- 13 May 2025 06:01 PM
- New
Should you register for GST? Here’s everything you need to know.
If you run a business and are wondering whether GST registration is necessary, this Mint guide will help you navigate the essentials. While the decision hinges on your annual turnover, that's not all there is to it. GST registration is not just about hitting a certain sales figure – it’s also about the nature and geography of your operations.
Read More
- 13 May 2025 06:17 PM
- New
CBI Arrests CGST Inspector in Ghaziabad for Accepting ₹2 Lakh Bribe
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended a CGST Inspector from Ghaziabad on May 7, 2025, for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh. The CBI had registered a case based on a complaint alleging that the Inspector initially demanded ₹11 lakh from the complainant regarding a mismatch in their firm’s GST return, threatening adverse action if the payment was not made. Following negotiations, the Inspector agreed to accept ₹2 lakh. The CBI set a trap and apprehended the accused after he accepted the bribe in his car. The Inspector attempted to flee, damaging a CBI vehicle and private vehicles during a pursuit covering approximately 2 KM before being apprehended. The bribe amount of ₹2 lakh was recovered. Searches are being conducted at the official and residential premises of the accused, and the investigation is ongoing.
Read More
- 10 May 2025 06:14 PM
- New
The week in charts: India-UK FTA, services PMI, Ather Energy IPO
India and the UK finalised a trade deal following three years of negotiations. A home-grown electric two-wheeler firm debuts on Indian bourses, and the country's services sector picked up pace in April.
Read More
- 09 May 2025 06:16 PM
CGST Delhi Uncovers ₹7.85 Crore ITC Fraud; CA Arrested
The CGST Delhi South Commissionerate has unearthed a significant GST fraud involving fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims totaling ₹7.85 crore. The investigation revealed the misuse of over 80 GSTINs, primarily linked to a South Delhi-based Chartered Accountant. A core group of 31 GSTINs was identified for engaging in circular trading without any actual supply of goods or services. The fraud involved credential misuse, with GST filings controlled centrally by the Chartered Accountant. Search operations at 12 premises uncovered multiple non-existent firms, and relevant electronic evidence was seized. Statements from implicated individuals indicated reliance on the accused for GST filings. The offences fall under Sections 132(1)(b) and 132(1)(c) of the CGST Act, 2017, which are non-bailable and cognizable under Section 132(5). The accused was arrested under Section 69(1) and remanded to judicial custody until May 21, 2025. This case underscores systemic abuse of the GST framework through impersonation and collusion in circular trading. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud and to identify other beneficiaries of the ineligible ITC claims.
Read More
- 09 May 2025 06:12 PM
GST is ‘God-Sent Tax’ that funds India's security: Himanta Sarma cites Rafale jets, S-400 amid India-Pakistan tensions
The Assam CM claimed that key defence procurements like Rafale jets and the S-400 missile systems were made possible due to GST, which helped in nation-building.
Read More
- 08 May 2025 06:25 PM
Mint Explainer: Online gaming’s future—and its past taxes—hinge on this Supreme Court battle
India's Supreme Court is hearing a pivotal case that could dramatically reshape how online gaming platforms are taxed.
Read More
- 08 May 2025 06:21 PM
Why ‘record’ gross GST collections in April don’t tell the full story
Every year, when the government releases the goods and services tax (GST) collection figures for April, they are touted as a ‘record high' or the ‘highest ever’. Technically, they are—but that's not the full story.
Read More
- 08 May 2025 06:35 PM
Request for Action Against Misuse of Section 74 Powers by Delhi CGST Offices
A letter dated May 4, 2025, from Rakesh Garg, an author and advocate, to the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, raises concerns about the alleged misuse of powers under Section 74 of the CGST Act, 2017, by Delhi CGST offices. The letter contends that the Audit Departments of the Delhi CGST Commissionerate are frequently and arbitrarily invoking Section 74, which pertains to cases involving fraud or wilful misstatement, even in situations that would fall under Section 73 for reasons other than fraud. Evidence from RTI responses is presented, indicating that 100% of show cause notices issued by Delhi CGST Audit-I and Audit-II over the past three financial years were under Section 74, with similar trends noted for the Directorate General of GST Intelligence. The author argues that this blanket application of the ‘Charge of Fraud’ is mechanical, lacks proper inquiry or justification, and contradicts judicial pronouncements on invoking extended limitation periods. This practice, it is argued, leads to severe negative consequences for taxpayers, including adverse impacts on credit ratings, banking facilities, business goodwill, contracts, and causes emotional distress, potentially infringing on the right to carry on trade or profession. The letter requests the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism and directions to GST authorities to restrict the use of Section 74 (and the new Section 74A) to genuine fraud cases based on reasoned assessments.
Read More
- 07 May 2025 05:36 PM
Mint Primer | India’s economy looks strong. What could go wrong?
The rise in GST collections indicates that revival in domestic consumption, especially rural demand, is gathering pace.
Read More
- 07 May 2025 05:45 PM
Games24x7 lays off staff as Supreme Court hears 28% GST case
Mumbai: Games24x7 initiated layoffs over the past few days, coinciding with Supreme Court hearings on the 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming that began Monday.
Read More