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ANDHRA PRADESH GENERAL SALES TAX ACT, 1957

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S.1 Short title, extent and commencement

       (1) This Act may be called the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957.
       (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh
       (3) This section shall come into force at once; and the rest of this Act shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, appoint.


S.2 Definitions

       (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
       (a) Appellate Deputy Commissioner means any person appointed to be an Appellate Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes under Section 4;
       (aa) Appellate Tribunal means the Tribunal appointed under Section 3;
       (aaa) "Additional Commissioner" means any person appointed to be an Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes under Section 4.
       (b) Assessing authority means any person authorised by the State Government or by any other authority empowered by them in this behalf, to make any assessment in such area or areas or the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh under this Act;
       (bb) Assistant Commissioner means any person appointed to be an Assistant Co

S.3 Appellate Tribunal

       (1) The State Government shall appoint an Appellate Tribunal consisting of a Chairman and two other members to exercise the functions conferred on the Appellate Tribunal by or under this Act. The Chairman shall be a judicial officer not below the rank of a District Judge and of the other two members one shall be an officer of the State Government not below the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, and the other shall be a Chartered Accountant, within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, or a person possessing the degree of M.Com or B.com., (Hons) of any recognised university in India for atleast ten years or an officer not below the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Central Excise Department or Income tax Department.
       (2) Any vacancy in the membership of the Appellate Tribunal shall be filled up by the State Government.
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S.4 Appointment of Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Appellate Deputy Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Deputy Commissioners of Commercial Taxes Assistant Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Commercial Tax Officers and Deputy Commercial Tax Officers

       The State Government may appoint a Commissioner of Commercial Taxes and as many Additional Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Joint Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Appellate Deputy Commissioners of Commercial taxes, Deputy Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Assistant Commissioners of Commercial Taxes, Commercial Tax officers and Deputy Commercial Tax Officers as they think fit, for the purpose of performing the functions respectively conferred on them by or under this Act. Such officers shall perform the said functions within such area or areas or the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh as the State Government or any authority or officer empowered by them in this behalf may assign to them.


S.4(A) Powers of subordinate officers to be exercised by higher authorities

       The powers conferred by this Act and the rules made thereunder on any of the officers appointed under Section 4 of this Act may also be exercised by any of the officers superior to the officers so empowered, subject to any instructions issued by the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes in this regard.


S.5 Levy of tax on sales or purchases of goods

       (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Act every dealer shall pay tax under this Act for each year on every rupee of his turnover of sales or purchases of goods in each year irrespective of the quantum of his turnover at the rates of tax and at the points of levy specified in the Schedules.
       (3) For the purpose of this section and the other provisions of this Act, the turnover which a dealer shall be liable to pay tax shall be determined after making such deductions from his total turnover, and in such manner as may be prescribed.
       (4) The taxes under this section shall be assessed, levied and collected in such manner, as may be prescribed.
       Provided that -
       (i) in respect of the same transaction, the buyer or the seller but not both, as determined by

S.5(C) Tax in respect of supply of articles of food or drink in restaurants or catering houses or hotels

       Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 5 or Section 6, Every dealer running any restaurant or eating house or hotel (by whatever name called), who supplies, by way of or as part of any service or in any other manner whatsoever of goods, being food or any other article for human consumption or any drink (whether or not intoxicating) and whether or not such goods have suffered tax under the Act. where such supply or service is for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration shall on the total amount charged by the said dealer for such supply, pay a tax at the rate of eight paise on every rupee on the aggregate of such amount realised or realisable by him during the year.
       Provided that no such tax shall be levied if the total turnover of the dealer including such aggregate during the year is less than Rs.2,00,000.


S.5(F) Levy of tax on transfer of property in goods involved in the execution of works contract

       Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 5 or Section 6, every dealer shall pay a tax under this Act for each year, on his turnover of transfer of property in goods whether as goods or in some other form involved in the execution of works contract, at the rate of eight paise on every rupee of his turnover.
       Provided that tax shall be paid at the rate of four paise on every rupee of his turnover pertaining to declared goods, if the goods have not suffered tax earlier, and no tax shall be payable on the turnover pertaining to declared goods, if such goods have suffered tax earlier under this Act and are transferred from the contractor to the contractee in the same form in which they were purchased by the contractor:
       Provided further that no tax shall be levied on the turnover of transfer of property in goods, specified in the Fourth S

S.5(A)(A) Levy of tax on trade mark holder

       Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act whenever a dealer, who holds the trade mark or the patent thereof, sells goods other than the declared goods at any point of sale other than first point of sale, he shall be deemed to be the first seller in the State and he shall be liable to pay tax accordingly and for determining the tax due to be paid by him, the tax levied and collected at the preceding point of sale if any, on the same goods shall be deducted from the tax payable by him at that point of sale.
       


S.5(H) Deduction of tax at Source

       (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act the Central Government or the State Government or an industrial, commercial or trading undertaking of the Central Government or of the State Government or a local authority or a statutory body; or a company registered under Companies Act, 1956 or any other person which the Government may notify from time to time, shall deduct from out of the amounts payable by them to a dealer in respect of works contract executed for them, an amount calculated at such rate as may be prescribed, but not exceeding four percent of the total turnover;
       (2) The tax deducted under sub-section (1) shall be remitted to Government in such manner and within such time as may be prescribed.
       (3) The authority making deduction under sub section (1) shall furnish to the dealer from whom such deduction is made, a certif

