GST team summons firms with 12 key docs for scrutiny

This has left the industry scared with many of them terming the move arbitrary. Many tax experts pointed out that several records called by the department are already with them and hence, such a demand is unreasonable.

Industry sources said that records called by the central GST authorities include various GST returns (GSTRs), GST registration certificate, copies of annual report, Income Tax returns, reports of cost, tax and internal audits, cash ledger and work orders, among others. Bipin Sapra, partner at EY, said that GST audits are being ordered even where GSTR 9C has been submitted and GST authorities have reconciliation of the financial data and tax paid.

With pressure mounting on the field officers for higher GST collection, there has been focus on curbing GST evasion and leakage. This week, the Revenue Department held a meeting with senior GST officials from both Centre and states and drew up a nine-point strategy to plug loopholes.