Introduction: The year 2023 brings a ray of hope for taxpayers with the extension of multiple tax amnesty schemes. These schemes offer a chance to rectify past non-compliance and clear late fees. Let's delve into the details of these schemes and the benefits they bring.

1. Amnesty Scheme for Revocation of Cancellation of Registration extended till 31st August, 2023

Registered person whose registration was cancelled on or before 31.12.2022 on account of non filing of returns and who-

(a) failed to apply for revocation within the specified time period; or

(b) whose appeal against the order of cancellation of registration or the order rejecting application for revocation of cancellation of registration has been rejected on the ground of failure to adhere to the prescribed time limit.

may apply for REVOCATION OF CANCELLATION on or before 31.08.2023 after furnishing all returns, due upto the effective date of cancellation of registration, along with payment of tax with interest, penalty and late fees in respect of such returns

For more details, please refer to Notification No. 23/2023- Central Tax dt. 17.07.2023 read with Notification No. 03/2023- Central Tax dt. 31.03.2023

2.  Amnesty Scheme for Non-Filers of FORM GSTR-4 by Composition Taxpayers extended till 31st August, 2023

Late fee for non-filers of return in FORM GSTR-4 for the quarters from July 2017 to March 2019 or for the Financial Years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 by the due date has been reduced if the said return is furnished between the period from 01.04.2023 to 31.08.2023

For more details, please refer to Notification No. 22/2023- Central Tax dt. 17.07.2023 read with Notification No. 73/2017- Central Tax dt. 29.12.2017

3. Amnesty Scheme for Non-filers of Final Return in FORM GSTR-10 extended till 31st August, 2023

Late fee for non-filers of Final Return in FORM GSTR-10 by the due date has been reduced to Rs. 1,000/- (Rs. 500/- plus Rs. 500/-) if the said return is furnished between 01.04.2023 to 31.08.2023

For more details, please refer to the Notification No. 26/2023- Central Tax dt. 17.07.2023  read with  Notification No. 08/2023- Central Tax dt. 31.03.2023

4. Amnesty Scheme for Withdrawal of Best Judgement Assessment Order against Non-filers of Return in FORM GSTR-3B extended till 31st August, 2023

Best Judgement Assessment order passed by the proper officer on or before 28.02.2023 on account of non furnishing of a valid Return in FORM GSTR-3B would be withdrawn

♦ if the registered person furnishes valid return in FORM GSTR-3B on or before 31.08.2023 along with interest and late fee, irrespective of whether or not an appeal has been filed against such assessment order or whether or not the appeal, if any, filed has been decided

For more details, please refer to Notification No. 24/2023 – Central Tax dated 17.07.2023 read with Notification No. 06/2023-Central Tax dated 31.03.2023

5. Amnesty Scheme for Non-filers of Annual Return extended till 31st August, 2023

Maximum late fee for non-filers of Annual Return in FORM GSTR-9 for any of the Financial Years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 or 2021-22 by the due date has been restricted to Rs. 20,000/- (Rs. 10,000/- plus Rs. 10,000/-) if the said return is furnished on or before 31.08.2023

For more details, please refer to Notification No. 25/2023- Central Tax dt. 17.07.2023 read with Notification No. 07/2023- Central Tax dt. 31.03.2023

Conclusion: These amnesty schemes mark a significant opportunity for taxpayers to rectify past non-compliance, clear late fees, and align with tax regulations. The extensions till August 31, 2023, provide a window to regain compliance and benefit from reduced penalties.