Amnesty Scheme Implemented to Waive Interest or Penalty Related to GST Demands for Three Financial Years (2017-2020); March 31 Final Deadline

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Informs the Assembly

Mumbai : An Amnesty Scheme has been implemented in the state under Section 73 of the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, to waive interest, penalty, or both related to tax demands for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. The final date for payment of the outstanding tax amount under this scheme is March 31, 2025. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged eligible traders to take advantage of this scheme, as paying the due amount before the deadline will result in a complete waiver of all interest and penalties.

Providing further details about the Amnesty Scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar stated that around 1.14 lakh applications are expected from taxpayers under the jurisdiction of the state authority. The disputed amount stands at ₹54,000 crore, comprising ₹27,000 crore in disputed taxes and ₹27,000 crore in penalties and interest. Based on past experiences, approximately 20% of the disputed tax amount is expected to be collected under the scheme, amounting to an estimated ₹5,500 crore to ₹6,000 crore. Of this, half (₹2,700 crore to ₹3,000 crore) will go to the state government, and the remaining amount will be deposited with the central government.

This scheme is expected to provide relief to traders by waiving ₹5,500 crore to ₹6,000 crore in interest and penalties. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar also mentioned that efforts are being made to widely publicize the scheme among taxpayers, advocates, chartered accountants, and citizens to ensure they are well-informed about its benefits.