S.5(A) Levy of tax on turnover

       (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, tax shall be levied at the rate of one paise on every rupee of turnover of a dealer, other than the dealers mentioned in sub-section(1-A) whose total turnover in a year exceeds rupees ten lakhs:
       Provided that the tax shall not be levied under this section on that part of the turnover of any dealer on which the dealer is liable to pay tax at the point of levy specified in the First Schedule,except petrol, diesel oil, aviation turbine fuel, engine oils, lubricating oils, greases, brake fluids, furnaces oil and all kinds of motor vehicles, Second Schedule, Fifth Schedule and Seventh Schedule to the Act;
       Provided further that no tax under this section shall be payable on that part of turnover which relates to:-
       (i) sale or purchase of goods spe

S.5(B) Levy of concessional tax in respect of certain goods

       (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every dealer shall pay tax at the rate of 4 paise in the rupee or at the rates specified in Section 5 in respect of goods other than declared goods, or under Section 6 in respect of declared goods, whichever is lower, on the turnover relating to such sale in the following circumstances, namely:- (a) when a dealer sells any goods to another dealer for use by the latter as raw material, component part, sub-assembly part, intermediate part and packing material in the manufacture or processing of goods inside the State: (b) when a dealer sells to another dealer any goods other than those falling under Clause (a) which are notified by the Government from time to time for use by the latter in the manufacture or processing of the goods inside the State. The Government may also notify the goods which are not eligible for concessional rate of tax under this section: Provided that the

S.5(G) Composition of tax payable under Section 5F

       (1) Subject to such conditions and in such circumstances as may be prescribed if a dealer, who executes any works contract other than the category of contracts notified by the Government under sub-section (2), so opts, the assessing authority of the area may accept, in lieu of the amount of tax payable by him under the Act during the year, by way of composition, an amount at the rate of four paise on every rupee of the total amount paid or payable to the dealer towards execution of the works contract:
       Provided that no tax shall be payable under this section on the turnover relating to the amounts paid to a sub-contractor as consideration for the execution of the works contract whether wholly or partly subject to the production of proof that such sub-contractor is a registered dealer liable to tax under the Act and that the turnover of such amounts is included in the return of the

S.5(D) Assessment and Re assessment in certain cases

       (1) Notwithstanding anything in any judgment, decree or order of any Court or any other authority, the assessing authority may assess or reassess the amount of tax payable by
       (a) any dealer running a restaurant or any eating house or hotel (by whatever name called) in the course of business at any time on or after the 7th day of September, 1978 and before the 2nd February, 1983 or
       (b) any dealer running an establishment not being a restaurant or an eating house or a hotel (by whatever name called) at any time on or after the 4th day of January, 1972 and before the 2nd February, 1983. on his turnover relating to the supply of food or any other article for human consumption or any drink (whether or not intoxicating) in accordance with the principal Act as amended by the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax (Amendment) Act, 1985
  

S.5(E) Tax on the amount realised in respect of any right to use goods

       Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act; -
       (a) Every dealer who transfers the right to use any goods for any purpose, whatsoever, whether or not for a specified period, to any lessee or licensee for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration, in the course of his business shall, on the total amount realised or realisable by him by way of payment in cash or otherwise on such transfer or transfers of the right to use such goods from the lessee or licensee, pay a tax at the rate of eight paise on every rupee of the aggregate of such amount realised or realisable by him during the year.
       (b) the transfer of right to use any such goods entered into by any dealer, shall be deemed to have taken place in this State whenever the goods are used within the State, irrespective of the place where the agreement whether written or or

S.6 Tax in respect of declared goods

       Notwithstanding anything contained in section 5, the sales or purchases of declared goods by a dealer shall be liable to tax at the rate, and only at the point of sale or purchase specified against each in the third Schedule on his turnover of such sales or purchases for each year irrespective of the quantum of his turnover in such goods; and the tax shall be assessed levied and collected in such manner as may be prescribed.
       Provided that where any such goods on which a tax has been so levied are sold in the course of inter State trade or commerce. and tax has been paid under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 in respect of the sale of such goods in the course of inter State trade or commerce the tax so levied, ( shall be reimbursed to the person making such sale in the course of inter State trade or commerce,) in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

S.6(C) Levy of tax on packing material

       Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 5, Section 5F Section 6 and Section 6A, the rate of tax on packing material sold with the goods shall be the same as that of the goods packed or filled, whether or not there is separate sale or agreement for sale for the packing material and the goods packed or filled.
       


S.6(B) .

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S.6(A) Levy of tax on turnover relating to purchase of certain goods

       Every dealer, who in the course of business:
       (i) purchases any goods (the sale or purchase of which is liable to tax under this Act) from a registered dealer in circumstances in which no tax is payable under section 5 or under section 6, as the case may be, or.
       (ii) purchases any goods (the sale or purchase of which is liable to tax under this Act) from a person other than a registered dealer, and
       (a) consumes such goods in the manufacture of other goods for sale or consumes them otherwise, or:
       (b) disposes of such goods in any manner other than by way of sale in the State or.
       (c) despatches them to a place outside the State except as a direct result of sale or purchase in the course of inter State trad

S.7 Stage of levy of taxes in respect of imported and exported goods

       Where in the case of any goods tax is leviable at one point in a series of sales or purchases, such series shall
       (a) in the case of goods imported into the State either from outside the territory of India or from any other State in India, be deemed to commence at the stage of the sale or purchase effected immediately after the import of such goods.
       (b) in the case of goods exported out of the State to anyplace outside the territory of India or to any other State in India, be deemed to conclude at the stage of sale or purchase effected immediately before the export of such goods.
       Explanation:- The provision contained in sub-section (3) of Section 5 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (Central Act 74 of 1956), shall apply for the purpose of clause (b);


S.7(A) .

