The taxation authority has issued notices to 324 businesses and retailers for allegedly dodging taxes and breaching GST regulations.
This issue came to light through the โBill Leyao, Inaam Paoโ initiative, where customers provided the department with bills and receipts from their purchases. Complaints were also raised against vendors who failed to issue these documents.
Launched on August 22 of the previous year by the tax department, this program aimed to combat GST evasion and improve tax compliance, thereby boosting state finances. It encouraged consumers to demand receipts for their purchases from merchants.
Darvir Raj, the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner for State Taxes, noted that they discovered discrepancies in 324 instances upon examining the receipts and bills submitted by consumers. โSince the start of this program, we have sent out 324 notices based on these bill verifications. In 35 of these cases, we’ve levied fines totaling Rs 1.03 crore, with the rest under review,โ she stated. She mentioned that the department has collected Rs 67.24 lakh out of the total fines levied so far.
To date, the department has received 13,533 bills, with 12,240 already scrutinized, leading to notices being sent out to the relevant merchants and shopkeepers. It was also found that four companies had not registered under the GST Act, prompting immediate action and compulsory registration.
Raj also highlighted that the scheme includes cash incentives of up to Rs 50,000 for consumers. Those holding a receipt for a purchase of Rs 200 or more can sign up for this scheme and upload their receipt online to enter a draw.
Winners can receive a prize worth five times the taxable value of the item purchased, with a cap of Rs 50,000 on the reward. For this purpose, the department has introduced the Mera Bill app, enabling customers to upload their purchasing bills and receipts.