Unavailability of sales tax forms leaves traders fuming

The unavailability of two sales tax forms — required for the declaration of inter-state transaction enabling huge tax benefits — has created panic among the business fraternity.

The unavailability of two sales tax forms — required for the declaration of inter-state transaction enabling huge tax benefits — has created panic among the business fraternity.

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The shortage of Form ‘C’ and Form ‘F’ with the sales tax department from the last two months has forced businessmen to procure the document from other states.

The declaration through Form C entitles a rebate of more than 11% — a businessman pays only 2% as against the 13.13%. Any inter-state stock transfer is declared against Form F.

Earlier, the forms were required by a businessman once a year as their sales declarations were required annually.

However, in the wake of the empowered group of state finance ministers making it mandatory to file declarations quarterly (every three months), the demand for more forms has increased manifold.

However, former vice-president of the district taxation bar association (DTBA), Gurgaon, Mukesh Sharma, blames the authorities concerned for the present state of affairs.

“The government should ensure that more forms are printed. We don’t know how to handle our clients who are deprived of tax benefits due to the crisis,” said Sharma.

JN Mangla, vice-president of an MSME body, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Haryana, said, “The only solution is to reintroduce the earlier rule of yearly declaration.”

Due to the crisis, one sales tax declarations are pending for the financial year in Gurgaon.

Deputy excise and tax commissioner of Gurgaon, Dilbagh Singh, says the pendency has accumulated over the last three years.

“We will sort out the issue within 10-15 days,” said Singh.