The goods and services tax (GST) council will take decisions on waiving disputed tax liabilities of certain industries based on a new provision that the federal indirect tax body inserted in tax laws at its meeting last Saturday, according to two persons with knowledge of the matter.
The new provision—Section 11 A of Central GST (CGST) Act—gives the government the power to not recover certain dues and close disputes on an “as is” basis at its discretion. Individual tax officials will not be able to take decisions on such disputes, the people added on condition of anonymity.
While the provision does not mention specific industries, online gaming companies and alcoholic spirit makers are pinning hopes on it to get waiver from the GST council on their alleged tax dues.
“This provision (section 11A) is not specific to any industry. It can be invoked when required. The GST council will decide,” the first person cited above said.
Emailed queries sent on Wednesday to the spokesperson for the finance ministry and to the GST council remained unanswered at the time of publishing.
Source: LiveMint
