Introduction of Manual Checks in IGST Refunds
In a bid to attenuate tax fraud using bogus bills, the Central Board of tax and Customs (CBIC) introduced “Manual check” for its Customs and GST formation before the issuance of IGST refunds. However, the notion was perceived as a setback to the automated GST refund process by many, creating a misleading impression that genuine exporters would suffer on account of the newly introduced verification process. To clear the air on an equivalent, CBIC released a press note, stating that the newly introduced system of manual check shall only target the exporters perceived as risky on the idea of pre-defined parameters. The CBIC has also assured the real exporters that they might still get their IGST refunds during a timely manner during a fully automated environment. In May this year, it had been proposed to automate the whole refund for exports. Risky Exporters under GST The exporters suspected of indulging into large scale frauds concerning Integrated Goods & Services Tax (