By Suchitra Mukherjee
New Delhi [India], December 18 : The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) presented a compliance audit report on Goods and Services Tax (GST) for the year ended March 2023, highlighting several issues with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)'s oversight. The report, divided into four chapters, reveals inadequate mechanisms for monitoring Composition Levy Scheme taxpayers and issues with GST payment and return filing oversight.
Audit observations include inadequate display of required notices and signboards by composition levy taxpayers, and non-automation of key functions like assessment orders and non-filer reports.
A sample of 10,124 deviations showed 2,519 compliance deviations (31%) involving Rs 21,695.11 crore, with issues like short-payment of interest and irregular Input Tax Credit (ITC). Out of 1,086 audited cases, 741 deviations with a revenue implication of Rs 2,349.62 crore were found.
The CAG recommends expediting Business Intelligence and MIS reports automation, extending 'view non-filer' functionality, improving compliance monitoring, and strengthening Range monitoring mechanisms. The report highlights the need for improved oversight and automation to enhance GST compliance and revenue collection.