Govt intensifies inspection drive to curb GST violations

Srinagar, Feb 19: Following the directions of Commissioner State Taxes J&K, P.K. Bhat, State Taxes Department Kashmir has intensified its enforcement efforts against taxpayers involved in sale suppression and tax evasion by launching a large-scale inspection drive across the Kashmir division.
Based on intelligence inputs generated through advanced AI tools such as Business Intelligence and Fraud Analytics (BIFA), E-Way Bills Portal, Field Enforcement teams, information received from various wings of the department and extensive taxpayer scrutiny, the department, under the supervision of Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration & Enforcement) Kashmir, Parvaiz Ahmad Raina, conducted massive first of its kind inspection, search, and seizure drive in Srinagar, Budgam and Anantnag districts of the valley.
The drive aims to curb fraudulent activities, including fake Input Tax Credit (ITC), willful tax evasion, tax fraud, fake invoicing, and non-compliance with GST provisions with an aim to safeguard the revenue of state exchequer.
Eight teams comprising of more than 70 officials constituted by Additional Commissioner, led by State Tax Officers, simultaneously inspected multiple business establishments in Srinagar, Budgam and Anantnag, verifying documents, stock registers, bill books, and physical stock positions to detect GST violations.
Meanwhile, several documents were seized for further investigation.
Speaking on the enforcement action, Additional Commissioner stated, “The inspections are part of our ongoing enforcement activities. Eight dedicated teams involving more than 70 officials have been deployed to carry out these inspections across the division, targeting dealers involved in sale suppression, fake ITC claims, and fraudulent invoicing.”
He further added that the primary objective is to create a fair and transparent tax environment where compliant taxpayers are protected, and unfair trade practices are curbed.
The department is committed to taking strict action against those engaging in tax evasion and fraudulent activities, he added.
The State Taxes Department has urged all dealers to adhere to fair trade practices and refrain from tax evasion.
Businesses are advised to conduct invoice-based transactions, report actual sales, and pay the applicable GST in their monthly or quarterly returns to avoid penalties and enforcement actions.
The department remains committed to ensuring tax compliance and transparency, warning that strict action will be taken against those found violating GST laws.