There have been several cases of tax evasion by iron and steel traders in India, involving crores of rupees. Some of the common methods of tax evasion are:
Not issuing e-way bills for the transportation of iron and steel products, or using the same e-way bill multiple times, or cancelling the e-way bill after the goods are delivered24.
Not reporting the purchase and sale of iron and steel products in the GST returns, or under-reporting the turnover or the tax liability134.
Selling iron and steel products as sheet metal instead of job work, which attracts a lower GST rate5.
Not paying the income tax on the profits earned from the sale of iron and steel products, or showing false expenses or losses to reduce the taxable income125.
The government has taken strict measures to curb tax evasion by iron and steel traders, such as conducting raids, surveys, and audits, using intelligence and invoice matching, imposing penalties and interest, and initiating legal action12345. The tax evaders can face heavy fines and imprisonment, ranging from one year to five years, depending on the amount of tax evaded.
Therefore, tax evasion for iron and steel trader is not only illegal, but also economically, legally, and socially harmful. Tax evasion causes revenue loss to the government, which affects the development works and public welfare schemes. Tax evasion also harms the honest taxpayers, who have to pay their fair share of tax on their income. Tax evasion also creates price distortion and unfair competition in the market for iron and steel products.