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GST Practitioner
In the complex landscape of India's GST regime, GST practitioners serve as invaluable allies to businesses, ensuring compliance, optimizing tax liability, and providing strategic tax planning. Understanding how to engage with and benefit from the services of a GST practitioner is crucial for any business operating under this tax system.
GST practitioners help businesses navigate the intricate GST regulations, making them essential partners in achieving compliance and financial efficiency.
This blog aims to provide a thorough understanding of what GST practitioners do, how to become one or find one, and the benefits they bring to businesses.
How to become a Certified GST Practitioner ?
GST law is a new and evolving indirect tax law in India. Thus, it is bound to raise doubts in the minds of taxpayers concerning registrations, return filings, refund claims and other compliances under GST. Understanding this, the Government has introduced the concept of GST practitioners to assist taxpayers in GST compliances.
Importance of certification by GSTP Exam
Once enrolled as a GST practitioner, the person must pass the GSTP examination within two years of enrolment. An exception to this is that if a person is enrolled as a GSTP before 1st of July 2018, he shall get one more year to pass the examination.
A GST practitioner files essential data/information on behalf of the taxpayer. Considering the importance of the work done by the GST practitioner, he must be registered on the GST Portal and must pass an exam to obtain a certificate, before he can start his own practice.
Obtaining certification of GST Practitioner (GSTP) helps to increase credibility and trust for the services provided by the practitioner, in the eyes of the taxpayer.
Steps to be a certified GST practitioner
Following steps must be followed by an individual to become a certified GST practitioner:
Step 1: Register on the GST portal as GST practitioner in Form PCT-01 and obtain Enrollment certificate in Form PCT-02
Upload necessary details for registration as ‘GST practitioner’ on the portal. GSTN will generate a Temporary reference number (TRN) and verify these details through an OTP sent on the registered mobile number. Upload supporting documents and submit the application through DSC or EVC. An acknowledgement with the GSTP Enrollment number is received on registered email ID within fifteen days.
Step 2: Appearing for the GSTP Exam conducted by NACIN for certificationWithin two years of enrollment on the GST portal, appear for the GSTP exam conducted by NACIN paying requisite fees. Candidates must score minimum 50% of the total marks to qualify as certified GSTP. The list of enrolled GSTP would then be available on the GST common portal for the taxpayers to exercise their choice.
Pre-requisites for the GSTP exam
If the candidate fulfils the basic conditions, he must enrol himself on the GST portal for GST practitioner in Form PCT-01 and obtain the enrolment number in Form PCT-02 from the concerned officer after due enquiry. He must then appear for the GSTP exam to get certified.
GST Practitioner Examination procedure
The examination for enrolment as GST practitioner would be conducted by NACIN (The National Academy of Customs and Indirect taxes and Narcotics). https://nacen.gov.in/
Date of exam:
The exams are conducted twice a year across India at designated centres. The candidate can opt for the centre of his choice. The date of exam is notified by NACIN and is available on the GST portal, GST Council Secretariat and in the leading English and regional newspapers.
Registration:
The registration for this exam can be done on nacin.onlineregistrationform.org. Candidates are required to login with the help of GST enrolment number (user id) and PAN (password).
Fees:
Examination fees need to be paid by the candidate at the time of enrolment. The applicable fees will be specified on the NACIN website, along with the manner of payment.
Nature of exam:
It is a computer-based test consisting of Multiple-Choice Questions only.
Result declaration:
NACIN shall declare the result within one month of the conduct of examination and would be communicated to the candidate by email/post.
Passing marks:
In order to become a GSTP, the person must score at least 50% of the total marks. The person is required to pass the exam within a period of 2 years of enrolment. There is no limit on the number of attempts taken by the candidate during the said period of 2 years.
Examination syllabus:
Paper: ‘GST law and procedure’ would cover the following legislation:
- The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
- The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
- All the States Goods and Services Tax Acts of 2017
- The Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
- The Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, 2017
- The Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017
- The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017
- All the States Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017
- Notifications, Circulars and orders issued from time to time under the said Acts and Rules.
Do’s and Dont’s for GSTP exam
Do’s:
- Register for the exam on the NACIN website well in advance.
- Pay examination fees.
- Study the GST laws and return filing processes thoroughly.
- Stay updated with amendments in GST law
- Carry original identity documents such as PAN, Voter ID & Passport.
- Carry the Admit card to the examination hall
Don’ts:
- Arriving late by half an hour for the examination. Gates close fifteen minutes before the commencement of the exam.
- Bring prohibited items such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices inside the examination hall.
- Use unfair means or practices during the examination.
- Tamper with the hardware/software deployed for the examination.
- Misbehave in the exam centre in any manner.
Role and Responsibilities of GST Practitioners
Core Responsibilities
GST practitioners are authorized representatives who handle various GST compliance-related tasks on behalf of taxpayers. Their core responsibilities include:
- Filing Returns: Preparing and submitting GST returns on behalf of clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness to avoid penalties.
- Tax Payment Assistance: Helping businesses calculate their tax liabilities and ensuring that the correct amounts are paid on time.
- Record Maintenance: Assisting in maintaining proper records of transactions, invoices, and other necessary documents required for GST compliance.
- Advisory Services: Offering expert advice on GST matters, including updates on changes in the law, optimization of tax credits, and effective tax planning strategies.
Ethical Standards and Legal Compliance
GST practitioners are bound by specific ethical and legal standards set forth by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC):
- Confidentiality: They must maintain the confidentiality of all client information unless disclosure is legally mandated.
- Integrity: Practitioners are expected to perform their duties honestly and without indulging in any form of fraud or misrepresentation.
- Professional Competence: They should possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide competent professional services.
Registration Process for GST Practitioners
Steps to Become a Registered Practitioner
The registration process for becoming a GST practitioner is streamlined and accessible via the GST portal:
- Eligibility Check: Applicants must meet educational and experience criteria, typically including a degree in commerce, law, banking, business administration or management, and relevant GST training.
- Registration on GST Portal: Applicants need to register on the GST portal, providing details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and details of professional experience.
- Examination: Aspiring practitioners must pass an exam conducted by the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) to qualify.
Documentation and Verification
Required documents for registration typically include:
- Educational Certificates: Proof of requisite educational qualifications.
- Identification Proof: Government-issued ID such as Aadhar card, PAN card.
- Address Proof: Documents verifying the applicant’s address.
Services Offered by GST Practitioners
Comprehensive List of Services
GST practitioners provide a broad range of services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses in managing GST:
- GST Registration Services: Assisting businesses in obtaining GST registration and managing subsequent amendments or cancellations.
- Compliance Audit: Conducting audits to ensure that all GST-related processes and documents comply with the regulations.
- Refund Processing: Facilitating the processing of GST refunds where applicable, ensuring that businesses reclaim any excess GST paid.
- Representation: Representing businesses before GST authorities in case of disputes, audits, or inquiries.
Specializations
Some GST practitioners may specialize in specific industries or types of transactions, offering tailored advice that addresses particular complexities of those sectors or activities.
Finding a GST Practitioner
Resources for Locating Practitioners
Businesses can find qualified GST practitioners through various channels:
- GST Portal: The official GST portal lists registered practitioners, accessible to all taxpayers.
- Professional Bodies: Organizations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) or the Institute of Cost Accountants of India often have directories of their members who are registered GST practitioners.
Vetting Process
To ensure that a GST practitioner is credible and well-suited for your business needs, consider the following steps:
- Check Credentials: Verify their qualifications and registration status on the GST portal.
- Review Experience: Assess their experience, especially in handling businesses similar to yours.
- Seek References: Ask for references or testimonials from other businesses.
Conclusion
Engaging a GST practitioner can significantly alleviate the complexities associated with GST compliance, allowing businesses to focus more on their core activities. By understanding the roles, services, and ways to find a competent GST practitioner, businesses can make informed decisions that enhance their compliance and operational efficiency.
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