UT recovers Rs 331 cr in VAT

By undertaking several initiatives, the UT Excise and Taxation Department has recovered substantial revenue, leading to a boost in GST collections, amid use of measures to reinforce compliance and prevent fraudulent activities within the tax system.

The department has recovered arrears under the Punjab Value Added Tax Act, 2005, (as extended to Chandigarh), totalling Rs 331.8 crore.

The GST revenue for October witnessed a notable increase of 16% over the previous year, rising from Rs 210 crore in October 2023 to Rs 243 crore in October 2024. “This growth is a testament to the department’s rigorous tax administration efforts, coupled with initiatives to raise awareness about compliance, thereby supporting Chandigarh’s economic development,” said Hari Kallikat, Commissioner, Excise and Taxation, UT.

In a step aimed at ensuring the integrity of taxpayer data, the department has launched biometric authentication for taxpayers under the GST Act. This measure, implemented in UT Chandigarh, is expected to curb the proliferation of bogus registrations, reinforcing a transparent and accountable tax framework, he added.

“Additionally, regular enforcement activities are being undertaken by the department so as to keep an eye on day-to-day activities of the taxpayers in compliance with the GST Act/Rules. These efforts ensure that taxpayers maintain day-to-day adherence to tax regulations, thus protecting the interests of law-abiding taxpayers while fostering an equitable business landscape,” he added.

Meanwhile, in continuance of these efforts and due to non-compliance by certain taxpayers, an inspection was going on under the GST Act at Marble Market, Dhanas.