State extends GST enrolment deadline

Dated 19th December, 2016

The sales tax department of the Jharkhand government has given the state's businessmen, whose gross turnover is less than Rs 20 lakh, an extended time for registering an exemptions certificate under the goods and services tax (GST).

With the ambitious GST likely to roll out in April next year, the sales tax department has extended the period for enrolment till December 22 which was originally December 15.

Gopal Krishna Tiwari, sales tax commissioner said in press meet on Sunday, "Considering the fact that the enrolment of businessmen in Jharkhand has been less, the deadline has been extended from December 15 to 22."

According to the the statistics provided by the sales tax department, only 72,000 businessmen with a gross annual turnover below Rs 20 lakh, have enrolled in the goods and services tax network (GSTN) during this period. But the total enrolment is roughly 30% of the total number of businessmen falling under the tax slab, the department claimed.

Tiwari said GST, which is being termed as a "tax reform" will help the state in terms of revenue in the long run.

The sales tax department said it has made a 24x7 active toll free number (0651 6600500), operational from Sunday. The toll free helpline will guide the dealers through the enrolment process, at any time of the day.

Trained professionals of a private company (TCS) have been deputed in all the divisions of the state to ensure a smooth and easy enrolment process for all, Tiwari said.

(This article is published in Times of India on 19 December 2016)