State’s GST collections down by 24% in July
The HinduTamil Nadu’s Goods and Services Tax collections declined 24% to ₹4,635 crore in July this year, compared to ₹6,084 crore in July 2019, according to data released by the Union Finance Ministry on Saturday. As the State’s GST collections continue to fall with the lockdown affecting economic activity and consumption, a senior government official said businesses continued to struggle because of the pandemic, and they were granted an extension of time. Pointing out that compared to June, receipts from compensation and the Integrated Goods & Services Tax had fallen, the official said, “We expect things to normalise in the coming months as consumption picks up.” The State government has been demanding that the Centre compensate the States for the revenue shortfall in keeping with its commitment and look for alternative sources of funds for the compensation. We will have to accept the grim realities of lower revenue and higher deficits and take slow and steady steps towards recovery,” said K. Vaitheeswaran, a Chennai-based advocate and tax consultant.