GST: Buyers, sellers can communicate on GSTN portal

The GST Network (GSTN) has unveiled a new feature on its portal that'll allow taxpayers to communicate with each other. The feature is aimed at easing the compliance burden by allowing GST registered buyers and suppliers to communicate with each other to clarify certain issues, writes ETV Bharat's Krishnanand Tripathi.

New Delhi:In yet another taxpayer-friendly measure that will also ease the compliance burden, the GST Network that provides a platform to taxpayers to file GST returns and claim input tax credit among other things, Monday unveiled a new feature on its portal that will allow taxpayers to communicate with each other.

The ‘Communication between Taxpayers’ feature will allow GST registered buyers and suppliers to communicate with each other to clarify certain issues for better compliance.

For example, a buyer can ask the supplier to upload the GST invoice of a particular transaction if it was not uploaded by the supplier within a reasonable time. GST invoice is required to avail the input tax credit (ITC) under the GST.

“The recipient of goods can communicate with his supplier on GSTN portal about invoice uploading or any deficiency therein. Also, the supplier can send a reply to his recipient through the same facility,” said an official.

The officials said, similarly the supplier can also send a notification to his recipient about any document uploaded in an outward supply statement filed in the GSTR-1 form.

Officials said whenever a communication would be sent by a taxpayer, from buyer to supplier or vice-versa, the GSTN portal would also send a message to the receiver through email and SMS.

“This facility is expected to help taxpayers in reconciliation of invoices,” officials said.

“A buyer whose supplier has not uploaded the sale invoice on GSTN portal can now clearly convey to his supplier that the invoices be uploaded forthwith,” said an official.

Officials said it will help taxpayers in remaining compliant as suppliers are expected to report all invoices on the basis that a buyer is availing input tax credit.

Officials said the GSTN is planning to launch more features in this tool such as the option to import invoices from the communication facility to GSTR 1.