Monthly Newsletter

GSTN has removed the portal validation that earlier restricted filing of appeals in FORM GST APL-01 where the demand order reflected a ‘NIL’ or ‘Zero’ demand. The facility is available in cases where a dispute regarding liability exists and the taxpayer had made payment prior to issuance of the demand order. Eligible taxpayers can now file an appeal against such orders through FORM GST APL-01 on the GST Portal.

GSTN has introduced emSigner Version 3.3 in connection with the migration of Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) to the FIPS 140-3 standard. Taxpayers using new DSC tokens issued on or after 21 September 2026 are required to install emSigner Version 3.3 for DSC-based authentication on the GST Portal. GSTN has clarified that the new version is backward compatible with existing DSC tokens, so taxpayers whose existing DSC continues to function normally need not take any immediate action on account of this advisory.

GSTAT has published Volume 1 of its E-Journal, reporting 27 decisions, including 7 anti-profiteering cases. Key rulings include that the Tribunal can examine questions of fact, that proceedings under Section 74 require proof of fraud or suppression, that the 10% penalty pre-deposit applies prospectively, and that stock transfers within the same GSTIN do not constitute a “supply”.

GSTAT has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for filing a Transfer Appeal, which allows a taxpayer holding multiple GSTINs under the same PAN to consolidate appeals pending before different Benches that involve an identical question of law. After logging in with any GSTIN linked to the PAN, the taxpayer selects the relevant appeals, completes the application, uploads supporting documents (PDF only, up to 250 pages and 50 MB per file), fills in the checklist and submits it to receive an acknowledgement receipt.

GSTAT has also issued a Standard Operating Procedure for respondents who wish to file a reply to an appeal filed against them. The respondent locates the case through the Respondent Corner using the case number, uploads the reply as a PDF (up to 300 pages and 20 MB per file) signed with a DSC or the Aadhaar-based signing utility, and submits it to generate a printable receipt.

The CBDT has extended the timelines for furnishing audit reports and Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2026-27 (Previous Year 2025-26). The due date for furnishing the Return of Income for persons covered under Explanation 2 to Section 139(1) has been extended from 31 October 2026 to 21 November 2026. Consequently, the specified date for furnishing the audit report under Section 44AB has been extended from 30 September 2026 to 21 October 2026.

From 1 October 2026, a resident individual or HUF buying immovable property from a non-resident no longer needs to obtain a TAN to meet the TDS obligation under Section 393(2). Instead, TDS can be deposited and reported using the buyer’s PAN through the challan-cum-statement in Form 141, within 30 days from the end of the month in which tax is deducted (amended Rule 218(3)). A new Schedule E in Form 141 captures the property details, all buyers and sellers, agreement and registration dates, stamp duty value, total consideration and instalments, the seller’s residential status, nature of capital gains, TDS rate and tax deducted, along with any lower or nil deduction certificate. Where the non-resident seller does not have a PAN, the buyer must furnish the seller’s foreign contact details, Tax Residency Certificate and foreign Tax Identification Number (Rule 217). After filing Form 141, the buyer must issue the TDS certificate in Form 132 to the seller within 15 days from the due date of Form 141 (Rule 215).

The CBDT has prescribed the format and process for filing the Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT) for depository transactions under Section 508 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Rule 237 of the Income-tax Rules, 2026. Depositories must report capital gains from the sale of listed securities and Mutual Fund units, which will be used to pre-fill taxpayers’ Income Tax Returns. The SFT must be filed twice a year, for periods ending 30 September and 31 March, with filing deadlines of 31 October and 30 April, respectively. The guidelines also require the FIFO method to identify the related purchase transactions and holding period.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified ₹25,000 per month as the wage threshold for the purposes of Chapter III of the Code on Social Security, 2020, effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. The notification supersedes the earlier notification dated 29 May 2026. The change is relevant for determining the applicability of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) provisions under the Code and may affect which employees are covered based on their monthly wages.

The Government of West Bengal has introduced a new Professional Tax Schedule under the West Bengal State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Act, 1979. For salaried employees, monthly Professional Tax will range from Nil for salary up to ₹20,000 to ₹208 for salary exceeding ₹1,00,000, with the revised rates effective from 1 October 2026. For individual professionals and persons engaged in trade or services, the revised rates will apply from 1 April 2027, based on annual gross income, turnover or receipts. Specified categories, including companies, banks, directors, hospitals, factories, brokers, consultants and several digital and technology professionals, will be liable to a flat ₹2,500 per annum irrespective of income or turnover.