‘1.2k amendments in five years make GST complex’

Ranchi: Goods and Services Taxes (GST) is on the path of becoming a ‘good and simple tax’, but faced with several complications at present, tax expert from Delhi Bimal Jain said here on Saturday.
Jain was in Ranchi to attend the national-level ‘Ranchi Tax Conference’ on the theme, ‘Role of tax professionals in current scenario’.
The function was organised to mark the foundation day of the All India Federation of Tax Practitioners’ (AIFTP).
Jain said with 1,200 amendments having taken place in the past five years, there is an atmosphere of confusion among the tax payers, tax practitioners, and the officials. It is hard for the professionals to remain updated on the latest rules, he added.
“Many traders are unaware of the GST methods. The government is trying to bring in amendments to remove the difficulties of traders, but the changes are too fast. The GST portal is not ready and usually remains down on the last day of submission of returns,” he stated, adding, “The traders are also not given credit for the GST paid on several business-related purchases.”
Jain observed that prevailing complexities are leading to lapses by the tax payers. Hence, the government should have an amnesty scheme, instead of imposing late fine and penalties, for them, he added.
Governor Ramesh Bais, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the GST was the biggest reform in the tax structure since Independence. It has been framed on the basis of ‘one nation, one tax’.
“Tax practitioners need to remain updated about the new rules so that tax payers do not face any difficulty. The federation should work towards the romoval of needless fear among the people about taxes,” he suggested.
Justice Anubha Rawat Choudhary of Jharkhand high court and the AIFTP members were present at the event.