When GST was launched, the main concern which materialized was its applicability. It will not be an easy job for entrepreneurs and businessmen to understand and perform GST compliance. Even government officials are still not clear about it. The newly launched GST offline app offers a convenient solution for businesses, enabling them to manage their tax compliance seamlessly even without an internet connection. To make the GST transition smooth and simple, GSTN recently conducted a meeting with ASPs led by GSTN’s CIO, BC Joshi. The agenda was to invite suggestions from ASPs to simplify the GST transition and also to communicate the efforts that the government is planning. GSTN has planned multiple initiatives to make life ‘simple’ for an SME.
Indian businessmen’s adversity to technology is one of the biggest challenges that the government realizes. Though the Internet has penetrated well via mobile, 60%+ computers in India are running without the Internet. 55% of Indian businessmen are not comfortable running software or a web-based portal.
To alleviate these concerns, apart from the usual and reiterated version, i.e., the web portal, GSTN is also planning to provide a few more options for uploading returns through an offline medium in a ‘non-software-based manner.
These three mediums are:
1. Offline App:
The main agenda of introducing an offline app is to provide open-source software to individuals so as to file returns easily and without any hitches. The algorithm of this app will work similarly to how it works in the ITR and TDS utilities. This will surely help individuals who do not operate in the online world.
2. JSON Converter:
Working on an app is not feasible for every businessman. It will, of course, be quite confusing as well as painful for him. So, to avoid this complexity, GSTN is even planning to provide a JSON converter. In this way, the user can file the data in Excel format and easily convert it into JSON. The main advantage of this medium is that the user can upload his voice in bulk.
3. Template Upload Functionality:
The third option will be in the form of a template. This template will contain a complete format where an individual return can be fed and easily be uploaded on a portal.
These three processes will ease the pain of Indian Businessmen who do not have a net connection or don’t like working on software.
GSTN also invited suggestions from ASPs and startups and encouraged them to build solutions to simplify GST filing. ASPs such as LegalRaasta have already started building easy mobile apps and cloud solutions for GST registration and GST return filing. “Government’s offline open source utility will provide freedom to software startups to build solutions on top of government’s offering to each other throughout their lives. We are also building an app for GST return filing,” said Pulkit Jain, founder of LegalRaasta
The government is further planning to provide functionality for GSTIN number checking, Mobile apps, etc. The CBEC has already introduced a mobile information app for GST and this soon will start providing a facility for GST return notification and review. This further smooths the GST transition for Indian startups.
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