Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir State Taxes Department has set a monthly revenue target of Rs 800 crore and directed officials to intensify tax compliance checks, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, as it seeks to improve GST collections and keep pace with national revenue growth.

Commissioner State Taxes P K Bhat, during a review meeting in Srinagar on Thursday, directed tax officers to conduct targeted inspections at major tourist destinations, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, to verify compliance and recover legitimate government dues.

The directions come as the department seeks to match the national GST revenue growth rate, which the Commissioner said exceeds 15 per cent.

Bhat observed that the impact of GST rate rationalisation had largely stabilised and asked officers to strengthen revenue collection efforts in the coming months.

However, the department's statement did not disclose Jammu and Kashmir's current GST growth rate or the amount collected during September, making it difficult to assess the gap between actual collections and the Rs 800 crore monthly target.

A significant part of the review focused on tax returns and revenue reflected in government-related transactions.

The Commissioner referred to approximately Rs 2,500 crore reflected in GSTR-7 returns and directed officers to undertake systematic follow-up to ensure timely realisation of the corresponding revenue.

GSTR-7 relates to tax deducted at source under GST. The amount reflected in these returns should not automatically be treated as unpaid tax or additional revenue available for collection.

The department also directed closer monitoring of September GST returns, including quarterly filings under the QRMP scheme, with particular emphasis on timely submission of GSTR-1.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Bhat said delays in return filing could affect revenue realisation and the integrity of input tax credit claims.

The department has also been asked to strengthen scrutiny of transactions involving purchases from unregistered suppliers and verify supply chains using data analytics.

Officers were directed to monitor sectors vulnerable to fraudulent input tax credit claims and issue alerts wherever wrongful claims or transfers of credit are detected.

At the same time, the Commissioner cautioned against initiating tax proceedings solely on information received from third parties.

He directed officers to independently verify such information before taking action and ensure that enforcement proceedings comply with legal requirements.

The review also covered pending show-cause notices, accountability of tax officers and preparation for cases before the GST Appellate Tribunal.

Additional Commissioner State Taxes, Kashmir Division, Parveez Ahmad Raina, presented a review of revenue performance across tax circles and measures proposed to improve collections.

The department has not disclosed how much additional revenue it expects from inspections in Gulmarg and Sonamarg or whether any specific instances of tax evasion have been identified in the two tourist destinations.

With an Rs 800 crore monthly target now being emphasised, the department's performance will depend on actual collections, improved return compliance and recovery of legally payable dues rather than enforcement activity alone. (KNS)