Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu, led by its President Arun Gupta, met with the Commissioner of the State Taxes Department today to discuss pressing issues impacting the business community.
According to Gupta, honest businessmen are being harassed on technical grounds, even when no tax evasion occurs. He noted that traders who import goods with proper billing and attempt to deliver these goods to nearby clients are being penalized under GST laws. Specifically, GST rules require that imported goods must first be unloaded at the importer’s business premises before being transported to the buyer using another vehicle. Gupta argued that, given the lack of tax evasion by either the buyer or the seller, such regulations unnecessarily penalize traders for minor technicalities.
Gupta also brought up the challenges faced by some dealers who purchased taxable goods during the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed input tax credit. Due to significant disruptions in financial services and banking operations during this period, many dealers were unable to settle their purchase bills within the prescribed 180-day window. Consequently, the State Taxes Department has reversed their input tax credits and imposed penalties and interest, further burdening these businesses already struggling in the post-pandemic environment.
In response, the Commissioner of State Taxes acknowledged the concerns raised by CCI Jammu and expressed that businesses acting without tax evasion should not face undue harassment or penalties from the department. He assured Gupta that, recognizing the genuine difficulties businesses faced during the pandemic, the Government is planning to announce an amnesty scheme.
The delegation, besides Arun Gupta, included CCI senior vice president Anil Gupta, junior vice president Rajeev Gupta, and treasurer Rajesh Gupta. This meeting was part of CCI Jammu’s ongoing efforts to engage with authorities and address the business community’s challenges to foster a fair and conducive business environment.
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