All you need to know about the Opportunity for a Personal Hearing under GST Law

In India, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law has changed the perspective of taxation to more simplified, transparent, and accountable. But, for any complex tax system, challenges are unavoidable. Out of all the provisions aimed at making tax administration fairer, personal hearing in GST is one important aspect. It also enables the taxpayers to appear personally before the authorities in any proceeding where the issue involved is tax assessment, tax penalty or show-cause notices.

In this blog, we will discuss the concept of personal hearing under GST, its legal backing, its importance and its benefits to the assessee. We will outline the process — and answer some frequently asked questions — so that you, as a taxpayer, will be adequately informed should you ever be requested to participate in a personal hearing.

What is Personal Hearing under GST?

In a GST context, a personal hearing essentially means giving the taxpayer or their representative a chance to appear before the tax authorities in person and present their case. It is generally provided where there are defaults, disputes or disagreements regarding the taxpayer’s GST submissions such as short payment of tax, incorrect refund claims or imposition of penalties for alleged noncompliance.

Legally, one may view a personal hearing as a means for the taxpayer to address a potential miscommunication that has occurred during assessments, audits, and responses to show cause notice (SCN) issued by the authorities. This protects the rights of taxpayers and prevents decision-making by any decision-maker from being arbitrary, but provides them with an opportunity to put their side forward.

The Legal Basis for Personal Hearing in GST

Various provisions of the GST law provide an opportunity for a person to be heard personally, particularly in the case of show-cause notices and levies of penalties. The most common scenarios for which you are granted personal hearings include:

Section 73 – Determination of Tax Not Paid or Short Paid or Erroneously Refunded:

Where the proper officer has reason to believe that the tax has not been paid has been short-paid or has been erroneously refunded. Show-cause notices under this provision to taxpayers can be heard personally upon the taxpayer’s request to defend themselves with explanations and to adduce evidence.

Section 74 - Liable to tax or Willful Evasion of Tax:

In a case of tax evasion suspected of fraud, the taxpayer is given the chance for a personal hearing to explain the position before any penalties or interest are charged.

Section 75 − General Provisions Relating to Determination of Tax:

This section talks about the order passing, including granting of a personal hearing, when the tax officer may approach a person during the assessment process to clarify issues or provide additional information.

Taxpayers or their duly authorized representatives shall have the right to a personal hearing by these sections, provided they are afforded reasonable time to present their case.

Why is Personal Hearing Important in GST?

GST is one of the largest tax reforms in the history of India and its rollout was a major overhaul of the existing taxation system, leading to a demographic mix of taxpayers, multiplying the complexity of the filings and assessments, thereby unintentionally leading to avoidable misunderstandings between the taxpayers and authorities. Personal hearing is very essential and here is why.

Maintains Transparency:

Personal Hearing establishes transparency in the process of GST. It also means that decisions are not based purely on written documents or automated decisions, which can often be incorrect or easily misunderstood.

Minimizes the Possibility of Arbitrary Decisions:

Personal hearings help curb the misuse of discretion. A personal hearing allows a taxpayer who believes he or she is being unfairly penalized, or who suspects an error has been made, to explain his or her side of the issue.

Gives Explanation for a Complicated Case:

Some of the issues under GST can be quite technical and even complicated and need to be elaborated more on. Personal hearings offer Taxpayers the ability to clarify nuances that may not come across well in writing.

Speedy Settlement of Conflicts:

Personal hearings are more effective in clearing up ambiguities, which in turn helps in speeding up conflict resolution. This increases the chances of shorter litigation and quicker, fairer final results.

Encourages tax compliance:

When taxpayers are confident that their, grievances will be addressed openly, they are more likely to be compliant with the GST laws. Providing personal hearing indirectly helps in enhancing compliance.

How the Personal Hearing Process Works

Personal hearings are a welcome right for taxpayers, but the process must be followed closely to ensure that the hearing will be meaningful. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Issuance of Show Cause Notice:

In regular practice, the proceedings are initiated when a show-cause notice is issued by the GST authorities to the applicable taxpayer. It also contains details of the differences noticed in the taxpayer's GST returns such as suppression of income, non-payment of taxes or issues related to claims for refund.

Asking for a Personal Hearing:

The taxpayer may ask for a personal hearing, either as part of their show-cause response or separate from it. This request is usually filed in writing and must be done during the period set out in the notice.

Preparatory Stage of Hearing:

Once the personal hearing is fixed, the taxpayer must be prepared to arrange all connected documents, bills, books of accounts, or any proof in support of the issue. If the problem has to do with particular transactions, those should be detailed.

Opportunity of Personal Hearing before the Officer:

On the appointed date, the taxpayer or his authorized representative (such as a tax consultant or lawyer) appears before the concerned GST officer. The taxpayer is called upon here to explain his position and clarify the issues raised in the show-cause notice. At the hearing,g the officer might pose questions, ask for additional detailsorf make a request for more documents.

Final Decision:

Upon hearing the taxpayer’s explanation along with evidence, if anything, the officer will pass a final order. If the explanations are adequate, the officer may abate or cancel the tax liability, penalty or interest. But if the officer does not believe the taxpayer’s arguments are sufficient, then the original demand will be sustained and additional penalties will be levied.

Conclusion

It is a positive move towards a more transparent and fair tax system in India that GST law gives an opportunity substantiate to facing disputes in a personal hearing. It ensures that taxpayers get to tell their side of the story, clarify misunderstandings and matters in dispute without undue delay.`

So, whenever you are served with a show-cause notice or any other tax dispute under GST, you should remember that you can always ask for a personal hearing in your case and this simple right can play a vital role in fetching you better results in your case. If you have done enough groundwork, stayed straight and narrow, and adequately utilized the personal hearing process, you will protect your interests and get the right tax treatment in your case.

Struggling with GST Disputes? Get Expert Assistance Now!

If you are dealing with a GST show-cause notice or tax penalty, a personal hearing is crucial to help you get a resolution in your favour. At Swipe, we assist businesses in complex GST matters including personal hearing requests and preparation. With our trained professionals, we can help you through the filing process and present your case in a way to guarantees that your side is expressed distinctly so that the authorities can hear it.

Contact us today to protect your interest and get your GST problems resolved, never let the tax disputes bother you. Contact us now at Swipe for expert GST support!

FAQ

1. Can I attend the personal hearing without a lawyer or consultant?

Yes, you can attend the personal hearing yourself. However, many taxpayers prefer to be represented by an authorized consultant or tax expert, especially if the case is complex.

2. What is my situation in case I do not attend the personal hearing?

In case you cannot attend the hearing due to circumstances that are not avoidable, you need to contact the concerned authorities at the earliest to obtain a new date. Any continued absences without good reason could result in your absent case being determined.

3 . What is the rate limit to file a request for r personal hearing?

It will generally have the period, during which, you have to request a personal hearing in the show cause notice issued to you. But you should ask for it when you get the notice, to make sure you’re given enough time to prepare your case.