After
the implementation of the VAT across the state on April 1,
2006, commercial tax consultants had many queries related to
audit procedure and audit forms. The SGTBA members had made
representations to the government for clarification on the
issue, but they had failed to get a proper response on it.
The
SGTBA held the strike outside the Sales Tax office near Makkai
Bridge on Monday, to protest against the government inaction
on the issue. They also requested the state government to make
certain changes in the audit report form no. 217, and release
informative books about the audit procedure, in the memo
submitted to the DC.
SGTBA
president Prashant Shah said, "VAT was implemented in
Gujarat a year later than other states in the country. Without
proper homework, the state government had introduced VAT. The
state government had also made certain changes in the forms,
resulting in businessmen and the tax consultants facing
difficulties. The textile association, tax consultants and
other business associations have also made representation to
the state government regularly about the queries in the audit
procedure and forms."
SGTBA
vice-president Kumar Dave said, "Under section 63,
businessmen having a turnover of Rs 1 crore should compulsory
maintain their account books and undergo audit. The state
government has released the forms after 17 months. The tax
consultants are faced difficulties in filling up the forms. If
our demands are not fulfilled, we will continue with the
agitation."
