The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced an Amnesty Scheme to provide relief to taxpayers with pending GSTR-4 returns (July 2017 to March 2022). All late fees for FORM GSTR-4 has been waived if it is a NIL return from July 2017 to March 2022, and late fee stands reduced to Rs 500 in other cases, provided such pending returns are filed between 01/04/2023 and 30/06/2023. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, its benefits, and eligibility criteria.
GST Council Recommends Amnesty Scheme for Pending GSTR-4 Returns
In the 49th GST Council meeting held on February 18, 2023, the council recommended an amnesty scheme for taxpayers with pending GSTR-4 returns. The scheme aims to offer conditional waiver or reduction of late fees to help taxpayers clear their pending returns.
CBIC Issues Notification to Implement Amnesty Scheme
The CBIC has issued the Notification 2/2023, to bring the amnesty scheme into effect. The notification outlines the benefits and conditions for availing the scheme.
This Notification amends earlier Notification 73/2017 and inserts a new proviso to waive late fees payable in excess of Rs 500/- under Section 47 of the CGST Act by a registered taxpayers for failure to furnish the return in Form GSTR-4 for the perid July 2017 to March 2022 by the due date. Further, such late fee is fully waived where the total amount of central tax payable in the Form GSTR-4 is NIL. To avail the amnesty, the taxpayer has to file all the pending returns in Form GSTR-4 during the period from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023.
CBIC Central Tax Notification 2/2023 dated 31/03/2023: GSTR-4 amnesty Scheme
Who is Eligible for the Amnesty Scheme?
Any taxpayer with pending GSTR-4 returns for any period between July 2017 and March 2022 can avail the benefits of the amnesty scheme.
Maximum Penalty under the Amnesty Scheme
The maximum penalty under the amnesty scheme varies depending on the taxpayer’s situation:
a) For taxpayers with zero tax payable: NIL
b) For other taxpayers: Maximum penalty will be Rs 500/- per return (Rs 250/- CGST + Rs 250/- SGST).
Conditions to Avail the Amnesty Scheme
To benefit from the amnesty scheme, taxpayers must file their pending GSTR-4 returns between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023.
In conclusion, the CBIC’s GSTR-4 Amnesty Scheme aims to provide relief to taxpayers by reducing penalties for pending returns. By taking advantage of this scheme, taxpayers can clear their backlog and avoid significant penalties. Ensure you file your pending GSTR-4 returns within the specified period to avail the benefits of this amnesty scheme.
Related Posts:
Extension of Deadlines for GST Amnesty Schemes till 31st August 2023
The GST Council has recommended in 50th meeting held on 11th July 2023 to exetnd the amnesty scheme up to 31st August 2023 for delays in filing GSTR-4 returns by eligible taxpayers for the tax periods up to FY 2021-22.