Disputes, Penalties, and Enforcement in GST (India) 1. GST Disputes Disputes in GST arise due to differences in tax interpretation, classification, valuation, input tax credit claims, and procedural lapses. Common types of GST disputes include: Tax Classification Disputes – Whether a product/service falls under 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% GST. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Disputes – Denial or reversal of ITC due to non-compliance by suppliers. Place of Supply Disputes – Whether a transaction is inter-state (IGST) or intra-state (CGST + SGST). Tax Evasion Allegations – Underreporting sales, issuing fake invoices, or claiming wrongful ITC. Resolution Mechanisms: GST Officer Adjudication – The first level of dispute resolution. Appeal to GST Appellate Authority (First Appeal) – Challenging an officer’s order. GST Appellate Tribunal (Second Appeal) – For disputes beyond the first appeal. High Court and Supreme Court – For constitutional or substantial legal issues. 2. GST Penalties Penalties under GST are imposed for various non-compliances, classified into monetary penalties, interest, and prosecution. Late Filing of GST Returns ₹50 per day (₹25 each for CGST & SGST), ₹20 per day for NIL returns. Tax Evasion (Section 122, CGST Act) ₹10,000 or 100% of tax evaded, whichever is higher. Wrong ITC Claims 100% of tax amount + interest at 18% per annum. Issuing Fake Invoices Penalty up to ₹50,000 or tax amount involved. Not Registering Under GST (If Required) ₹10,000 or tax evaded, whichever is higher. Obstruction of GST Officer Duties Fine up to ₹25,000. Failure to Maintain Accounts or Documents Fine up to ₹25,000. 3. GST Enforcement The GST Department, Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), and State GST authorities enforce GST compliance through: GST Audits – Conducted annually for businesses exceeding ₹5 crore turnover. Search and Seizure (Section 67, CGST Act) – Conducted in case of suspected tax evasion. Summons & Arrests (Section 69, CGST Act) – For serious fraud (evading ₹5 crore+ tax). E-Way Bill Compliance – Mandatory for goods transport; non-compliance leads to penalties.