The Coimbatore Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore, organised a Public Outreach Programme on the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) at The Grand Regent, recently.
The upcoming GSTAT Coimbatore Bench will serve Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, bringing the appellate mechanism closer to taxpayers and businesses across the region.
The Bench is expected to provide a focused forum for GST disputes and significantly ease the burden of litigation for taxpayers and professionals.
Welcoming the gathering, CA. Survajith Krishnan, Chairman, Coimbatore Branch of ICAI, said the establishment of GSTAT in Coimbatore was a significant development for the city and the region.
He noted that the Bench would bring greater focus to GST litigation, provide easier access to appellate justice and help in the speedier resolution of long-pending GST disputes.
He also highlighted the emerging professional opportunities for Chartered Accountants and tax professionals in the region.
Ramaswamy, Past President, ICAI, highlighted the evolving role of GST in India’s tax system and the importance of a strong appellate mechanism in providing clarity, consistency and certainty to taxpayers and businesses.
Rajendra Kumar, Central Council Member, ICAI, spoke about ICAI’s continued efforts to work closely with the GST Department and other stakeholders through awareness programmes, technical interactions and capacity-building initiatives.
He emphasised ICAI’s role in acting as a bridge between the tax administration, professionals, taxpayers and industry, thereby contributing to greater tax awareness and a stronger GST ecosystem.
Mathew Jolly, Technical Member, GSTAT, explained the functioning of the GSTAT mechanism and elaborated on the process and practical aspects of proceedings before the Coimbatore Bench, giving stakeholders a clearer understanding of the appellate framework.
Shaik Khader Rahman, Technical Member, GSTAT, addressed the gathering on GSTAT procedures, filing of appeals and the manner in which matters would be dealt with before the Tribunal, providing valuable guidance to professionals and taxpayers.
The programme witnessed participation from Chartered Accountants, tax professionals, taxpayers, entrepreneurs and members of the business community.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Pradeep, Honorary Secretary, ICCI Coimbatore, who expressed gratitude to the GSTAT Members, ICAI leadership, speakers, professionals and industry representatives for their participation.
The programme marked an important step towards creating awareness about the upcoming Coimbatore GSTAT Bench and preparing taxpayers and professionals for the next phase of GST appellate proceedings.
