GST Helpline – Customer Care Contact Numbers

The GST, or the Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax in India that mostly took the place of the services tax, VAT, and excise duty. The Goods and Service Tax Act was approved by the Parliament on March 29, 2017, and it became effective on July 1 of that same year.

In other words, the GST (products and Services Tax) applies to the provision of products and services. All value addition in India is subject to the comprehensive, multi-stage Goods and Services Tax Law, which is depending on the destination. The entire country is governed by a single domestic indirect tax regime known as the GST.

Each point of sale is where the tax is collected under the GST system. Purchases purchased within a single state are subject to both state and federal sales taxes. The Integrated GST is applied to all interstate transactions.

GST Objectives

1. One Nation – One Tax

The GST has taken the place of several indirect levies that were in effect under the previous tax structure. The advantage of a single tax is that it applies the same rate to a particular commodity or service in every state. Tax management is made easier because the federal government determines the tax rates and rules. Common laws can be introduced, such as e-way bills for the delivery of products and e-invoicing for transaction reporting. Tax compliance is improved since taxpayers are not burdened with various return forms and deadlines. In general, it is an integrated approach to indirect tax compliance.

2. Inclusion Of Majority Of India’s Indirect Taxes

Service tax, value-added tax (VAT), central excise, and other indirect taxes were once levied by India at various points throughout the supply chain. Both the states and the federal government had the authority to levy various taxes. Both products and services were not subject to a single, centralized tax. As a result, GST was introduced. Under the GST, all material indirect taxes were unified into a single tax. It has greatly lessened the taxpayers’ compliance burden and made tax administration easier for the government.

3. Elimination Of Cascading Tax Effects

One of the primary objectives of the GST was to eliminate the cascading effect of taxes. Taxpayers were previously unable to compare tax credits from one tax to another due to various indirect tax legislation. For instance, the excise taxes paid during manufacture might not be able to offset the VAT owed during the sale. The upshot was that taxes started to rise. Under the GST system, only the net value contributed at each stage of the supply chain is taxed. Input tax credits for both goods and services are now flowing smoothly as a result, and the tax cascading impact has been diminished.

4. Curbing Of Tax Evasion

The GST laws in India are tougher than any of the earlier indirect tax laws. The only invoices on which GST taxpayers are permitted to claim an input tax credit are those that have been posted by their suppliers. This reduces the likelihood that phony invoices may qualify for input tax credits. This objective has been strengthened even further since the introduction of e-invoicing. Furthermore, as the GST is a federal tax with a centralized surveillance system, it is much easier and quicker to catch defaulters. Therefore, the risk of tax fraud and tax evasion has greatly decreased because of the GST.

5. Improvement in Distribution & Logistics System

For the provision of goods under a single indirect tax scheme, multiple pieces of documentation are not frequently needed. Among its numerous benefits, GST speeds up supply chains, decreases turnaround times, and encourages warehouse consolidation. The industry will benefit the most from the GST’s elimination of interstate checkpoints because it will increase transit and destination efficiency. In the end, it helps to lower the high costs related to logistics and warehousing.

6. Promotion Of Increase In Consumption

The implementation of GST has increased revenues from indirect and consumer taxes. The cascading effects of taxes during the previous administration increased the cost of goods in India compared to markets abroad. Due to reduced VAT rates, there was often an imbalance in purchases even between states. Prices in India and abroad have remained competitive because of the universality of GST rates. As a result, this has raised demand and increased revenue, accomplishing yet another important objective.

GST Helpline Numbers

The numerous GST agencies can be reached via phone, which is by far the preferred form of communication. You can get in touch with several relevant governmental offices for assistance by calling one of the GST helpline phone numbers listed below:

GST Help Through Email

Email help is available from several government ministries involved in the implementation and maintenance of the GST. The email addresses listed below are necessary for contacting GST support.

GST Helpline via Self-Service Portal

A specialized GST self service portal has been established especially to streamline the methods of addressing GST-related grievances. This portal is easy to access through the official goods and service tax portal from the main home page. To further access the GST grievance and tracking portal, you can go to the ‘user services’ tab under the ‘services’ section which is also easily available on the main home page of the following portals:

Once in this section, you can choose from a drop-down list of grievances and submit the same on the page. Once this is done, you will receive a form that you will need to fill up in detail. Name, number, email ID, etc. will be some of the particulars you will need to fill out. Uploading supporting documents will aid this process and after due submission, you will receive a ‘grievance number’ which should be saved for future communication. This will also be a trackable number as and when needed on the portal to check the status of your complaint.

It is a self-sufficient portal that is being encouraged by the government for customers. Ranging from a variety of issue-resolving, it also has information on various GST-related queries such as how to apply for GST, how to get a refund, and how can one appeal. and numerous other solutions.