       Burden of proof and liability of the dealer to pay tax and penalty
       (1) In the case of an assessment made under sub section (2) of section 5, section 6 or the notification issued under section 9, the burden of proving that any sale or purchase effected by a dealer is not liable to any tax or is liable to be taxed at a reduced rate shall lie on the dealer.
       (1-A) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or in any other law, a dealer in any of the goods liable to tax in respect of the sale or the purchase in the State shall be deemed to be the seller or purchaser, as the case may be of such goods and shall be liable to pay tax accordingly on his turnover of sales or purchases relating to such goods, unless he proves to the satisfaction of the assessing authority that the goods sold or purchased as the case may be, have already suffer

S.8 Exemption from tax in respect of certain goods

       Subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be prescribed a dealer who deals in the goods specified in the Fourth Schedule shall be exempt from tax under this Act in respect of such goods.


S.9 Power of State Government to notify exemptions and reductions of tax or interest

       (1) The State Government may, by notification in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, make an exemption, or reduction in rate, in respect of any tax or interest payable under this Act -
       (i) on the sale or purchase of any specified class of goods, at all points or at any specified point or points in series of sales or purchases by successive dealers;or
       (ii) by any specified class of persons, in regard to the whole or any part of their turnover.
       (2) Any exemption from tax or interest or reduction in the rate of tax or interest notified under sub section (1)
       (a) may extend to the whole of the State or to any specified area or areas therein;
       (b) may be subject to such restrictions and conditions as may be specified

S.10 .

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S.11 .

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S.12 Registration of Dealers

       (1) Every dealer (other than casual trader) whose total turnover in any year is not less than Rs.50,000 shall and any other dealer may get himself registered under this Act.
       (1-A) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section any dealer who purchases goods inside the State and sells the same to consumers on retail basis and who does not issue declarations in Form-X in respect of sales or purchases effected by him and who is not registered under Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (Act No.74 of 1956) shall be registered as a special category dealer and certificate of the registration shall be issued to him in such manner and in such form as may be prescribed.
       (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub section (1) every dealer
       (a) carrying on business in all or any of the goods mentioned in the

S.12(B) .

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S.12(A) .

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S.13 Submission of return of turnover by dealer

       Every dealer who is liable to get himself registered under Section 12 under this Act shall submit such return or returns relating to his turnover, in such manner, within such period, and to such authority as may be prescribed.


S.13(A) Penalty for failure to submit returns

       If any dealer who is not liable to pay tax under this Act, fails to submit a return as required by the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder, the assessing authority may after giving the dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard direct him to pay by way of penalty a sum calculated at the rate of one hundred rupees for every day of delay in filing return.
       


S.13(B) Submission of returns by Banks

       Every scheduled bank including any branch of such bank or any banking institution in the State shall, at the request of the assessing authority concerned, submit in each month a return in the prescribed form, of all bills relating to goods discounted, cleared or negotiated and the payment and receipts relatable to the sale or purchase of goods transacted by or through it during the preceding month, in such manner and within such period as may be prescribed.
       


S.13(C) Issue of Bills

       (1) Every dealer whose total turnover is not less than rupees two lakhs in a year, shall issue a bill or cash memorandum in such form and with such details of tax collected as may be prescribed, for every sale involving an amount not less than rupees one hundred: Provided that every dealer including a dealer whose turnover is less than rupees two lakhs shall issue a sale bill in the proforma prescribed, irrespective of the amount of sale, when demanded by the buyer.
       (2) Every dealer who violates the provision of sub-section (1) and rules made thereunder shall be liable to pay a penalty.
       (3) The penalty leviable under sub-section (2),-
       (a) shall be of Rs. 250/- or an amount calculated as a multiple of tax due on each such bill, subject to maximum of five times of the tax due whichever is highe

S.14(A) Assessment in cases of price variations

       (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 14--
       (a) if a dealer receives in any year any amount due to price variations which would have been included in his turnover for any previous year if it has been received by him in that year, he shall within thirty days from the end of the year in which such amount is received submit a return in such form as may be prescribed to the assessing authority and thereupon the assessing authority shall proceed to assess the tax payable on such amount;
       (b) If the assessing authority is satisfied that any return submitted under clause (a) is correct and complete, he shall assess the amount of tax payable by the dealer on the basis thereof, but if such return appears to him to be incorrect or incomplete, he shall after giving the dealer an opportunity of proving the correctness and completeness of

S.14 Assessment of tax

       (1) If the assessing authority is satisfied that any return submitted under section 13 is correct and complete, he shall assess the amount of tax payable by the dealer on the basis thereof, but if the return appears to him to be incorrect or incomplete he shall, after giving the dealer a reasonable opportunity of proving the correctness and completeness of the return submitted by him and making such inquiry as he deems necessary, assess to the best of his judgment, the amount of tax due from the dealer. An assessment under this section shall be made only within a period of three years from the expiry of the year to which the assessment relates.
       Provided that notwithstanding the amendment made to sub section (1) by the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax (Third Amendment) Act, 1995 the period for assessment under this sub section shall continue to be four years for the years preceding

S.14(D) Self Assessment

       (1) Every dealer (other than a casual trader or a dealer who opted for payment of tax under Section 14C or agent of a non resident dealer) whose total turnover in a year exceeds rupees ten lakhs but does not exceed rupees twenty five lakhs, in addition to the returns to be filed under Section 13 shall, submit to the assessing authority concerned a return of his total and net turnovers and tax due thereon at all places of his business in the preceding year within such time in such form and in such manner, as may be prescribed along with the tax due has been completed when the dealer files his return in such manner and with such particulars and proof as may be prescribed along with the tax due.
       (2) Every such dealer liable to submit a return of self assessment under sub section (1) shall assess the correct amount of tax due on the turnover liable to tax:
    &

