The Goods and Services Tax Network ( GSTN ), on November 8th 2024 has announced that Forms GST SPL-01 and SPL-02, for availing the waiver of interest and penalties under Section 128A of the GST Act will be rolled out in January 2025. This development arises from the recommendation made by the GST Council in its 53rd meeting on June 22, 2024, aimed at reducing tax disputes and providing relief to taxpayers. The Council approved waivers for interest and penalties on demand notices or orders issued under Section 73 of the CGST Act, 2017, specifically for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.
This waiver applies only to cases not involving fraud, suppression, or willful misstatement, provided the full tax demanded is paid by March 31, 2025. Master GST Notice Replies – Drafting 20 Notices, Including Appeals – Register Now To facilitate the implementation of this waiver scheme, the government introduced Rule 164 to the CGST Rules, 2017, through Notification No. 20/2024, dated October 8, 2024, effective November 1, 2024.
Rule 164 outlines procedural guidelines for availing of this scheme. Taxpayers who receive a notice or order under Section 73 for the aforementioned financial years must file applications using Form GST SPL-01 or Form GST SPL-02 on the common portal within three months from the notified date, culminating on March 31, 2025. The GSTN has clarified that the development of Forms GST SPL-01 and SPL-02 is underway, with an expected release date in the first week of January 2025. Taxpayers are advised to ensure payment of the demanded tax amount specified in the notice, statement, or order under Section 73 by March 31, 2025, to qualify for the waiver benefits.
Master GST Notice Replies – Drafting 20 Notices, Including Appeals – Register Now Payment can be made using the “payment towards demand” option for demand orders, or through Form GST DRC-03 for notices. If payment has already been completed via Form GST DRC-03, taxpayers must link it to the corresponding demand order using Form GST DRC-03A, now available on the portal, stated the GST Network in its advisory.
