It is through GST that the tax structure in India has been simplified as there is consistency and transparency in the taxation system. Nonetheless, through its complicated compliances, it causes incidents when making returns or keeping records. AOC bail cannot help these mistakes, i.e., error in ITC claims, matching incompatibility, and other delays may lead to fines and tax agency notifications. A GST audit is critical in trying to benchmark these differences and make financial information accurate and compliant. By just being aware of these frequent mistakes and implementing the correct checks, companies can enhance their compliance structure and avoid excessive liabilities and functions without a hitch within the GST regime of India.
What are the Common Errors Found During GST Audit?
Incorrect Input Tax Credit (ITC) Claims
Among the common points in GST audits that are not claimed correctly, one is claiming ineligible or excessive ITC. The reasons why the businesses fail to reconcile ITC with GSTR-2B include not reconciling ITC of blocked stocks, and errors in claiming ITC by businesses on blocked commodities like motor vehicles or personal expenses or costs relating to employees. These mistakes may result in disagreements, demand, and fines issued by taxing authorities. Avoiding this means a business ought to reconcile ITC with vendor invoices and GSTR-2B on a regular basis. Each of the ITC claims should be properly documented. Further, by keeping abreast with the GST provisions dealing with blocked credits, the ITC is claimed properly and within the constraint of the rules.
Mismatched Returns
This other common mistake that is perpetrated during GST audits is mismatched returns A common ground of differences occurs between GSTR-1 (outward supplies), GSTR-3B (summary returns), and GSTR-9 (annual return). The smallest of discrepancies can attract the attention of GST authorities and lead to notice or penalties. The root cause is most often a bad reconciliations or manual filing error to avoid mismatch, a business should compare GSTR-1 with GSTR-3B monthly and match the turnover value with financial accounts. Automating reconciliation tools will also help minimize the manual errors, maintain data consistency, and establish a better track of compliance during the process of filing GST returns.
Delayed Filing of Returns
One typical issue is the delay in the submission of GST returns, which not only incurs penalties and interest but also bars the claim of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for future periods. Inadequate notifications, unorganized records, or vendor delays create situations for many organizations to delay the submission. Organizations can avoid such issues by setting up compliance calendars and internal reminders for due dates of returns. The return filing process can be automated to save time and reduce supervision risks. Also, cash flow issues and ensuring a smooth ITC flow rely on vendors being compliant on time.
Wrong Classification of Goods and Services
One major mistake discovered during GST audits is the incorrect classification of goods and services under HSN or SAC codes. Misclassification often contributes to the application of a wrong tax rate that may either give an overpayment or underpayment of GST. Besides its implication on working capital, it may result in the audit penalties. The best way to avoid this is to regularly examine the government released HSN code lists and GST rate schedules to guide them to avoid such issues. Goods or services which fall in grey areas should be expert-advised. Accuracy and compliance are guaranteed by revision of categories keeping in conformity with the changes announced by the GST Council.
This content is meant for information only and should not be considered as an advice or legal opinion, or otherwise. AKGVG & Associates does not intend to advertise its services through this.