Geocoding Functionality For Businesses Now Available In All States, UTs: GST Network

In an update to businesses, GST Network (GSTN) announced that geocoding functionality is now available in all states and union territories.

Geocoding enables the identification of the precise location of registered entities, aiding in the detection of fraudulent registrations.

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The GST Network (GSTN) on Friday announced geocoding functionality is now available in all states and union territories, reported PTI. Geocoding enables the identification of the precise location of registered entities, aiding in the detection of fraudulent registrations. The system was introduced to enhance the accuracy of address details in their records and streamline the process of address verification and location.

In an update to businesses, GSTN, a government enterprise, also informed that it has geocoded 1.8 crore addresses of registered businesses, and all new addresses post-March 2022 are geocoded at the time of registration itself, ensuring the accuracy and standardisation of address data from the outset. 

As per an Indian Express report, the update on the GSTN portal said, "The geocoding link will not be visible on the portal once the geocoding details are submitted by you. This is a one-time activity, and once submitted, revision in the address is not allowed The functionality will not be visible to the taxpayers who have already geocoded their address through new registration or core amendment. Please note that the address appearing on the registration certificate can be changed only through the core amendment process. This geocoding functionality would not impact the previously saved address record.”

As per the PTI report, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has already conducted a geocoding pilot program in select states. 

As per the report, businesses can now access the geocoding functionality within the portal, where the system will generate a geocoded address that can be displayed. Businesses have the option to accept the system-generated address or make updates according to their specific requirements. If the system-generated geocoded address is not available, a blank space will be shown, allowing businesses to directly update the geocoded address, as per GSTN's instructions.

According to a TOI report, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has said that about 25 per cent of suspected Goods and Services Tax (GST) accounts do not exist or have vanished after availing benefits of around Rs 15,000 crore. The tax authorities used artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to identify around 69,000 suspected accounts after scrubbing the GST database.

Currently, there are 1.39 crore taxpayers registered under the GST regime. The GST collections in June rose 12 per cent to more than Rs 1.61 lakh crore, the finance ministry said on July 1. It was for the fourth time, the gross GST collection has crossed Rs 1.60 lakh crore mark.