S.14(E) Self assessment of dealers with a turnover less than rupees ten lakhs

       (1) Any dealer whose turnover in a year does not exceed rupees twenty lakhs or a dealer registered under sub-section (1-A) of Section 12 and liable to file a return under Section 15, shall submit to the assessing authority, within ninety days from the close of year, a return of self assessment in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed and in such return he shall assess the turnover at all places of his business during the year and tax due thereon correctly:
       Provided that any return filed after the expiry of sixty days from the close of the year may be received if the return is accompanied by a treasury receipt or cheque or demand draft for payment of a penalty equivalent to the amount calculated at the rate of rupees one hundred for every day of delay.
       (2) The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes shall issue guidelines from time

S.14(B) Assessment of sales shown in accounts at low prices

       (1) If the assessing authority is satisfied that a dealer has, with a view to evade the payment of tax, shown in his account sales or purchases of any goods at price which is less than fair market price of such goods, it may, at any time within a period of three years from the date on which any order of assessment was served on the dealer, assess or re assess the dealer to the best of the judgment on the turnover of such sales or purchases after making such enquiry as may be necessary and after giving the dealer a reasonable opportunity to show cause against such assessment.
       (1-A) While making the assessments under sub-section (1) above , the assessing authority shall adopt the highest value of the goods disclosed by the dealer to various statutory bodies or departments etc.
       (2) The provisions of section 14 including penalty shall apply

S.14(C) Special provision to pay tax on total turnover

       (1) Subject to the conditions specified in sub sections (2) to (5) of this section any dealer other than a casual trader or an agent of a non resident dealer or a dealer who is registered under Section 7 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 whose total turnover does not exceed rupees five lakhs for the assessment year concerned, may at his option. pay the amount of tax at the rate of two percent of the total turnover, in lieu of tax payable under the other provisions of this Act.
       (2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to dealers dealing in such commodities as may be notified by the Government form time to time.
       (3) No dealer shall be eligible to opt to pay tax under sub section (1) for two years from the date of registration under this Act.
       (4) If in any one of the preceding two year

S.15 Provisional assessment of tax

       (1) The tax payable under this Act for each year may be provisionally assessed in advance during the year in monthly or other prescribed instalments on the basis of estimated or actual turnover of the dealer; and for that purpose a dealer may be required to submit a return or periodical return of estimated or actual turnover and pay the tax on the basis of such return or periodical returns, in such manner as may be prescribed.
       (2) If the assessing authority has reason to believe that the provisional assessment for any period was made on too low a turnover or at too low a rate, or on too high a turnover or too high a rate, he may enhance or reduce, as the case may be, such provisional assessment: Provided that before making an enhancement of the provisional assessment as aforesaid the assessing authority shall, except where such enhancement is based on the turnover finally determine

S.15(B) Discontinuance of business or dissolution

       (1) Where any business carried on by a firm, a Hindu undivided family or an association has been discontinued or the firm, Hindu undivided family or association has been dissolved, the assessing authority shall make an assessment of the turnover of the firm, Hindu undivided family, or association, as the case may be, as if no such discontinuance or dissolution had taken place and all the provisions of this Act, including the provisions relating to the levy of a penalty or any other sum chargeable under any provision of this Act, shall, so far as may be, applied to such assessment.
       (2) Where such discontinuance or dissolution takes place after any proceeding in respect of an assessment for any year has commenced, the proceeding may be continued against every person who was, at the time of such discontinuance or dissolution, a partner of such firm or a member of such Hindu undivided

S.15(A) Assessment of tax on Casual Traders

       Notwithstanding anything in sections 14 and 15, it shall be open to an assessing authority, including the officer in charge of the check post or barrier referred to in Section 29 to make a provisional or final assessment on a casual trader on the turnover of the purchase, or the sale of the goods, effected by him , in accordance with such rules as may be made in this behalf.


S.16(A) Liability in case of firms

       Where any firm is liable to pay any tax or other amount under this Act, the firm and each of the partners of the firm shall be jointly and severally liable for such payment.


S.16(B) Liability of directors of private company in liquidation

       When any private company is wound up and any tax assessed on the company under this Act for any period, whether before or in the course of or after its liquidation, cannot be recovered, then every person who was a director of the private company at any time during the period for which the tax is due, shall be jointly and severally liable for the payment of such tax, unless he proves that the non recovery cannot be attributed to any gross neglect, misfeasance or breach of duty on his part in relation to the affairs of the company.


S.16 Payment of tax and other dues payable under the Act

       (1)The tax assessed, whether provisionally or finally and the penalty levied under the provisions of this Act shall be paid by the dealer in such manner, and within such time, not being less than fifteen days from the date of service of the notice of assessment or of the levy of penalty, as may be specified in such notice:
       Provided that the time limit of fifteen days for a notice under this sub section shall not apply to casual traders.
       Provided further that the assessing authority may, for good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing, require the dealer to pay the tax assessed or the penalty levied within such time, not being less than seven days from the date of service of the notice of assessment, as may be specified in the notice.
       Provided also that the assessing authority shall

S.16(C) Liability under this Act to be the first charge

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law for the time being in force, any amount of tax, penalty, interest and any other sum if any, payable by a dealer or any other person under this Act, shall be the first charge on the property of dealer, or such person.
       


