NEW DELHI: The government has clarified a number of misconceptions in circulation in the early hours of implementation of the GST, addressing apprehension of small traders and businesses. Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia dismissed the concerns that all businesses need internet and computers in the GST regime. Adhia said GST appeared higher than the valued added tax ( VAT ) in the retail receipts because excise duty and other taxes which were invisible earlier are now subsumed in GST and so visible now.This clears the misconception that GST rates are higher than VAT levied by states earlier. Other clarifications dealt with largely the issues raised by small businesses and traders. Those dealing in goods that were exempt earlier can continue doing business but will need to get registered within 30 days, clarifying that such business need not stop for want of registration.

Source: Economic Times July 02, 2017 18:45 UTC