He said rules are being framed under Orissa Sales Tax (Settlement of Arrears) Act 2011. Once the rules are framed, dealers in the state will be educated through workshops.

The finance department also plans to introduce e-refunds. According to this facility, if the dealers have paid surplus tax, they can get it back. It has been decided to set up help desks in all sales tax circle offices to provide e-services to small dealers. Asked if the base rate of VAT in the state will be hiked, the official said, no decision has been taken yet.

The Hota committee, an expert committee formed by the state government to suggest revenue enhancement measures, had recommended hike in base VAT rate in the state from four per cent to five per cent.

Source: Business Standard, India,  dated 14/11/2011