‘Tax evasion cases in Goa lower than national average’

Panaji: While GST evasion remains prevalent across the country, compliance with GST norms remains on the higher side in Goa, said central GST commissioner Bipin Kumar Upadhyay on Monday. Upadhyay, who was speaking to reporters at Cujira, said that while GST registrations in Goa stand around 21,000, there is scope to widen the tax base.
The data released earlier this year by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs indicated that Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi reported the highest cases of evasion by bogus firms though Delhi tops this list in terms of the amount of evasion.
“There are cases of evasion but we are taking care of them with the available tools. Goa is lower than the national level in evasion,” said Upadhyay.
Goa has around 21,000 GST registrations, of which 14,000 are under state GST and 7,000 are under central GST.
“The GST base can increase in the hospitality sector and the transport business. These sectors are increasing and whoever comes in the fold of it, should apply to get the registration and should follow the rules. We are more or less satisfied with all the sectors. It is the compliances that we want to improve,” said Upadhyay.
He said that GST authorities are using data analytics and enforcement tools to increase compliance and crack down on evasion. “Taxpayers understand that if they comply, they will benefit. You get the amnesty scheme and the IT benefit. People have understood this,” said Upadhyay.
He said that the GST regime needs to follow a “growth with stability” route for which all stakeholders need to work together.
He also informed the reporters that discussions on the inclusion of fuel under the GST regime are on with inputs of the like impact submitted to the CBIC and central authorities.