Geocoding of 1.8 crore addresses of registered businesses has been conducted and the functionality is currently live for all states and Union Territories, said GST network in an update to businesses on Friday, according to a PTI report. This geocoding will help in finding out the exact location of the registered entity and check bogus registrations.
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The feature converts an address or description of a location into geographic coordinates and has been introduced to ensure the accuracy of address details in GSTN records and streamline the address location and verification process, reported PTI.
“GSTN has successfully geocoded more than 1.8 crore addresses of principal places of business. Furthermore, all new addresses post-March 2022 are geocoded at the time of registration itself, ensuring the accuracy and standardization of address data from the outset,” GSTN said.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has already conducted a pilot for geocoding in a couple of states.
The geocoding functionality can be accessed in the portal and the system generated geocoded address will be displayed. This can either be accepted or updated by the businesses as per their requirements.
In cases where the system-generated geocoded address is unavailable, a blank will be displayed, and you can directly update the geocoded address, GSTN said.
In order to check fake registration, the GST Council is likely to reduce the time period to 30 days, from 45 days currently, for submission of PAN-linked bank account details of the person seeking registration with tax authorities, a report by PTI mentioned.
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The Council, in its meeting on July 11, is likely to provide for mandatory physical verification of the business premises of “high risk” applicants before granting of GST registration.
Also, the GST Rules are likely to be amended to state that person whose business premises is being verified should not be present at the spot during the physical verification.
