GSTR-3B Vs. 1 Vs. 2A Notice – Order passed without considering the reply – Tables of SCN were contradictory — Order Set Aside

In the case of:

Ambika Stores Vs. Deputy State Tax Officer

W.P. No. 6320 of 2024

[2024] 160taxmann.com433 (Madras)

It was observed by Hon’ble High Court of Madras that:

  1. On examining the show cause notice, it is evident that two tables are set out therein. In the first table, the CGST and SGST amounts in GSTR-3B are shown as Rs. 3,33,787/-, whereas in the second table dealing with the difference between the GSTR-3B return and the auto populated GSTR-2A return, the GSTR-3B amounts are specified as Rs. 5,19,362/- both for CGST and SGST. The sum of Rs. 5,19,362/- tallies with the ITC availed of by the petitioner.
  2. Thus, the show cause notice is contradictory.
  3. In addition, it appears that the reply of the petitioner was not considered in the assessment order.
  4. The order simply states “It has been noticed that you have filed both GSTR 1 and GSTR-3B for the period from July – 2017 to March – 2018 thereby collecting the tax. During the scrutiny of the return for the above tax period difference between liability declared in GSTR-1 and tax paid under GSTR-3B as detailed below which shows that there was a mismatch between GSTR 1 and GSTR 3B returns.”
  5. The above order indicates clearly that the assessing officer did not take into account the reply dated 29.09.2023 and record reasons as to why such reply is not satisfactory.
  6. Therefore, the impugned assessment order is quashed and department can issue a fresh SCN.

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