Clarification on certain refund related issues

Refund of excess electronic cash ledger clarified: time limits and unjust enrichment rules do not apply, TDS/TCS balances refundable.

The Board clarifies that the time limit in section 54(1) does not apply to refunds of excess balances in the electronic cash ledger and that Rule 89(2)(l)/(m) certifications are unnecessary as unjust enrichment does not apply. TDS/TCS amounts credited to the electronic cash ledger are equivalent to cash deposits and unutilized balances may be refunded under the proviso to section 54(1) read with section 49(6). For deemed exports, the relevant date for refund is the date of filing of the supplier's return.