Access to business premises [ Section 71 ] - GST Ready Reckoner - GST

Access to business premises. Power to access by authorized officer not below the rank of Joint Commissioner As per Section 71 to access the business premises, the officer should be authorized by the proper officer not below the rank of Joint Commissioner. Such an authorized officer shall have access to any place of business of registered person to inspect books of account, documents, computers, computer programs, computer software (whether installed in a computer or otherwise) and such other things as he may require and which may be available at such place. Objective of Access to place of business The object is to carry out any audit, scrutiny, verification and checks as may be necessary to safeguard the interest of revenue. Records To be Furnished within 15 days As per Section 71(2) The person in charge of the premises should make available the following: 1. Records prepared or maintained by the registered person and declared to proper officer; 2. Trial balance or its equivalent; 3. Audited financial statements wherever required; 4. Cost audit report, if any; 5. Income Tax audit report, if any; 6. Other relevant records. The documents/records should be made available within 15 working days or such extended period as may be allowed. Records to be called only by authorized or nominated Person The documents/records can be called for by the authorised officer or audit party under section 65 or Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant nominated by the department under section 66