Since the Introduction of the GST there has been a huge reform in the tax collection.This is not only transparent but has also eased the taxation methods on the small and medium businesses. To have a proper filing of tax the government has come up with certain rules and regulations that need to be followed in order to comply with the GST rules in terms of the Import export code. In doing so the government awards the companies a certain score for following the rules. It is based on these scores that a GST compliance certificate is awarded.

How is GST Compliance Important?

The concept behind the introduction of the GST Compliance was to prevent the loss of time. Prior to the introduction of the compliance of the GST policies, there were businesses that delayed in uploading the bills and tax papers to gain time. With the current tax system delay in uploading of tax receipts will result in the delay in the functioning of the business. It is thus introduced to bring about a change in the way people file their taxes and get rewarded in the process.

How is GST Compliance Rated?

There are various elements that determine a good GST Compliance rating. Some of the ways in which an entity can have good ratings are as follows:  

1. Pay their tax on time.

2. File their GST Returns on time.

3. Follow other rules as mentioned under GST 

4. Take proper actions as required on time.

5. Cooperate with the GST authorities.

What are the Compliance Categories?

The compliance rating is clearly divided into three categories:

1. The Registration Compliance: This deals with the matters related to the registration of the entity with the government and other authorities.

2. Tax Compliance: this deals with the paying of taxes on time and the tracking of timely payments.

3. Return Compliance: This deals with the filing of tax returns and the rewarding of those who have a good record with complying to GST rules. 

What is Trade Facilitation?

Trade facilitation refers to the process where the procedures and the rules governing the transport of goods across borders and the ways in which the transition can be eased upon. Trade facilitation helps understand the ways in which an improvement can be made or issues be avoided in the near future but never constant. It helps improve the business in line with the various import export codes that are set by the government.

How has COVID-19 Impacted the Trade Facilitation?

COVID-19 has had a huge impact all over the world and the impact has been devastating. It has not only impacted the ways of the society but has also hindered the businesses and the daily life of each and everyone. It has led to the complications in the income tax as one is unable to calculate their income based on the ways in which the lockdown was implemented. The pandemic has led to shutting down of various businesses all around the world and has led to the drop in economy of various nations. Trade in the times of pandemic has been hindered heavily and as a result many have tried taking help from the government in some way or another to help them out of the slump.

How has GST impacted the Trade Facilitation During COVID-19?

With the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic it has been really hard to run one’s business. To make things worse for them the tax has been a huge burden as it has to be paid on time or else they will be fined by the authorities. With the society crumpled it has been difficult for people to sort things out as a result there has been delays in paying of taxes, paying back loans, filing for tax returns etc. Apart from that n also has to keep in mind to comply with the GST rules and regulations so as to avoid being on the negative rating of the GST Compliance.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 has had a huge impact in the ways that the business is functioning with various restrictions and problems along the way. It has resulted in the government taking up the matter and bringing out notifications that can help the public and the trade facilitation in various ways along with maintaining the GST compliance rules.there has been relaxations in the tax policies in terms of paying it on time.The Government has helped in several cases where there has been a bit of relaxation in terms of paying of taxes on time, filing of returns etc. The government has brought out various notifications in regards to the exemption of taxes on goods such as the COVID-19 kit, ventilators, etc which are of utmost need.The traders have also been allowed to use e-Pass in pdf formats so as to reduce time and maintain rules of covid protocol.