Indore: Only 15% dealers file GST returns

INDORE: Fifteen per cent tax payers have been able to file annual return under Goods and Services Tax (GST) amid fast approaching due date owing to complexities raising worries among dealers fraternity, who are now demanding exemption from filing annual returns for first year 2017/18.
In wake of lacklustre response and hurdles faced by tax payers in filing annual return forms 9, 9A and 9C, Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged government to exempt tax payers from filing annual returns for the first year.
Ahilya Chamber of Commerce and Industry general secretary Sushil Sureka said, “Except some big corporates, details demanded in annual return forms is next to impossible for small traders to provide due to which they are not able to file GST returns. As everything is online and we have been filing monthly returns, software should auto compile annual return data.”
There are four lakh tax payers in Madhya Pradesh registered with GST department, of which not more than 15 per cent have been able to file annual returns so far, officials from state GST department said. Lack of provision for rectification in annual return in case of any error and complex nature of forms are delaying return filing, said industry experts.
Some industries associations have also demanded extension of last date and to allow rectification in returns. The last date for filing GST annual returns is August 31, that has been extended once from July 31.
An official from state GST department wishing anonymity said, “Response is not great with just 15 per cent tax payers able to file annual returns till date. Looking at the slow pace we are anticipating that the last date for filing the returns will get extended again.” TNN