As the financial year 2024-25 comes to a close, it is imperative for businesses and taxpayers to stay updated with the latest GST-related advisories, compliance requirements, and parliamentary discussions. This professional note provides a comprehensive summary of the key updates, case studies, and actionable steps for March 2025.
GSTN Advisories for March 2025
1. Biometric Authentication for Directors
Background: The GST Network (GSTN) has introduced an enhancement allowing directors to opt for biometric authentication at any GST Suvidha Kendra (GSK) in their home state. Previously, biometric authentication was restricted to designated GSKs in the taxpayer’s jurisdiction.
Key Features:
Available for Public Limited, Private Limited, Unlimited, and Foreign Companies.
Currently enabled in 33 states/UTs; to be extended soon to Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim.
Not mandatory—directors may still visit the designated jurisdictional GSK if preferred.
Case Study: A private limited company based in Maharashtra faced delays due to long queues at its jurisdictional GSK. With this new option, the director was able to complete biometric authentication in a GSK near his residence, reducing processing time by two weeks.
2. Issues in Filing Applications under Waiver Scheme (SPL 01/SPL 02)
GSTN has addressed multiple grievances regarding difficulties in filing waiver applications. Key issues include:
Order details not appearing in SPL-02.
Payment details not auto-populating.
Challenges in linking voluntary payments (DRC-03) with demand orders (DRC-03A).
Clarification on Deadlines:
Waiver applications can be filed until June 30, 2025 (not March 31, 2025).
However, the tax payment deadline under the waiver scheme is March 31, 2025.
If issues persist, taxpayers should use Form DRC-03 under the ‘Others’ category and later submit Form DRC-03A.
Example: A taxpayer in Gujarat attempted to file SPL-02 but faced auto-population issues. By manually checking the Electronic Liability Ledger, he identified the correct payment details and successfully filed his waiver application.
GST Action Plan for March 2025
Taxpayers must complete the following tasks before the financial year ends:
| Action Item | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Opt for Composition Scheme (CMP-02) | March 31, 2025 |
| File LUT for export/zero-rated supplies | March 31, 2025 |
| File GSTR-9C (if pending) | March 31, 2025 |
| Avail GST Amnesty Scheme (SPL-01/SPL-02) | March 31, 2025 |
| Opt for QRMP scheme | March 31, 2025 |
| Apply for GST refunds (April 2023 onwards) | March 31, 2025 |
| Reconcile ITC claims (GSTR-2A vs. GSTR-3B) | March 31, 2025 |
| Obtain ISD registration (mandatory from April 1, 2025) | March 31, 2025 |
| Close existing invoice series and start a new one | March 31, 2025 |
Conclusion: March is a critical month for GST compliance. Taxpayers should proactively address their compliance requirements to avoid penalties, ensure smooth transitions into the next financial year, and take advantage of relief measures such as the waiver scheme. Staying updated with GSTN advisories and parliamentary developments will help businesses navigate tax complexities efficiently.
For more details, visit the GST portal or consult a tax expert to ensure timely compliance.
Parliamentary Updates on GST: Updates include GST evasion data, GST on insurance services, and forward charge mechanism for GTAs, along with annual RODTEP return filing deadlines.
