Representation with humble request to reconsider the method of implementation of Punjab State Development Tax (PSDT) in the interest of taxpayers
THE PUNJAB ACCOUNTANTS ASSOCIATION
(Regd. vide No. 304 of 2019-20 under the Registration of Societies Act, 1860)
OFFICE : R. K. ASSOCIATES, SEHDEV MARKET, JALANDHAR CITY
Mob: 98151-98051, 98780-20386, 98153-23059
E-mail : [email protected], [email protected], Website : punjabaccountants.com
Ref. No : ……………… Dated : 29-08-2022
To
Sardar Harpal Singh ji Cheema,
Hon'ble Finance Minister,
Punjab,
Chandigarh
Sub : Representation with humble request to reconsider the method of implementation of Punjab State Development Tax (PSDT) in the interest of taxpayers
Respected Sir,
We take this opportunity to bring into your kind notice that ours is an Apex Body of Accounts Professionals from all over Punjab. All locally registered Associations from Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Pathankot, Rajpura, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Moga, Ferozepur, Nawanshehr, Nakodar, Phagwara, Muktsar etc. have their representation in this Punjab level body, having its registered office at Jalandhar. As is well known, we, being the basebone of nation's economy, act as a bridge between taxpayers and the Government in order to increase government revenue.
Whereas the PSDT was implemented by the previous govt. in 2018 to be levied from all taxpayers, small businessmen/traders, employers and employees in the State. Everybody, irrespective of business and income, was supposed to pay PSDT @ Rs.200/- per month (Rs.2400/- per annum). But the desired result has not come out till date due to one or the other reason. Everybody is of the view that if such-and-such has not paid, then why me or so on……..
And whereas the Punjab Govt. has now extended the last date till 31st August, 2022 for depositing PS Dev. Tax with late fees and penalty, which is again without having thorough discussions with different Trade and Professional Associations and giving a deep consideration on the matter.
Hon'ble Sir, it is a cogent fact that there are averagely 3 to 4 taxpayers in a normal family and according to the policy, if one has to pay Rs.2400/- per annum, a family will have to pay an amount of Rs.7200/- to Rs.9600/- plus late fees and penalty per annum and as such for a total 04 years (2018 to 2022), a family will have to pay Rs.40000/- or so. Moreover, the govt. is insisting on GST registered dealers only, whose ready data is available with the Punjab Govt.;, whereas, Govt. Is not persuing others, which is clearly an unjustice for GST registered in the State.
And whereas since the Punjab Govt. has now extended the last date till 31st August, 2022 for depositing PS Dev. Tax with late fees and penalty, which is again without having deep consideration on the such like important issue in the interest of general public.
Hon'ble Sir, since last 3 to 4 years prices of each and every commodity have badly hiked up, which are going beyond affordable limits of a common man and on the other hand business is facing too slump, employees are getting jobless, we humbly request your goodself to please have a second thought over the levy of such taxes.
Sir, we, the tax professionals acting as a bridge between taxpayers and the Government in order to increase the government revenue in all the view, we hereby humbly suggest as under :-
(1) Please extend due date to 31-10-2022, so that we, with the help of govt instigations, chase whole section in the society, as well as, to our clients to register themselves and pay due tax;
(2) Please differentiate years from 2018 onwards, i.e. to recover backlog, instructions must be passed to recover yearwise in easy instalments;
(3) Please waive off levy of late-fees and penalties to attract maximum taxpayers in the State;
(4) Please decrease rate of tax from Rs.200/- to Rs.100/- per month, so that a common man may think ease to pay;
(5) Please bring all taxpayers, businessmen, shopkeepers, employers and employees professionals in the State, not only the GST dealers, but to all.;
Hon'ble Sir, please have a sympathetical look over our humble suggestions and if possible, we're ready to visit your office at Chandigarh in the interest of general public in the State, if given an appointment on any day of ease to your honour.
For The Punjab Accountants Association
(Dharminder Sikka)
President
(Varinder K. Sharma)
General Secretary
and all members of The Punjab Accountants Association
C.C. to : (1) Financial Commissioner,
Excise & Taxation, Punjab,
Chaandigarh;
(2) Excise & Taxation Commissioner,
Punjab, Chaandigarh;
(3) All District Excise & Taxation Commissioners of Punjab;
(4) All Assistant Excise & Taxation Commissioners of Punjab;
– with humble request to look into the matter sympathetically and to take necessary action.