S.17(A) Transfers to defraud revenue void

       Where during the pendency of any proceeding under this Act, or after the completion thereof any dealer creates a charge on, or parts with the possession by way of sale, mortgage, gift, exchange or any other mode of transfer whatsoever of any of his assets in favour of any other person, with the intention to defraud the revenue, such charge or transfer shall be void as against any claim in respect of any tax, or any other sum payable by the dealer as a result of the completion of the said proceeding or otherwise:
       Provided that, such charge or transfer shall not be void if it is made -
       (i) for adequate consideration and without notice of the pendency of such proceeding under this Act or, as the case may be, without notice of such tax or other sum payable by the dealer; or
       (ii) with the previou

S.17 Recovery of tax and other dues payable under the Act from persons from whom money is due to the dealer

       (1) The assessing authority, may at any time or from time to time, by notice in writing (a copy of which shall be forwarded to the dealer at his last address known to the assessing authority) require any person from whom money is due or may become due to the dealer, or any person who holds or may subsequently hold money for, or on account of the dealer, to pay to the assessing authority either forthwith if the money has become due or is so held, or within the time specified in the notice (but not before the money becomes due or is held), so much of the money as is sufficient to pay the amount due by the dealer in respect of arrears of tax, interest, penalty or fee or the whole of the money when it is equal to or less than that amount.
       (2) The assessing authority may, at any time, or from time to time, amend or revoke any such notice or extend the time of making any payment in pursu

S.17(C) Special powers of Deputy Commissioner under the Revenue Recovery Act

       (1) A Deputy Commissioner shall have the powers of a Collector under the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Recovery Act, 1864 for the purpose of recovery of any amount due under this Act.
       (2) Subject to the provisions of sub section (3) all Deputy Commercial Tax Officers shall, for the purposes of recovery of any amount due under this Act, have the powers of the Mandal Revenue Officer under the Andhra Pradesh Rent and Revenue Sales Act, 1839 for the sale of property distrained for any amount due under this Act.
       (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Andhra Pradesh Rent and Revenue Sales Act, 1839, the Deputy Commercial Tax Officer in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub section (2) shall be subject to the control and superintendence of the Deputy Commissioner.


S.17(B) Provisional attachment of property to protect revenue in certain cases

       (1) Where, during the pendency of any proceeding for the assessment of any turnover or for the assessment or reassessment of any turnover which has escaped assessment, the assessing authority is of the opinion that for the purpose of protecting the interest of the revenue it is necessary so to do, he may with the previous approval of the Commissioner, by order in writing, attach provisionally in the prescribed manner any property belonging to the assessee.
       (2) Every such provisional attachment shall cease to have effect after the expiry of a period of six months from the date of the order made under sub section (1):
       Provided that the Commissioner may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the aforesaid period by such further period or periods as he thinks fit, so, however, that the total period of extension shall not in any case

S.18 Recovery of tax where business of a dealer is transferred

       Where ownership of the business of a dealer liable to pay tax is transferred, any tax or other amount payable under this Act in respect of such businss and remaining unpaid at the time of the transfer, may without prejudice to any action that may be taken for its recovery from the transferor, be recoverable from the transferee as if he were the dealer liable to pay such tax or other amount.


S.19 Appeals

       (1) Any dealer objecting to any order passed or proceeding recorded by any authority under the provisions of this Act other than an order passed or proceeding recorded by a an Additional Commissioner or Joint Commissioner, eputy Commissioner under sub section (4 C) of Section 14 may within thirty days from the date on which the order or proceeding was served on him, appeal to such authority as may be prescribed:
       Provided that the appellate authority may within a further period of thirty days admit an appeal preferred after a period of thirty days if he is satisfied that the dealer had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period:
       Provided further that an appeal so preferred shall not be admitted by the appellate authority concerned unless the dealer produces proof of payment of tax admitted to be due, or of such ins

S.20 Revision by (Commissioner of Commercial Taxes) and other prescribed authorities

       (1) The (Commissioner of Commercial Taxes) may suo motu call for and examine the record of any order passed or proceeding recorded by any authority, officer or person subordinate to it, under the provisions of this Act, including sub section (2) of this section and if such order or proceeding recorded is prejudicial to the interests of revenue, may make such enquiry, or cause such enquiry to be made and subject to the provisions of this Act, may initiate proceedings to revise, modify or set aside such order or proceeding and may pass such order in reference thereto as it thinks fit.
       (2) Powers of the nature referred to in sub section (1) may also be exercised by Additional Commissioner, or the joint Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner and the Commercial Tax Officer in the case of orders passed or proceedings recorded by authorities, officers or persons subor

S.21(E) Bar of jurisdiction of all Courts except the Supreme Court

       Notwithstanding any thing contained in any other law, the jurisdiction of all Courts except the Supreme Court, is excluded with respect to any matter which is by or under this Act required to be decided or dealt with by the assessing authority, the Assistant Commissioner, the Appellate Deputy Commissioner, the Joint Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, the Appellate Tribunal or the Special Appellate Tribunal.
       


S.21(D) Procedure of the Appellate Tribunal

       (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act or any rule made thereunder, the Special Appellate Tribunal may, by order, regulate its practice and procedure.
       (2) No appeal shall be entertained by the special Appellate Tribunal unless the assessee pays the tax admitted to be due from him.
       Provided that if as a result of the appeal, any change becomes necessary in the assessment, the Special Appellate Tribunal may authorise the assessing authority to amend the assessment and on such amendment being made, the excess amount paid by the assessee shall, on his application, be refunded to him with simple interest at twelve percent per annum.
       (3) Every order passed by the Special Appellate Tribunal shall be final and shall not be called in question in any Court except the Supreme Court as provided under

