Tax amnesty scheme deadline will not be extended beyond June 30: Balagopal
The deadline for the General Amnesty Scheme 2025 will not be extended beyond the June 30 deadline, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Wednesday.
Mr. Balagopal was speaking at a seminar organised by the Kerala Goods and Services Tax (SGST) department and the Traders Welfare Board on the amnesty scheme announced in the State Budget for the one-time settlement of pre-GST regime tax arrears.
The Minister advised traders who have not yet signed up for the scheme not to lose the opportunity. Pointing out that Kerala has succeeded in substantially increasing its own tax and non-tax revenues, Mr. Balagopal said the enforcement activities initiated by the government for smooth tax collection will continue.
Global market
He also urged the trade and business community in the State to 'think big' in terms of the opportunities offered by the global market. The newly dedicated Vizhinjam port offers vast opportunities for the sector, he said.
Tax dues under the pre-GST Kerala Value Added Tax Act, Kerala Agricultural Income Tax Act, Kerala General Sales Tax Act, Kerala Tax on Luxuries Act, the Kerala Surcharge on Taxes Act and the Central Sales Tax Act are being considered for the amnesty scheme.
The 2025-26 Budget had announced four categories of amnesty—the General Amnesty, Flood Cess Amnesty, Bar Hotel Amnesty and Distillery Arrears Settlement scheme. The General Amnesty scheme is designed as a comprehensive measure for enabling businesses to settle the arrears relating to various tax laws that existed before the implementation of the SGST Act.
Additional Chief Secretary (Taxes) K.R. Jyothilal; SGST department Commissioner Ajit Patil; SGST department special commissioner Abraham Renn; and Traders Welfare Board vice-chairpersons Raju Apsara and E.S. Biju were present.
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