<h1>Traders told not to refuse UPI payments as GST applies to all payment methods regardless of mode</h1> The Commercial Taxes Department urged traders not to stop accepting UPI payments following widespread confusion about GST registration requirements. The department had previously announced that businesses receiving payments exceeding Rs 40 lakh annually for goods or Rs 20 lakh for services must obtain GST registration. Media reports indicated many traders began refusing UPI payments after unregistered small businesses received GST notices, with the department tracking defaulters through UPI records and demanding payments in lakhs. The department clarified that GST notices consider all payment modes including POS machines, bank payments, cash, and UPI. Officials emphasized that refusing UPI payments does not exempt traders from GST obligations, as the tax applies to consideration received in any form, with UPI being merely a payment method. The department warned it would take appropriate action to collect applicable taxes from traders regardless of payment method used.