A state tax authority issued nearly 6,000 GST demand notices to...

A state tax authority issued nearly 6,000 GST demand notices to traders based on UPI transaction data, alleging unregistered turnover exceeding statutory thresholds. The notices are preliminary and recipients may respond with evidence to prove exemption or justify non-registration, which can lead to withdrawal of notices. Traders' associations have protested, calling for strikes and boycotts of UPI payments, citing lack of clarity and sudden enforcement. The tax department maintains the actions comply with legal provisions, emphasizing the obligation to register and remit taxes once turnover crosses prescribed limits. The department uses UPI data as an indicator but considers other payment modes and allows for hearings before final assessment. Concerns were raised about notices failing to distinguish exempt goods and mixing personal and business transactions, causing confusion among small traders. The department has conducted awareness efforts and encourages traders to engage for guidance within the law.