New
Published on:
February 20, 2023
By
Paramita

Presumption as to Documents under Revised Model draft GST Law

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has brought significant changes to India’s indirect tax regime. The GST replaces multiple indirect taxes such as excise duty, service tax, and value-added tax (VAT) with a single, streamlined tax. The revised model draft GST law introduces a range of new provisions and one such provision is the presumption as to documents.

Presumption as to Documents under Revised Model draft GST Law

What is the presumption as to documents?

The presumption as to documents is a provision under the revised model draft GST law which enables tax authorities to presume the authenticity of certain documents submitted by taxpayers. This presumption comes into play when the tax authorities carry out an audit, inspection, or examination of the tax records of an assessee. The documents covered under this provision include:

1. tax invoices

2. debit and credit notes

3. receipt vouchers

4. payment vouchers

5. delivery challans

6. any other documents prescribed by the Government

How does the presumption work?

The presumption as to documents works in the following way:

1. If a taxpayer produces the above-mentioned documents, the tax authorities will presume that the documents are authentic and that the transactions recorded in them are genuine.

2. If the tax authorities find discrepancies in the documents produced by the taxpayer, they may reject the documents and initiate further investigation.

3. If the taxpayer is unable to produce the documents, the tax authorities may raise an assessment based on other available information.

What are the implications of the presumption as to documents?

The presumption as to documents has several implications for taxpayers:

1. It places a greater responsibility on taxpayers to maintain accurate and complete records of their transactions.

2. It reduces the burden of proof on the tax authorities as they can now presume authenticity of the documents produced by taxpayers.

3. It enables tax authorities to carry out audits and examinations more efficiently as they can focus on discrepancies and omissions in the documents produced by taxpayers.

What are the safeguards for taxpayers?

While the presumption as to documents places greater responsibility on taxpayers, it also provides some safeguards:

1. Taxpayers can challenge the presumption by producing evidence to the contrary.

2. The tax authorities are required to provide a reasonable opportunity to the taxpayer to produce evidence to the contrary.

3. The taxpayer has the right to appeal against any decision of the tax authorities based on the presumption as to documents.

Conclusion

The presumption as to documents under the revised model draft GST law is a significant provision that places greater responsibility on taxpayers to maintain accurate and complete records of their transactions. It also enables tax authorities to carry out audits and examinations more efficiently. However, taxpayers have safeguards to challenge the presumption if necessary. Overall, the provision is a step towards greater transparency and efficiency in India’s indirect tax regime.

Suggestions



Paper or Paperboard Labels: GST Rates and HSN Code 4821
Everything you need to know about GST Audit
Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation Scheme

Updated on:
March 16, 2024