Revocation of GST Registration Cancellation Allowed Upon Payment of Dues
Summary in Key Points:
- Issue: Whether the cancellation of an assessee’s GST registration can be revoked when the assessee has not filed returns for a continuous period but is willing to comply by filing returns and paying outstanding dues.
- Facts: The assessee’s registration was cancelled for non-filing of GST returns for six months. The assessee expressed willingness to file all pending returns and pay any outstanding tax, interest, and penalty.
- Decision: The High Court, following the precedent set in Mohanty Enterprises v. Commissioner, CT & GST, allowed the assessee to apply for revocation of the cancellation order upon fulfilling certain conditions.
Decision:
The High Court ruled in favor of the assessee, allowing them to apply for revocation of the cancellation of their GST registration upon fulfilling the following conditions:
- Filing of Returns: The assessee must furnish all pending GST returns, which they failed to submit earlier.
- Payment of Dues: The assessee must deposit all outstanding dues of tax, interest, and penalty along with their application for revocation.
- Consideration by Authority: Upon receiving the application with the pending returns and dues, the competent authority should consider the assessee’s application and pass an appropriate order.
Important Note: This case demonstrates the High Court’s inclination towards allowing taxpayers to rectify their mistakes and continue their business operations if they demonstrate a genuine willingness to comply with GST regulations. By giving the assessee a chance to revoke the cancellation, the court encourages tax compliance and facilitates business continuity. This approach aligns with the principles of natural justice and provides a fair opportunity to taxpayers who are willing to fulfill their tax obligations.
| a. | Issue a writ, order or direction, in the nature of certiorari quashing the impugned Order for Cancellation of Registration bearing Reference No. ZA0512220150146 dated 20/12/2022 (Annexure-1) issued by the Respondent; |
| b. | Issue a writ, order or direction, in the nature of Certiorari quashing the impugned Show Cause Notice for Cancellation of Registration bearing Reference No. ZA051222006324A dated 09/12/2022 (Annexure-2) issued by the Respondent; |
| c. | Issue a writ, order or direction, in the nature of mandamus directing the Respondent to revive the GST registration of the Petitioner; |
| d. | Issue any other writ, order or direction and/or allow any other consequential relief as expedient in law, on the facts and circumstances of the case.” |