If GST (Goods and Services Tax) is collected but not deposited with the government, the person responsible for the collection, typically the taxpayer (business), is liable for penalties and legal action under Indian law. The consequences can include the following: 1. Interest Liability: Interest is levied on the amount of GST that was collected but not paid to the government. The rate of interest is typically 18% per annum as per Section 50 of the CGST Act, 2017. The interest is calculated from the date on which the GST was due for payment to the government until the date it is actually paid. 2. Penalty for Non-Payment: A penalty may be imposed for failure to pay the collected GST within the prescribed time. This penalty can be as high as 100% of the tax due in cases of fraud or willful default. For cases without fraud or willful negligence, the penalty may be lower, typically around 10% of the tax due. 3. Action Under Section 74 of the CGST Act: If the failure to deposit the GST is deemed willful and involves fraudulent intent, legal proceedings may be initiated under Section 74 of the CGST Act. The person may be charged with a penalty, and in severe cases, it could lead to criminal action. The business may also face a show cause notice from the GST department to explain the reasons for non-depositing the tax. 4. Criminal Liability: In cases where the GST collected is not paid and the non-payment is fraudulent, a criminal prosecution can be initiated under the CGST Act. The penalties can range from imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years and a fine. If the amount of tax evaded exceeds ₹5 crore, the punishment could be more severe, with imprisonment up to 5 years. 5. GST Registration Cancellation: Failure to comply with the provisions of the GST law, including non-payment of the collected GST, can lead to the cancellation of GST registration by the GST authorities. This means that the business will no longer be authorized to collect GST or avail of input tax credit, affecting its ability to operate. 6. Impact on Credit and Reputation: Non-payment of GST can result in the loss of input tax credit for customers or clients of the business. The business may face reputational damage and may find it difficult to get favorable terms with vendors, clients, or financial institutions. 7. Rectification and Voluntary Disclosure: If the non-payment is discovered by the taxpayer, it can voluntarily pay the tax along with interest and penalty. This can help in reducing the penalty, as the government may show leniency for voluntary disclosure. However, the tax authorities still have the discretion to impose penalties and interest, even in cases of voluntary rectification. Conclusion: The non-deposit of GST collected from customers is a serious offense under Indian law. Businesses are obligated to pay the collected GST to the government within the prescribed timelines. Failure to do so results in penalties, interest, and potential legal action, including criminal prosecution in cases of fraud. Therefore, businesses must ensure timely and accurate remittance of GST to avoid these consequences.