New Delhi: Seeking consumers' participation in curbing tax evasion, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on the eve of completion of one year of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout on Sunday appealed to them to insist on bill for every purchase saying it would help the government check evasion and reduce tax rate on each item by as much as four-five percent.
He further said the government would start a three-digit consumer helpline number to enable them to lodge complaint against erring traders or any other kind of tax evasion.
Touted as the biggest indirect tax reform since Independence, GST was rolled out on 1 July, 2017.
File image of Piyush Goyal. PTI
File image of Piyush Goyal. PTI
“I want to appeal to the people that they should demand a bill whenever they go to purchase any goods. If you start asking for a bill...if there's awareness about this, then we can reduce rates by 4-5 percent for every item (under GST) (sic),” Goyal told reporters here.
He said if any shop says that they will sell at a lower price if the consumer does not demand a bill, then the consumer should immediately file a complaint.
“We will soon provide a three-digit simple number which will work as a call centre where customers can complain. We will ensure full confidentiality of the complainant,” Goyal said.
He said the endeavour will be to start the helpline number within 15-20 days.
A nationwide campaign too could be launched for creating consumer awareness about demanding bills for purchases made.