GST notices based on UPI transactions: K'taka traders on warpath, official tells action as per law
GST
Dated:- 23-7-2025
PTI
Bengaluru, Jul 23 (PTI) Amid rising concerns among traders in Karnataka over the issuance of nearly 6,000 GST demand notices based on UPI transaction data, a top tax official has termed the action as within the framework of law.
Traders' bodies have called for a strike over the matter.
Speaking to PTI, Meera Suresh Pandit, Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, also clarified that notices are not final tax demands and the recipients have the right to respond with supporting documentation. If the reply is convincing or the goods and services are exempted under the GST Act, notices will be dropped, she added.
Reacting to the issue of notices sent to traders based on UPI transactions, a number of traders associations in the state have given a call to the traders to boycott UPI transactions. They have also called for a strike on July 25.
Responding t
= = = = = = = =
Plain text (Extract) only
For full text:-Visit the Source
= = = = = = = =
es that they may be liable to register under GST,” Pandit said, adding that notices were based only on preliminary data, not final determinations.
The officer said the department is not aware whether the turnover is entirely exempted, partially taxable, or fully taxable. That is why the notice includes a proposal to register and pay applicable taxes, interest, and penalties.
“If the turnover is completely exempted from goods or services like tuition fees, the registration is not required. If the reply is convincing, the notice will be dropped and proceedings will close with a nil demand,” Pandit clarified.
She also addressed doubts prevailing among the trading circles.
“Some innocent traders are being carried away, hoping every notice will be withdrawn. Some are being misled. But if they want relief within legal provisions, I request them to come to the department. We will guide them as per the law,” the Joint Commissioner said.
“Calling for a 'Bandh' will not serve the purpose. T
= = = = = = = =
Plain text (Extract) only
For full text:-Visit the Source
= = = = = = = =
ensure every opportunity is given. When you buy a plot, you go to the sub-registrar's office without being told. Likewise, traders should know applicable tax laws. Ignorance cannot be an excuse. The department is always there to guide,” she said.
Trade activist Sajjanraj Mehta raised concerns over the fairness of recent GST notices.
He stated that while the Commercial Taxes Department is legally within its powers to use such data, the lack of prior warning, context, and education has created confusion.
“Many small traders were unaware that their UPI inflows, often a mix of business and personal transactions, would be treated as undeclared turnover,” Mehta told PTI.
“The fairness issue lies not in enforcement itself, but in the suddenness and lack of clarity,” he added.
Mehta stressed that the department should differentiate between exempt and taxable goods before sending notices.
Issuing notices without accounting for exempt goods like fruits, vegetables, or unbranded food items
= = = = = = = =
Plain text (Extract) only
For full text:-Visit the Source
= = = = = = = =