Threshold for Audit

Every registered taxable person whose turnover during a financial year exceeds the prescribed limit [as per the latest GST Rules, the turnover limit is above Rs 2 crore] shall get his accounts audited by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant. He shall electronically file:

• - An annual return using the Form GSTR 9 by 31st December of the next Financial Year*
• - The audited copy of the annual accounts
• - A certified reconciliation statement in the form GSTR-9C, reconciling the value of supplies declared in the return with the audited annual financial statement
• - And other particulars as prescribed

Audit by Tax Authorities

• - The Commissioner of CGST/SGST (or any officer authorized by him) may conduct an audit of a taxpayer. The frequency and manner of an audit will be prescribed later.
• - A notice will be sent to the auditee at least 15 days before.
• - The audit will be completed within 3 months from the date of commencement of the audit.
• - The Commissioner can extend the audit period for a further six months with reasons recorded in writing.

Obligations of the Auditee

The taxable person will be required to:

• - Provide the necessary facility to verify the books of account/other documents as required
• - To give information and assistance for timely completion of the audit.

Findings of Audit

On conclusion of an audit, the officer will inform the taxable person within 30 days of:

• - the findings
• - their reasons, and
• - the taxable person’s rights and obligations

If the audit results in detection of unpaid/short paid tax or wrong refund or wrong input tax credit availed, then demand and recovery actions will be initiated.

When can a special audit be initiated?

The Assistant Commissioner may initiate the special audit, considering the nature and complexity of the case and interest of revenue. If he is of the opinion during any stage of scrutiny/ inquiry/investigation that the value has not been correctly declared or the wrong credit has been availed then special audit can be initiated.

A special audit can be conducted even if the taxpayer’s books have already been audited before.

Who will order and conduct a special audit?

The Assistant Commissioner (with the prior approval of the Commissioner) can order for special audit (in writing). The special audit will be carried out by a chartered accountant or a cost accountant nominated by the Commissioner.

Time limit for special audit

The auditor will have to submit the report within 90 days. This may be further extended by the tax officer for 90 days on an application made by the taxable person or the auditor.

Cost

The expenses for examination and audit including the auditor’s remuneration will be determined and paid by the Commissioner.

Findings of special audit

The taxable person will be given an opportunity of being heard in findings of the special audit.
If the audit results in detection of unpaid/short paid tax or wrong refund or input tax credit wrongly availed then demand and recovery actions will be initiated.
Thus, GST is a completely new tax regime already taking India by storm. Businesses will face challenges in transition and application of GST. To know more about GST, feel free to read more of our articles on our blog.