixed and then the GST should be launched. 

Opposition-backed protests erupted in different parts of the country bringing the transport network to a halt. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday held out the assurance of a “very smooth” transition into the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, promising that the administration will be very liberal and not implement it “very strictly” in the first two months. 

Acknowledging that there will be some minor problems when a massive change takes place, he said that things will smoothen out in the times to come. 

“I think the roll-out will be very smooth, as smooth as possible. All systems are in place,” he said. He was replying to a question on how smooth he expected the transition into the new indirect tax regime. “We will be very liberal in the first two months. 

For two months we have given a lot of laxity since we are getting into a new order,” he said. “There may be glitches because of lack of awareness. In any technology, glitches are possible. But glitches are rectifiable almost immediately,” Jaitley added.

Tamil Nadu gears up to sail into new regime, seeks tax payers’ help

With more than 91 per cent of the 6.50 lakh dealers registered with the Commercial tax department having migrated to the GSTN platform, the Tamil Nadu government is fully prepared to implement the GST regime with effect from July 1 midnight.

According to an official release on Friday, a state-level GST awareness workshop was held on June 28 wherein the doubts of the tax payers were clarified. A total of 650 workshops were planned at the level of every Commercial Taxes District. 

Help Desks have been set up in each Assessment Circle and Facilitation Centre in every Commercial Taxes District for providing assistance to tax payers. The release said GSTN Toll Free Help Line (01204888999) and Commercial Taxes Help Line (18001036751) have also been established to clarify doubts immediately. 

All tax officials have been well trained and have also been given hands on training in GSTN Software Application. Further refresher training is also being organised. 

“As on date, more than 91 per cent of the 6.50 lakh dealers registered with the Commercial Tax Department have migrated to the GSTN platform. These tax payers have been issued provisional IDs under the GST,’’ the release said. 

Tax payers can continue their business for three months using this provisional ID without any hindrance, it said. All taxpayers were requested to extend their cooperation and make this historic tax reform a resounding success.