TN unearths commercial tax evasion worth over Rs 600cr in FY15

The Tamil Nadu government has unearthed tax evasion of over Rs 600 crore by commercial establishments in the state during financial year 2014-15.
An investigation by the department on inter-state transactions revealed detection of tax evasion of Rs 628 crore in 205 cases, according to an official release.
In financial year 2014-15, about 315 investigation files, based on data collected from other states, have been opened with prima facie tax suppression of Rs 894 crore.
Verification of inter-state data resulted in detection of tax evasion of Rs 628 crore in 205 cases in terms of tax due and penalty, it added.

Currently, all detected cases are under various stages of "investigation" and implementation", it said.
Stating that field audit was carried out in 1,243 high risk cases and surprise inspections were undertaken in 1,610 cases, the release said, "a total revenue of Rs 108.8 crore was collected at the instance of audit and inspection".

"Further proposals evolved based on the result of audit and inspection with a total revenue effect of Rs 5,178 crore", it added.
Pointing out that "unauthorised" deletion of sales data by retailers were detected during the inspection, the government has sent out a stern warning that manipulation of accounting data was an offence under Tamil Nadu Value Added Tax Act, 2006.

"Dealers are requested to maintain accounting software data and file returns truthfully", it further said.