Technical Bugs on GSTN Portal
The complaints on supply return submissions under goods and services tax (GST) on the GST Network portal are increasing with each passing day. As explained by experts, the portal is unable to perform database operations. Either the data is not saved or the portal is unable to recall saved data. This hinders submissions. This prompted the GST council to postpone the filing of GSTR 1 (supply returns) by January 10, 2018. Some experts agree that GSTN is much improved as compared to the earlier period. The issues and inconsistencies in the filing process have come down but some glitches still exist. Unless the technical bugs are dealt on priority the sense of confusion among client will only increase with time and effect GST compliance.
Will Deadline Increase?
Frequent changes in return filing timelines coupled with persistent confusion in the process caused the possible reduction in compliance. Those firms with a turnover greater than 150 million for the period of July to November were supposed to file returns by January 10. Similarly, those with turnover up to 150 million for the period of July to September were also supposed to do the same.
According to the Confederation of All India Traders, at least half of all taxpayers could not file their returns due to bugs in the GST portal. However, the government refused to give another extension for the deadline.