GST has finally become a reality. The government has opened multiple helplines for addressing queries related to the new indirect tax regime. GSTN help desk, entrusted with the task of catering to phone calls from taxpayers and government officials, has said it is receiving calls to the tune of 10,000 a day, with queries ranging from "how do I register?" to forgotten passwords. Be it digital media, voice calls or newspapers, the Central Board of Excise and Customs has shared details of portals, social media accounts and telephone numbers you can use to know anything about GST.
GST Network, the company building the IT backbone for the biggest indirect tax reform, has said it is looking to double its call centre strength to 400 agents in two weeks. In the run-up to the much awaited GST launch, the GST Network or GSTN had set up two dedicated call centres to support taxpayers and tax officials with regard to GST transition. GSTN had on June 25 opened a call centre and publicised the 0120-4888999 helpline number to help taxpayers with enrolment-related queries.
Here are some of these helplines you can connect with for GST-related queries:
Call centres
Two call centres are aimed at ensuring smooth enrolments and new registrations of taxpayers under GST.
0120-4888999 is for taxpayers while 0124-4479900 provides support to tax officials, GSTN has said earlier. GSTN has partnered Infosys and Tech Mahindra for the specialised call centres.
"We are getting 10,000 calls per day at the call centre from taxpayers. We plan to double the number of agents manning the call centre to 400 within 2 weeks so that we are in full strength at the time of return filing," GSTN chairman Navin Kumar told news agency Press Trust of India.
The Central Board of Excise and Customs has opened many lines of communication for addressal of GST-related queries.
GST help desk
Email: cbecmitra.helpdesk@icegate.gov.in
Telephone: 1800 1200 232
GSTN help desk
Email: helpdesk@gst.gov.in
Telephone: 0120 4888999
Twitter handles: @askGST_GOI, @askGSTech
The CBEC, under the purview of the Department of Revenue, has launched an app - named GST Rate Finder. This app enables users to search through goods and services, and their respective GST rates, among other details. The GST Rate Finder app is available on Google Play store - for Android users.
The CBEC has said it will launch an ioS version - for iPhone users - shortly.
How to use GST Rate Finder app
Users can determine the GST rate for a good or a service by entering the name or the chapter heading of the commodity or service. The search result will list all the goods and services accordingly.
Clicking on specific items on the list opens the display window, which contains details such as GST rate and description of goods or services.
Users can cross check their hotel or restaurant bill against the GST rate charged.
The CBEC has also provided a link to the GST Rate Finder app on its website - cbec-gst.gov.in. They can search for applicable CGST, SGST, UTGST rate and Compensation Cess on a supply.