S.21 Appeal to the Appellate Tribunal

       (1) Any dealer objecting to an order passed or proceeding recorded -
       (a) by any prescribed authority on appeal under Section 19, or
       (b) by a Additional Commissioner or joint Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner suo motu under sub section (4-C) of Section 14 or under sub section (2) of section 20, may appeal to the Appellate Tribunal within sixty days from the date on which the order or proceeding was served on him.
       (2) The Appellate Tribunal may within a further period of sixty days admit an appeal preferred after the period of sixty days mentioned in sub section (1), if it is satisfied that the dealer had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.
       Provided that no appeal against the order passed under Section 19 shall be ad

S.21(B) Terms and conditions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and member

       (1) The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Member shall hold office as such for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or until he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier.
       (2) The salaries and allowances payable to, and other terms and conditions of service (including pension, gratuity and other retirement benefits) of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Member shall be the same as those applicable to a Judge of the High Court :
       Provided that neither the salary and allowances nor the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or the Member shall be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.
       (3)
       (a) The Chairman or Vice-Chairman or the Member shall not be removed from his of

S.21(F) Bar of writ in High Court

       No writ shall lie in the High Court to set aside or modify any proceedings or order taken or made by any authority, officer or Tribunal referred to in Section 21-E under this Act or with respect to any other matter which is by or under this Act, required to be decided or dealt with by the said authority, officer or Tribunal.


S.21(C) Powers of the Special Appellate Tribunal

       The Special Appellate Tribunal shall have the same power as are vested in Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act V of 1908) including the power to punish for contempt.


S.21(A) Constitution of Special Appellate Tribunal under Article 323-B of the Constitution of India in regard to sales tax matters

       (1) The State Government may, by notification, constitute for the State a special Appellate Tribunal called "The Andhra Pradesh Sales Tax Special Appellate Tribunal" for the purposes of this Act.
       (2) The Special Appellate Tribunal shall exercise the functions conferred on it by or under this Act.
       (3) The Special Appellate Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and a Member to be appointed by the Government: Provided that where a sitting or retired Judge of a High Court is to be appointed as Chairman, such appointment shall be made in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.
       4) No person shall be qualified for appointment,-
       (a) as chairman unless he is or has been a judge of a High Court;
    &nbs


Legal Commentary on Section 21(A) of the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957

Introduction

The Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1957, serves as a legislative framework for the imposition and collection of sales tax in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Section 21(A) specifically addresses the establishment of a special appellate tribunal for the resolution of disputes arising from sales tax assessments.

What Section 21(A) Says

Section 21(A) empowers the State Government to constitute a special appellate tribunal known as "The Andhra Pradesh Sales Tax Special Appellate Tribunal" through a notification. This tribunal is tasked with hearing appeals against orders passed by the authorities under the Act.

Essential Ingredients

  • Constitution of Tribunal: The section allows for the creation of a specialized tribunal.
  • Scope of Appeals: The tribunal will handle appeals related to sales tax assessments and disputes.
  • Notification Requirement: The establishment of the tribunal is contingent upon a formal notification by the State Government.

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 21(A) is significant as it provides a dedicated forum for taxpayers to appeal against decisions made by tax authorities. This aims to ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and fairly, thereby enhancing the overall tax administration process.

Punishment for Section

While Section 21(A) itself does not prescribe specific punishments, it is part of a broader legislative framework that may include penalties for non-compliance with tax obligations as outlined in other sections of the Act.

Legal Comments

  • Tribunal Authority - The establishment of the tribunal under Section 21(A) is a critical step in ensuring that taxpayers have access to a specialized forum for dispute resolution. -
  • Notification Process - The requirement for a notification to establish the tribunal underscores the procedural nature of its formation, ensuring transparency and accountability. -
  • Appeal Mechanism - The provision enhances the appeal mechanism available to dealers, allowing them to contest tax assessments effectively. -
  • Judicial Precedent - The tribunal's decisions may set important precedents for future tax assessments and disputes, influencing the interpretation of tax laws. -
  • Efficiency in Tax Administration - By providing a specialized forum, Section 21(A) aims to streamline the tax dispute resolution process, reducing the burden on regular courts. -
  • Taxpayer Rights - The section reinforces taxpayer rights by ensuring they have a dedicated platform to challenge adverse decisions made by tax authorities. -
  • Legislative Intent - The legislative intent behind Section 21(A) is to enhance the effectiveness of tax administration and provide a fair hearing to taxpayers. -
  • Impact on Compliance - The existence of a specialized tribunal may encourage better compliance among taxpayers, knowing they have recourse in case of disputes. -
  • Potential for Amendments - The section may be subject to amendments as the government seeks to improve tax administration and address emerging issues in sales tax law. -
  • Judicial Review - Decisions made by the tribunal can be subject to judicial review, ensuring that the principles of natural justice are upheld. -
  • Public Confidence - The establishment of the tribunal can enhance public confidence in the tax system, as it provides a mechanism for fair dispute resolution. -
  • Role of the State Government - The State Government plays a crucial role in the functioning of the tribunal, as it is responsible for its establishment and operational guidelines. -
  • Interplay with Other Sections - Section 21(A) interacts with other provisions of the Andhra Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, creating a comprehensive framework for tax administration. -
  • Legal Framework - The section is part of a broader legal framework that governs sales tax in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the state's approach to tax policy and administration. -
  • Future Developments - As tax laws evolve, Section 21(A) may be revisited to adapt to changing economic conditions and taxpayer needs. -
  • Training and Capacity Building - The effectiveness of the tribunal may depend on the training and capacity building of its members to handle complex tax issues. -
  • Public Awareness - There is a need for public awareness regarding the tribunal's functions and the rights of taxpayers to appeal, ensuring that the provision is utilized effectively. -
  • Integration with Technology - The tribunal's operations could benefit from technological integration, facilitating easier access to information and hearings for taxpayers. -
  • Monitoring and Evaluation - Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the tribunal's performance will be essential to ensure it meets its objectives and serves the public interest. -

