GST fraud cases keep coming up from time to time. Now the authorities have taken several steps to stop GST fraud. According to the GST Council, most of the GST frauds in the country are done through fake invoice bills. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was implemented in the year 2017. Through this, an attempt was made to simplify the taxation system in the country. In this, many indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, etc. were removed.

Under GST, every registered business is required to issue an invoice. It has a valid GSTIN. It will show the breakup of Integrated GST, State GST and State GST. However, like every new system, many fraudsters have started taking advantage of the GST system. You can get information about them through these methods.

Identify like this
You can check GSTIN by visiting the official GST portal https://www.gst.gov.in/. On this portal, select 'Search Taxpayer' to check the GSTIN number. If the GSTIN number is correct, then its information will be available on your portal. If not found, then it is a fake number.

Even if you understand the GSTIN format, you can identify real and fake numbers. GSTIN number is 15 digits. The first two digits are the state code, the next 10 digits are the PAN number of the seller or supplier, the 13th digit is the unit number of the same PAN holder, the 14th digit is the letter 'Z', and the 15th digit is the 'checksum digit'.

How to report fake GST invoices?
1- You go to the GST portal, here you can register your complaint on the 'CBEC Mitra Helpdesk' and 'Rage Web Ticket'.
2- Email can also be sent to cbecmitra.heldesk@icegate.gov.in.
3- You can also make your complaint by visiting the official Twitter handle of GST.

(PC: iStock)