Traders Air Grievances at GST Panel Meeting Key Issues
At a recent GST grievance redressal meeting, traders air grievances regarding rising compliance costs, delayed refunds, and frequent portal glitches. Such sessions, conducted by State and Zonal GST grievance committees, aim to bridge gaps between taxpayers and the administration.
Below is a simplified breakdown of what was discussed and what it means for small businesses:
What is a GST Grievance Redressal Meeting?
- Mandated under CBIC’s 2020 framework for taxpayers’ facilitation.
- Each state must hold regular meetings between trade bodies and GST officials.
- Objective: Resolve practical issues faced by taxpayers quickly.
Key Concerns Raised by Traders
| Issue | Traders’ Concerns |
|---|---|
| Refund Delays | Working capital stuck due to pending IGST refunds. |
| IT Glitches | Frequent errors while filing returns and generating e-invoices. |
| High Compliance Burden | Small traders struggle with monthly filing deadlines and matching invoices. |
| Penalty Notices | Traders feel penalized for minor errors caused by system issues. |
Government’s Response
- Officials promised faster resolution through nodal officers.
- CBIC Circular No. 39/13/2018-GST outlines how nodal officers can intervene for urgent refund and technical issues.
- Traders were advised to use the grievance portal and escalate persistent problems.
Expert View: One Practical Tip
👉 Keep digital records updated monthly and reconcile invoices regularly. This reduces mismatches and saves you from avoidable penalties.
How Efiletax Can Help
- Easy GST Filing: Simple monthly filing handled by experts.
- Refund Assistance: We track and follow up on stuck refunds.
- IT Glitch Support: Quick help if the GST portal shows errors.
👉 Check our GST compliance services here
FAQs
Q1. What if my GST refund is pending beyond 60 days?
You can escalate to your jurisdictional nodal officer as per CBIC’s guidelines.
Q2. Are these meetings open to all traders?
Yes, traders can attend through associations or by raising issues in advance.
Q3. How often are such meetings held?
Generally, every quarter but states may hold them more frequently for urgent matters.
Summary
At the latest grievance redressal meeting, traders air grievances about GST refund delays, high compliance costs and portal glitches. CBIC promises faster resolution and urges traders to use nodal officers and grievance portals. Efiletax explains the process in simple terms for hassle-free compliance.