Finance Ministry Introduces Amnesty Scheme for GST Appeal Filing

• 06 Nov 2023

On 2^nd November, the Indian Finance Ministry has unveiled an amnesty scheme for filing appeals against Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand orders, offering a lifeline to those who missed the appeal deadline.

• The scheme, available until January 31, 2024, caters to entities unable to submit appeals against tax orders issued by March 31, 2023, as stated by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Key Points

• Amnesty Scheme Deadline: The finance ministry has introduced an amnesty scheme for GST appeal filing, extending until January 31, 2024, targeting entities that missed the appeal deadline for tax orders issued before March 31, 2023.
• CBIC's Notification: The CBIC issued a notification regarding the scheme, providing guidelines for its implementation.
• Extension of Appeal Filing: Previously, GST law allowed appeals against tax orders within three months, extendable by one more month. This scheme provides relief for those who missed this timeframe.
• Revised Pre-Deposit: Entities utilizing the scheme will need to pre-deposit 12.5% of the tax demand, up from the previous 10%.
• Benefitting Taxpayers: The scheme offers a lifeline for those missing the appeal deadline due to administrative errors or unforeseen circumstances, promoting enhanced taxpayer compliance.
• Efficient Dispute Resolution: The initiative encourages better cooperation with tax authorities, facilitating quicker dispute resolution, potentially reducing the burden on the legal system and streamlining the appeal process.