4. GST Helpline via Professional Practitioner

This is also a very helpful way to seek help regarding GST problems. Procedures such as GST filing, GST implementation, etc. are readily available online but just in case you are unable to find what you are looking for via the self-service portal or the many customer care numbers, you can choose to hire the services of an officially authorized GST professional. This person can help you  clarify doubts and perform the following mentioned actions:

• Filing refund claims on the self-service portal
• Depositing money into the electronic cash ledger
• Giving relevant details of inward and outward supplies
• Filing returns in monthly, quarterly, and yearly installments
• Filing final returns
• Filing applications to amend or cancel GST registration

5. GST Grievance Redressal Portal

The GST Council has a self-service Grievance Redressal Portal so that taxpayers and stakeholders can have their complaints addressed. These complaints could be regarding queries, challenges, or ongoing issues that taxpayers may face while working on the GST Portal.

Instead of emailing and directly calling the GST Helpdesk, taxpayers can discuss their concerns, describe issues, and also upload screenshots of challenges faced here for quick redressal.

Benefits of the Grievance Redressal Portal

The following are the benefits of this service:

• Users can file complaints and raise tickets.
• A fast redressal of grievances by reducing communication between taxpayers and the GST Helpdesk.
• Users can check the progress of the complaint via a ticket number.
• They can view comments regarding the solution that is offered.
• Access to relevant FAQs or User Manual Pages.

Procedure to File a Complaint in the Grievance Redressal Portal

Step 1 – Users need to type the keyword in the “Type of Issue/Concern” box.

Step 2 – A list of all possible issues about the entered keyword is displayed.

Step 3 – The user must select the exact issue from the given list.

Step 4 – After selecting the issue, the portal presents FAQs and User Manual Pages regarding the given complaint.

Step 5 – Users can refer to the given information.

Step 6 – In case the issue remains unresolved, he can select the “No, I Want to Lodge My Complaint” button. This will lead to another page where he can fill in the exact details of his complaint. Step 7 – Then the Portal will generate a ticket number or reference number for users to check the status of their complaints.

How to Locate GST Practitioner

Finding a GST practitioner through the GST portal is a straightforward process designed to assist taxpayers in locating authorized professionals for GST compliance. 

Step 1: Access the GST Portal

Begin by visiting the official GST portal. Use your registered user ID and password to log on. 

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Option

After logging in, go to the Services section in the main menu. From the dropdown, select “User Services” and then click on “Locate GST Practitioner” (GSTP).

Step 3: Open the Search Page

This will direct you to the “Locate GST Practitioner” (GSTP) page where you can search for a practitioner using various parameters.

Step 4: Search Using Enrolment Number or GSTP ID

If you have the Enrolment Number or GSTP ID of the practitioner, enter it in the designated field and click search. This method is highly specific and will provide direct results. 

Step 5: Search by Name or Area Details

If you do not have the Enrolment Number or GSTP ID, you can search by the practitioner’s name or geographical details. 

• Enter the practitioner’s name (optional) in the search field. 
• Select the State from the dropdown (this field is mandatory)
• Add optional filters such as District or Pincode to narrow down your search. Note: The Pincode option becomes available only when selecting a State and District. 

Step 6: View Search Results

Once the required details are entered, click Search. The portal will display a list of GST practitioners matching the entered criteria. Review the list to find the practitioner that meets your needs. 

By following these steps, taxpayers can easily connect with certified GST practitioners to file returns, resolve GST issues, or seek expert guidance. This ensures compliance with GST regulations and simplifies the tax management process. 

GST Practitioner for Filing Returns

There could be times when the GST Helpdesk is unable to resolve the applicant’s complaint or query. In this case, he can contact a GST Practitioner to help resolve issues like return filing, claiming refunds, etc.

As per section 48 of the CGST Act, a registered person may authorize an eligible person to act as the approved GST practitioner. The approved GST practitioner, is authorized as per section 48 of the CGST Act as a tax professional to resolve the relevant issues regarding returns. However, the primary responsibility of it all lies with the taxpayer. Thus, an authorized tax practitioner can perform any of the following activities on behalf of the user:

Functions of GST Practitioner

• While filing tax returns, he can fill in the details of inward and outward supplies.
• Prepare and file monthly, quarterly, annual, or final returns.
• File a claim for a refund.
• Enable deposits as credit in the electronic cash ledger.
• Prepare and file an application to amend or cancel registrations.
• Generate an e-way bill after providing relevant information on the portal.
• Full details of challan in GST ITC – 04.
• Prepare and file for application or modification of enrollment number under rule 58 of the CGST Act.
• File an application for payment of taxes under the composition scheme or withdrawal from the same.

Conclusion

The GST is a multi-stage, destination-based tax that, except for a few state levies, is comprehensive since it includes nearly all indirect taxes. The products and Services Tax (GST), an indirect tax, is applied to products and services delivered in India. This value-added tax applies to most goods and services that are sold on the market. Customers pay a tax to the government through businesses that provide goods and services.

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GST Helpline FAQs: