Last week, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs warned everyone about fake GST summonses trying to trick people across the country. They said we should be careful and double-check if any messages we get from GST officials are real. It’s a reminder to stay alert and not fall for scams when dealing with taxes. Let’s learn all about the process to check a GST Notice.
Fake GST Summons: What’s Making Headlines?
According to a recent announcement by the CBIC, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) has detected a concerning trend wherein certain individuals with malicious intentions are fabricating and dispatching fake summons to taxpayers, irrespective of whether they are subjects of investigation by the DGGI.
“The counterfeit summons appear deceptively authentic, often bearing a Document Identification Number (DIN). However, it’s crucial to note that these DINs are not authorised by the DGGI for these entities. In response to this issue, the DGGI has taken decisive actions, including informing relevant authorities and lodging complaints with the Police against those responsible for generating and disseminating these fraudulent summonses,” stated an official spokesperson.
Furthermore, if your GST Registration is cancelled or is going to be cancelled as per GST Notice, you must read: How to Check a GST Notice: Real or Fake? or you can also consult a CA from our team.
Process to check a GST Notice whether fake or original
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) recommends utilising specific tools to verify the legitimacy of any communication, including summonses, from the department. Thus, the Taxpayers can follow the steps below:
- Visit DIN Search to verify the legitimacy of GST Notice.
2. Enter Document Identification Number (DIN) *
3. Type the characters you see in the image below*
4. Click on Submit
Which Documents Require a Document Identification Number (DIN)?
Establishing a Document Identification Number (DIN) on the Government portal facilitates the development of a digital repository for effectively tracking authentic Government communications. The documents that must be assigned a document identity number include:
- Search authorization letters
- Summons
- Arrest memos
- Inspection notices
- Letters issued during an inquiry
Reporting Suspected Fraudulent Summons to DGGI/CBIC
CBIC also recommends notifying the relevant DGGI/CBIC office without delay if individual taxpayers receive summonses that appear dubious or potentially counterfeit, enabling prompt verification and appropriate measures against perpetrators of such fraudulent actions.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to note the Ministry of Finance’s recent warning about the ongoing risks in the digital world. It’s easy for fraudsters to make things look real online. The actions taken by the DGGI and CBIC, along with tools for taxpayers to check, show a strong plan to keep taxpayers safe and make sure the tax system works well. We all need to stay alert and work together to fight fraud.
Also Read:
CBIC Introduces Two-Factor Authentication for E-Way Bill & E-Invoicing
Moreover, if you require any kind of guidance related to GST or need any assistance regarding GST Notices, please feel free to contact our business advisors at 8881-069-069.
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