GST implementation has indeed brought about a paradigm shift in the Indirect Tax structure since its rollout on July 1, 2017. It has also led to a new career path being constructed for GST practitioners.
GST Practitioner is a type of financial intermediary or consultant who renders services to other taxpayers through virtual mode. A GST Practitioner must be mandatorily registered on GSTN online Portal and are required to obtain a certificate by fulfilling the necessary documentation related to application procedure before initiating own practice.
GST Practitioner Eligibility
Rule 24 and 25 of Return Rules under GST Act contains complete details of rules of eligibility for GST practitioners. These details pertain to the minimum qualification required for appointment, responsibilities and obligations, functions and duties and the conditions that can led to the removal of the GST practitioner from his position.
Eligibility Qualification requirements for a GST Practitioner:
- Individual, must be a citizen of India with a sound mind.
- Must be not be an individual adjudged as insolvent in the past.
- Should not have been convicted by a competent court of law for any offense at any time that would have resulted into imprisonment for more than two years.
- He must be a post graduate or graduate or must possess an equivalent degree in commerce, law, banking, business administration, business management for any recognized Indian University which is approved by law.
- He should own an equivalent degree from a foreign university recognized by an Indian University.
- He should also possess a clearance through an examination conducted by the Government of India.
- He must possess a degree from an Indian or a Foreign University or equivalent to degree examination, which may be atleast any one of the below mentioned examinations-
- The Final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
- The Final examination of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India
- The Final examination of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
The GST practitioner functions after getting approvals from either the Central Government or State Governmentto perform one a range of financial activities on behalf of their clients or taxpayers. After procuring the certificate of practice, a GST Practitioner can perform the following mentioned activities on the GSTN online Portal:
- Online Registration of Client: GST practitioner carries out the formalities pertaining to initiation of application process for GST registration on behalf of the client. They also help in carrying out the amendment/cancellation of GST returns.
- Filing of various Returns: A GST practitioner assists in filing online various GST returns on monthly, quarterly or annual basis such as Form GSTR – 3B, Form GSTR – 1 & Form GSTR – 9.
- Claiming Refunds or Payments: GST practitioner assists in filing refund claims or pay taxes on behalf of the registered persons.
- Acts as a Authorised representative: GST practitioner is legally allowed by the legal machinery to appear as an authorised representative before any officer of the GST Department, Appellate authority and the Tribunal.
- Makes deposits for credit in the electronic cash ledger on account of the clients.
- Assists the client with respect to issue of delivery challans, tax invoices etc.
- Helps in generating e-way bill for movement of products/services.
- Keeps a detailed record of list of taxpayers who are a party to the client.
FORMS USED FOR GST PRACTITIONER
- GST FORM PCT 01: For Application/Enrolment as GST Practitioner
- GST FORM PCT 02: For procuring Certificate of enrolment as a GST practitioner, issued by an authorised officer.
- GST FORM PCT 03: As notice seeking extra information on application for enrolment or show cause notice
- GST FORM PCT 04: As order of rejection for enrolment or disqualification of a GST practitioner found guilty of misconduct.
- GST FORM PCT 05 : Authorisation/ withdrawal of authorisation to engage a GST practitioner by a taxable person.
There are numerous online certification courses offered to facilitate GST professionals hone their GST knowledge and skills in light of the ongoing changes and amendments in the GST Act. GST Practitioner license is deemed to be considered valid until cancelled by the relevant authority. However, any person holding a GST Practitioner license should clear examinations held by the GST Authority and notified by the Commissioner from time to time.
For more information visit: https://www.jagannath.org/