S.22 Revision by Special Appellate Tribunal

       (1) Within ninety days from the date on which an order under sub section (4) of section 21 was communicated to him the dealer or the authority prescribed in this behalf may prefer to the Special Appellate Tribunal against the order on the ground that the Appellate Tribunal has either decided erroneously, or failed to decide, any question of law: Provided that the Special Appellate Tribunal may admit a petition preferred after the period of ninety days aforesaid if it is satisfied that the petitioner has sufficient cause for not preferring the petition within that period
       .
       (2) The petition shall be in the prescribed form, shall be verified in the prescribed manner, and shall, where it is preferred by the dealer, be accompanied by a fee of rupees five hundred
       (3) If the Special Appellate Tribun

S.23 Appeal to Special Appellate Tribunal

       (1) Any dealer objecting to an order relating to assessment passed by the (Commissioner of Commercial Taxes suo motu under sub-section (1) of Section 20 Joint Commissioner suo motu under sub-section (4-C) of section 14 or under sub-section (2) of section 20 may appeal to the Special Appellate Tribunal within sixty days from the date on which the order was communicated to him.
       Provided that the Special Appellate Tribunal may admit an appeal preferred after the period of sixty days aforesaid if it is satisfied that the dealer had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.
       (2) The appeal shall be in the prescribed form, shall be verified in the prescribed manner and shall be accompanied by a (fee which shall not be less than five hundred rupees but which shall not exceed two thousand rupees as may be prescribed.

S.24(A) Limitation in respect of certain assessments or re-assessments orders

       Notwithstanding anything in sections 14 and 20 where an assessment, re assessment, rectification in or revision of an assessment is made in respect of an assessee or any person, in pursuance or in consequence of or to give effect to any finding or direction contained in an order under section 19, section 20, section 21, section 22 or section 23 or in an order of any court in a proceeding, otherwise than by way of appeal or revision under this Act, such assessment, re assessment, rectification in or revision of an assessment shall be made within three years from the date of receipt of such order by the assessing or revising authority as the case may be.


S.24 Petitions, applications and appeals to High Court to be heard by a Bench of not less than two judges

       Every petition, application or appeal preferred to the High Court under sections 22 and 23 shall be heard by a Bench of not less than two judges, and in respect of such petition, application or appeal, the provisions of Section 98 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act v of 1908), shall, so far as may be, applied.


S.25 Maintenance of true and correct accounts and records by dealers, etc

       Every person licenced or registered under this Act, every dealer liable to get himself registered under this Act, and every other dealer who is required so to do by the prescribed authority by notice served in the prescribed manner, shall keep and maintain a true and correct account promptly in any of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, or in English showing such particulars as may be prescribed; and different particulars may be prescribed for different classes of persons or dealers


S.26 Possession and submission of certain records by owners, etc. of boats

       The owner or other person in charge of a boat shall carry with him, -
       (i) bill of sale or delivery note.
       (ii) log book, and
       (iii) such other documents as may be prescribed, relating to the goods under transport and containing such particulars as may be prescribed and shall submit to the Commercial Tax Officer, having jurisdiction over the area in which the goods are delivered, the documents aforesaid or copies thereof within such time as may be prescribed.
       


S.27 Possession and submission of certain records by owners, etc. of goods vehicles

       The owner or other person in charge of a goods vehicle shall carry with him
       (i) bill of sale or delivery note,
       (ii) goods vehicle record or trip sheet, and
       (ii) such other documents as may be prescribed.
       relating to the goods under transport and containing such particulars as may be prescribed and shall submit to the Commercial Tax Officer, having jurisdiction over the area in which the goods are delivered the documents aforesaid or copies thereof within such time as may be prescribed.


S.28 Powers to order production of accounts and powers of entry, Inspection, etc

       (1) Any Officer not below the rank of an Assistant commercial Tax Officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf may for the purposes of this Act, require any dealer to produce before him the accounts, registers and other documents, and to furnish any other information relating to his business.
       (2) All accounts, registers and other documents maintained by a dealer in the course of his business, the goods in his possession, and his offices, shops, godowns, vessels or vehicles shall be open to inspection by such officer at any time during the business hours prescribed under the relevant law for the time being in force or where no such hours are prescribed at all reasonable times;
       (3) If any such officer has reason to suspect that any dealer is attempting to evade the payment of any tax or other amount due from him under this Act

S.28(A) Acquisition of the goods

       (1) Where the authority prescribed has reason to believe that any goods of a fair market value exceeding five thousand rupees have been sold or purchased by a dealer, to or from another dealer or person, as the case may be, for a consideration which is less than fair market price of the goods and that consideration for such sale or purchase as agreed to between the parties has not been truly stated in the invoice or delivery challan or any other document relating thereto, with the object of facilitating the reduction or evasion of the tax payable under this Act, the authority prescribed may, subject to the provisions of this section initiate proceedings for the acquisition of such goods.
       (2) The powers conferred under sub-section (1) shall be exercised by the prescribed authority in respect of goods sold or purchased which, are in transit or in the possession of the seller or buyer

S.29(A) Power to inspect goods delivered to a carrier or bailee

       (1)Where a carrier or bailee to whom goods are delivered for transmission, before delivery is taken from him keeps the said goods in any office shop, godown, vessel, receptacle, vehicle or any other place, any officer empowered by the Government in this behalf, shall have power to enter into and search such office, shop, godown, vessel, receptacle, vehicle or other place of business or building or place, and to examine the goods and inspect all records relating to such goods. The carrier or bailee or the person in charge of the goods and records shall give all facilities for such examination or inspection and shall if so required produce the bill of sale or delivery note or such other documents as may be prescribed regarding the goods and give his name and address and the name and address of the carrier or the bailee and the consignee.
       Explanation :- For the purpose of this Sectio

