Category: Technology

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Technology

GST Network Starts Providing Auto-Drafted ITC Statement GSTR-2B to Assist Taxpayers in Determining ITC Liability

Documentation of tax | Representational Image (Photo Credits: Pexels)

The GST Network (GSTN) on Saturday started providing auto-drafted input tax credit (ITC) statement GSTR-2B to taxpayers. The newly launched initiative would assist the taxpayers in determining their ITC liability. GSTR-2B will be generated on GST portal for every registered person on the basis of the information furnished by his suppliers. It will be made available for each month, on the 12th day of the succeeding month, GSTN said in a statement. Moreover, it is expected that GSTR-2B will help in reduction in time taken for preparing return, minimising errors, assist reconciliation & simplify compliance relating to filing of returns.

The GST Network handles the IT backbone of Goods and Services Tax (GST). “It is expected that GSTR-2B will help in reduction in time taken for preparing return, minimising errors, assisting reconciliation and simplify compliance relating to filing of returns,” it said.

Key features in GSTR-2B which would assist taxpayers in return filing are as under:

  1. It contains information on import of goods from the ICEGATE system including inward supplies of goods received from Special Economic Zones Units / Developers. This is not available with the release of GSTR-2B for the month of July and will be made available shortly.
  2. A summary statement which shows all the ITC available and non-available under each section. The advisory given against each section clarifies the action to be taken by the taxpayers in their respective section of GSTR-3B;
  3. Document level details of all invoices, credit notes, debit notes etc. is also provided both for viewing and download.
  4. GSTR-2B for the month of July 2020 has been made available on the common portal on trial basis.

Since, this is the first time that the statement is being introduced, taxpayers are advised to refer to GSTR-2B for the month of July, 2020 only for feedback purposes. All taxpayers are requested to go through their GSTR-2B for July 2020 and after comparing the same with the credit availed by them in July 2020, provide feedback (if any) on any aspect of GSTR-2B by raising a ticket on the self-service portal (https://selfservice.gstsystem.in/). All taxpayers are advised to view the detailed advisory relating to GSTR-2B on the common portal before using the statement.

The GST Council, in its 39th meeting held on March 14, 2020, had recommended to adopt and implement the incremental approach of linking the present system of filing of GSTR-3B and GSTR-1 and other significant changes like enhancements in GSTR-2A and its linking to GSTR-3B. One such enhancement that the Council recommended was introduction of an auto-drafted input tax credit (ITC) statement which would aid in assisting / determining the input tax credit that is available for every taxpayer.

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Technology

Aadhaar Authentication to Help Businesses Get GST Registration Within 3 Days

Aadhaar For All (Photo Credits: Facebook)

In what is believed to be a major boost for businesses in India, the businesses that provide Aadhaar number while applying for registration under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will get the approval in three working days. Last week, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) had notified Aadhaar authentication for GST registration with effect from August 21, 2020. The notification also provides that in case businesses do not provide Aadhaar number, then GST registration would be granted only after physical verification of the place of business.

Sources believe that the Aadhaar authentication is expected to facilitate genuine and honest taxpayers while at the same time keeping fake and fraudulent entities away from GST.

Two important things to know:

  1. For a person opting for Aadhaar authentication for new GST registration would get it within just three working days, if no notice is issued and would not need to wait for physical verification.
  2. While applicants not opting for Aadhaar authentication for GST registration would be granted it only after physical verification of the place of business or documentary verification which may take up to 21 working days or more if notice is issued, sources said.

According to a report by PTI, sources of the Finance Ministry said the GST Council in its 39th meeting held on March 14, 2020, had approved operationalisation of Aadhaar authentication for new taxpayers. However, its implementation was postponed due to the lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic.

Sources further said that keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in view, it has been provided that the officer may, if the circumstances warrant, opt for asking for additional documents in lieu of the pre-registration for physical verification of the premises.

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Technology

How Outdated Software Can Put Your Business at Risk

Security Risks of using an Outdated Software

Technology is the key to a successful business and software is the pulse of your technology. Outdated software risk, which is also known as legacy software, cannot be overlooked within a business. A business should replace the old software before any critical issue occurs. This issue can be detrimental to your business if you do not upgrade it with a new system. However, upgrading your software is not an overnight decision and comes with many challenges like staff training, data migration, etc. 

Let’s discuss a few issues that can be detrimental for your business if you do not change your outdated software:

1. Increased failure rate

We all live and work in an on-demand society, where your customers expect uninterrupted and reliable services that are available at their leisure. While using outdated or legacy software, if any unavoidable issue occurs, then you and your customers can face a service downturn. This issue can damage your brand image and you can lose your customers to your competitors, who probably have new or better software. Outdated software risk may slow down your business growth.

Increased failure rates can also have an impact on your pocket with extra costs, such as:  

  • If you have outdated software risk, then you can lose some of your sales.
  • Outdated software risk affects employee productivity as a lot of time will be wasted in fixing and maintaining software.
  • IT and data recovery costs also can affect your pocket.
  • Your brand image can go down.

2. Regulatory and legal outdated software risk

You can be a prime target for data thieves and hackers if your software is outdated. If you are not focusing on updating your software, then you can increase the risk for your business. You can break regulations if you are using outdated software. Although there are laws on data storage that ensures your data is secure, but if your technology is unsupported, then you might face detrimental consequences. It is more important to have data security as many companies do online transactions to avoid outdated software security risk.

3. Increased cost

Outdated or legacy software can be costly to maintain. Although, the new software will come at a price, but you will likely face less risk and will be able to save money in the long run. Updated or new software ensures that your employees are well-armed with the right technology. The outdated software security risk is likely to use more electricity, which can also add to the cost factor in your budget. 

4. Security

A Microsoft study shows that with updated technology, companies can avoid 70-80% of top malware detected. Old software puts your company data at risk all the time. The purpose of the update is to fix the security flaws. Many automatically rolled cloud-based software are there to give you security updates and protect your business data. However, if you are using any unsupported and outdated technology, the critical updates will not be available and your data can be breached. Outdated software risk means you are more vulnerable to attack by hackers and data thieves.

Perks of upgrading to new software:

  • Upgrading your software can reduce your IT costs by 66%.
  • It will help you to compete against large organizations.
  • Using a cloud can help you with security advantages.
  • Updated or new software allows you to grow your business faster by 49%, whereas outdated software risks may slow down your business.
  • The upgraded software will add new features, which will help you to work smoothly.

It is even more important and essential for a business to have the right software, as technology continues to develop. By upgrading your software, you ensure that you are ready for the future and are in a good position to compete with other competitors out there. With an updated armory which is your software, you will have the power to manage your processes, connect your departments, and grow your business faster.