Meaning and Types of Assessments
Assessment is calculation of tax liability of the taxpayer under GST law. It is the process of figuring out how much tax is to be paid by an individual each month.
There are various types of assessments under GST. They are as follows:
- Self Assessment - Comes under Section 59 done by the taxpayer himself or herself
- Provisional Assessment - Comes under Section 60 done by tax authorities
- Scrutiny Assessment - Comes under Section 61 done by tax authorities
- Best Judgment Assessment - Done by tax authorities
- Assessment of non-filers of Returns - Comes under Section 62
- Assessment of Unregistered Persons - Comes under Section 63
- Summary Assessment - Comes under Section 64 done by tax authorities
Self-Assessment
Every person who is a registered taxable person can assess his tax liability on his or her own and furnish returns for each taxation period. GST also allows self-assessment just like the other tax liabilities such as VAT, Excise, and Service Tax under the current taxation regime. Self-assessment is stated under Section 59 of the GST Act.
After doing self-assessment, the person is required to pay tax based on this assessment.
In this regard, Section 59 of the GST Act states, “Every registered person shall self-assess the taxes payable under this Act and furnish a return for each tax period as specified under section 39.”
Provisional Assessment
Under section If an assessee is unable to determine his tax liability value or rate he or she can request the officer for provisional assessment. Provisional assessment can be requested if the assessee is unable to determine value due to -
- Difficulty in calculating the transaction value.
- Understanding whether certain receipts can be included or not.
If the assessee is unable to determine the rate of tax due to -
- Difficulty in classifying the goods/services.
- Identifying whether certain receipts should be included or not.
Procedure for Provisional Assessment
- The assessee has to request the GST officer for provisional assessments in writing.
- Within 90 days of receipt of such request the officer will pass an order after reviewing the application. This order is for allowing a payment of tax on provisional basis or at a GST rate or value specified by him.
- The assessee who is making payment on provisional basis has to issue a bond with a security promising to pay the difference amount between provisionally assessed tax and final assessed tax.
- The GST officer will pass the final assessment within a period of six months from the date of order of provisional payment.
- Provisional assessment will be followed by final assessments.
Interest Payable for Provisional Assessment
If in any case the taxpayer is liable to pay more tax after final assessment than paid at the time of provisional assessment, the person is liable to pay interest at a specified rate on such tax payments.
The interest to be paid by the taxpayer is calculated from the actual due date of tax till the actual tax payment made. The interest will be charged maximum at the rate of 18%.
Refund under Provisional Assessment
If in any case the taxpayer was liable to pay less after the final assessment than paid at the time of provisional assessment, the person will be refunded back with the same amount as well as interest will be paid on such refund under section 56. The rate of interest paid will be maximum 6%.
Time Limit for Final Assessments
The final assessment will be done within 6 months of the provisional assessment. The time limit can be extended for 6 months by the Joint or Additional Commissioner. The commissioner can even extend this time period to 4 years if required.
Best Judgment Assessment
The Assessing Officer under this assessment has an obligation to make an assessment of the total income or less of a taxpayer to the best of his judgment in the following cases.
Assessment of non-filers of returns
Under section 62, in case a taxpayer fails to furnish the returns even after the notice under section 46, a GST officer is required to conduct an assessment. The GST officer in this case assesses the tax liability of the taxpayer to the best of his judgement, taking into consideration all the relevant materials that are available.
The officer can issue an assessment order within a period of five years from the date of furnishing of the annual return for the financial year for which the tax has not been paid. After receiving this order, if the concerned taxpayer furnishes a valid return within 30 days from the issue of the assessment order, the order can be withdrawn.
In this case, the taxpayer will be liable to pay a late fee under section 47 and/or interest under section 50(1).
Assessment of Unregistered Person
Under section 63, if any taxpayer fails to obtain a GST registration or whose registration has been canceled under section 29(2), even if he is liable to be registered and pay tax, the GST officer can process his or her tax liability to the best of his judgment. This has to be done for the relevant period for which the tax is unpaid. The officer can issue an assessment order within five years from the date specified under section 44 for furnishing annual returns for the financial year for which taxes are unpaid.
Summary Assessment
This type of assessment is stated under Section 64. The authorized office is required to obtain prior permission from additional commissioner or joint commissioner to take this assessment. To protect the interest of revenue, a GST officer can proceed to assess the tax liability of a person showing a tax liability with any evidence. The officer can also issue an assessment order if he has proof that the delay in assessment can adversely affect the interest of revenue.
Consequences and penalties of non compliance under GST
Failure to comply with GST assessments can lead to serious consequences, such as penalties, interest charges, and even legal action. Non-filers may incur additional fines, while incorrect filings may trigger audits, scrutiny, and assessments by tax authorities.
- Penalties: Penalties apply for underreporting taxes, failing to register, and late tax payments. Interest is also charged on unpaid taxes.
- Prosecution: In cases of intentional fraud, tax evasion, or major non-compliance, taxpayers may face criminal charges and prosecution.
Non-compliance with GST requirements can lead to serious consequences, such as penalties, interest charges, and even prosecution. Understanding GST laws can be complex, especially for non-experts. To ensure accurate compliance, it’s wise to seek professional assistance. Tax2win’s experts are here to guide you through GST registration and filing, making compliance simple and stress-free. So, don’t let a lack of knowledge steal your peace of mind, and Book an expert now!
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