GST officials conduct search, seizure operations in Kohima

KOHIMA, JUNE 24 (MExN): GST field officials, under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of State Taxes, Kohima Ward-B, conducted inspection, search and seizure operations across commercial establishments in Kohima on June 23 and 24 as part of efforts to strengthen tax compliance and ensure transparency in business transactions.

The inspections were carried out under Section 67 of the Nagaland Goods and Services Tax (NGST) Act, 2017, the State DIPR reported. 

During the exercise, officials examined whether registered businesses were issuing proper tax invoices to customers as mandated under Section 31 of the Act. 

Shop owners were asked to produce sales records, purchase invoices, stock registers and other relevant documents for verification.

The inspection team also scrutinised the accuracy of GST returns filed by the establishments, with particular focus on reconciling sales and purchase figures reported in returns with actual business records maintained by traders.

Officials further conducted physical stock verification to determine whether stocks available at business premises and godowns matched the quantities reflected in books of accounts and GST records. 

Any discrepancies detected were documented for further examination and action under the provisions of the GST law.

During the inspections, field officials seized documents related to sales transactions, including cash memos and bills, for detailed scrutiny and assessment.

Traders and shop owners were advised to maintain records as required under Section 35 of the NGST Act, issue genuine tax invoices for every transaction, and file GST returns accurately and within prescribed timelines to avoid penalties and legal consequences.

The department informed that similar inspections would continue in different parts of Kohima in the coming weeks as part of its ongoing enforcement and awareness initiatives, the report added.