How to File GST Complaint & Track Grievance Status on GST Portal

The GST Council established a GST complaint or grievance redressal platform via which taxpayers or complainants can obtain answers to GST fraud related concerns. Read this article to know more. 

GST fraud refers to any dishonest activity aimed at evading Goods and Services Tax (GST) obligations. This may include actions like issuing fake invoices, claiming undue tax credits, or underreporting taxable sales. These fraudulent practices not only undermine the integrity of the tax system but also create an unfair business environment. The government and businesses alike bear the brunt of GST fraud, as it leads to revenue loss, reduced government spending on infrastructure and services, and unfair competition.

It is crucial for businesses and individuals to report GST fraud to maintain tax compliance and ensure the system remains transparent. Reporting fraud helps to deter future violations and promotes a fair economic environment. It’s essential to understand how to file a complaint regarding GST fraud to safeguard both the integrity of the tax system and business interests. In this blog, we will explain how to report GST fraud, outline common types of GST fraud, and guide you through the process of filing a complaint using the GST complaint portal. We will also discuss the importance of addressing GST fraud to maintain a fair and transparent tax system.

What is GST Fraud?

GST fraud involves deliberate actions aimed at bypassing GST regulations. Common examples include falsifying invoices, claiming input tax credits without legitimate transactions, or misclassifying goods and services to pay lower tax rates. These activities can lead to significant financial losses for the government and create distortions in market prices.

The impact of GST fraud on businesses and the economy is profound. It not only hampers fair competition but also diverts critical revenue needed for public services and infrastructure. Fraudulent activities can increase operational costs for compliant businesses and create uncertainty in the market.

Individuals found guilty of committing GST fraud can face severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment. The penalties are designed to act as a deterrent, ensuring that businesses operate within the framework of the law and contribute their fair share to the economy. Reporting GST fraud helps reduce these practices, ensuring that the tax system remains fair for all.

GST Complaint Portal

GST complaint portal is designed for taxpayers and other stakeholders to lodge grievances. Instead of sending emails to the Helpdesk, taxpayers, and stakeholders can file a complaint here, describing the concerns or challenges when working on the GST portal. It has been developed so that the user can explain issues encountered (also regarding GSTIN verification and GST number check), and upload screenshots of pages where they met the problem, allowing for the speedy redressal of grievances.

Since GST is a new architectural framework, taxpayers may be unsatisfied with their new surroundings in an altered taxation environment. In light of this, the GST council established a GST complaint or grievance redressal platform via which taxpayers or complainants can obtain answers to GST-related concerns. You can also submit any GST fraud complaints and inquiries to our free GST helpline website or mobile app, available 24/7.

Providing you with a basic explanation of GST complaint filing, this procedure comprises individuals objecting to the new taxation environment in which they live. It is possible to file GST complaint against shopkeeper or grievances online, and taxpayers can voice their unhappiness with the GST system using these portals.

Benefits of the GST Complaint Portal

Aspects of the GST Complaint Portal that are advantageous include the ability for the user to lodge his GST complaint against shopkeeper and raise tickets on their own.

• To offer all necessary information while lowering the amount of back-and-forth contact between the Helpdesk and the taxpayers, facilitating a quicker settlement
• Provide the taxpayer with the ability to track the progress of their complaint by referencing the ticket number (acknowledgment number generated after a complaint is lodged)
• If the GST complaint against shopkeeper or ticket has been closed, review the resolution remarks
• Based on the user’s selection of a category, issue, and subcategory, the GST portal delivers relevant FAQs and pages of the User handbook to assist him in solving the problem he is experiencing.

Steps to File a Complaint or Report an Issue on the GST Portal

Below are the steps to file a complaint:

• Step 1:  In the ‘Type of Issue Or Concern’ box, enter a keyword linked to the issue or complaint you are experiencing. The system will search for and provide a list of all problems containing the input keyword. You can select the specific case, after which the system will display the FAQs and relevant sections of the User Manual about that issue or complaint
• Step 2: Read the FAQ, which may help you solve your problem
• Step 3: If no matches are found for the keyword you supplied, proceed to the next step. Then, in all such circumstances, you can choose the most applicable Category and Subcategory from the dropdown boxes adjacent to the box labeled ‘Type of Issue’
• Step 4: If we do not discover answers to our problems in the first three processes, we will file a GST registration process complaint: If the FAQs do not assist in fixing the issue, please pick the button ‘No, I want to lodge my complaint,’ which will take you to the page where you can fill out the data to file the complaint
• Step 5: Obtain the complaint ticket reference number, which the system will produce once you make your complaint. This ticket reference number will help track down the application status of the complaint made in the future.

GST Complaint Mail ID and GST Complaint Number

How to Check the Status of Complaint on GST Grievance Redressal Portal?

To check the status of your complaint on the GST Grievance Redressal Portal, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the GST Self-Service Issue Status portal at https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/IssueStatus.aspx.
2. Enter your Ticket Reference Number in the designated box.
3. Complete the captcha verification and click on the ‘Search’ button.

Types of GST Fraud

Several cases have occurred under the GST regime in which retailers are charging customers incorrect GST rates. GST fraud is defined as the intentional imposition of a false GST rate on the customer. As a result, it is essential to understand GST complaints against dealers, GST fraud complaints, GST evasion complaints, how to report GST theft, and various other topics like GSTIN verification and GST number checks.

1. GST is collected on items or services excluded from GST. There are a variety of commodities and services that are free from the GST. Some examples of such goods and services include water, vegetables, eggs, and other foodstuffs. However, because most customers are unaware of this list, merchants and dealers can manipulate the system and charge GST on things that are exempt from GST
2. Imposing incorrect GST rates higher than the permitted GST rates. Because the GST rates for products and services are subject to change regularly. The consumer is not always aware of the most up-to-date GST rates. GST fraud on apparel purchases is the most prominent example of this type of GST fraud. According to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, only a 5 percent GST rate applies to clothing products with a value of 1000 INR or less; however, many store owners are levying a standard GST rate regardless of the prices they are charging
3. There have been instances where taxpayers reported fraudulent individuals impersonating GST officers and making illegal demands. Addressing these concerns, the Chief Commissioner of GST (Delhi Zone) clarified that no GST officer is authorized to visit taxpayers and demand money in the name of Goods and Services Tax. Businesses should stay vigilant, verify official communications, and be aware of legitimate GST registration fees to avoid falling victim to scams.

Precautionary Measures

1. Before paying any tax payment to a dealer, check the applicable GST rate on the product or service online. For the first time, the government has released a ‘GST RATE Finder App,’ which you may use to determine the exact GST rate applicable to any item or service.
2. We will make every effort to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible on our end or, if necessary, transmit them to the appropriate government authorities for resolution.
3. Keep GST numbers and taxes updated so that no one can trick you in the name of GST number verification or GST number check.
4. Anyone can register a GST fraud complaint using any of the techniques listed above against any shopkeeper or dealer charging an unethical GST tax amount or against a fictitious GST officer impersonating an honest GST officer. Further, if you require assistance with GST fraud, please leave a remark below, and we will advise you on the best course of action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GST fraud is a serious issue that impacts both the economy and fair business practices. It is essential for businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and report fraudulent activities to protect the integrity of the Goods and Services Tax system. Filing a complaint about GST fraud is straightforward, with multiple channels available such as the GST complaint portal and helplines.

By understanding the process and the steps involved, you can help reduce fraudulent activities and contribute to a more transparent and efficient tax environment. Whether dealing with incorrect GST charges, fake invoices, or other forms of fraud, taking swift action ensures that such practices are promptly addressed, protecting both your business and the economy at large.

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