S.29 Establishment of check post or barrier and inspection of goods while in transit

       (1) If the State Government or the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes consider it necessary that with a view to prevent or check evasion of tax under this Act in any place or places in the State, it is necessary so to do, the State Government or the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes may by notification direct the setting up of a check post or the erection of barrier, or both, at such place or places as may be notified.
       (2) At every check post or barrier mentioned in Sub section (1), or at any other place when so required by any officer empowered by the State Government in this behalf, the driver or any other person in charge of a goods vehicle or boat shall stop the vehicle or boat, as the case may be, and keep it stationary as long as may reasonably be necessary, and allow the officer in charge of the check post or barrier, or the officer empowered as aforesaid, to examine the conten

S.29(B) Transit of goods by road through the State and issue of transit pass

       Where a vehicle, carrying goods, coming from any place outside the State and bound for any other place outside the State, pass through the State, the driver or other person in charge of such vehicle shall obtain in the prescribed manner a transit pass from the officer in charge of the first check post barrier after his entry into the State o delivery and it to the officer in charge of the last check post or barrier before his exit from the State, failing which it shall be presumed that the goods carried thereby have been sold within the State by the owner or person in charge of the vehicle and accordingly the tax is assessed and penalty, if any levied in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
       Provided that where the goods carried by such vehicle are, after their entry into the State, transported outside the State by any other vehicle or conveyance, the burden of proving that

S.30(C) Imposition of penalty for contravening certain provisions

       (1) If any person collects tax in contravention of the provisions of Section 30B, any sum so collected shall be forfeited either wholly or partly to the State Government and in addition he shall be liable to pay a penalty of an amount not exceeding two thousand and five hundred rupees:
       Provided that the assessing authority shall not levy penalty if it is evident that due to bona fide mistake the dealer collected tax in contravention of the provisions of Section 30-B and the tax so collected in excess has been remitted to the Government along with the tax payable for that month:
       Provided further that the assessing authority shall while imposing that penalty or forfeiture, take into consideration the amounts refunded to the purchaser from out of the amounts collected by way of tax in contravention of Section 30-B or for the refund of whic

S.30(D) Penalty for abettors

       Whoever abets the commission of any offence under this Act, shall be punished with the punishment provided for the offence.


S.30 Offences and penalties

       (1) Any person who--
       (a) fails to pay within the time allowed, any tax assessed on him or any penalty levied, or any fee due from him, under this Act; or
       (b) being a person obliged to register himself as a dealer under this Act, does not get himself so registered; or
       (c) wilfully acts in contravention of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder shall on conviction be liable to be punished with fine which shall not be less than five hundred rupees but which may extend to two thousand rupees.
       (2) Any person who - (a) prevents or obstructs inspection, entry, search or seizure by an officer authorised under Section 28, in contravention of the terms thereof; or (b) prevents or obstructs inspection of any goods vehicle or boat carrying goo

S.30(B) Prohibition against collection of tax in certain cases

       (1) No dealer shall collect any sum by way of tax, in respect of sale or purchase of any goods which are not liable to tax under this Act.
       (2) No person, other than a dealer, shall collect on the sale or purchase of any goods, any sum by way of tax from any other person and no dealer shall collect any amount by way of tax in excess of the amount of tax already paid by him, if any, at the time of purchase by him and payable by him on the sale by him under the provisions of this Act.
       (3) Nothing in sub section (2) shall apply to a person where he is required to collect separately any amount of tax under the provisions of any other law for the time being in force.


S.30(A) Imposition of penalty for failure to keep and maintain true and correct accounts

       If any dealer who is required so to do by the prescribed authority by a notice served on him fails in contravention of section 25, to keep true and correct account of the value of goods purchased or sold by him or fails when directed so to do under that section, to keep any account or records in accordance with the directions, he shall be liable to pay, in addition to any tax for which may be liable, a penalty of an amount not exceeding rupees two thousand or double the amount of tax which would have been payable had there been no such failure, whichever is less.


S.31 Cognizance of offences

       (1) No Court other than the Court of a Magistrate of the first class shall take cognizance of, or try an offence under this Act.
       (2) No prosecution for offence under sub section (2) of section 30, or for any second or subsequent offence under sub section (3) of that section, shall be instituted except with the written consent of the Deputy Commissioner having jurisdiction over the area.


S.32 Composition of offences

       (1) the prescribed authority may accept, from any person who has committed or is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence under this Act, by way of composition of such offence
       (a) where the offence consists of the failure to pay or the evasion of any tax, recoverable under this Act, in addition to the tax so recoverable, a sum of money not exceeding three thousand rupees or double the amount of the tax recoverable, whichever is greater, and
       (b) in other cases a sum of money not exceeding three thousand rupees.
       (2) Any order passed or proceeding recorded by the prescribed authority under sub section (1) shall be final and no appeal or application for revision shall lie therefrom


S.33(A) Form of claim for refund and limitation

       (1) Every claim for refund under section 33 shall be made by the assessee or licensee in such form and verified in such manner as may be prescribed, on or after the date on which the tax or the licence fees in respect of which the claim is made was directed to be refunded.
       (2) No such claim shall be allowed unless it is made within three years from the date specified in sub section (1).
       


S.33 Refunds

       The assessing authority or the licensing authority, as the case may be, shall refund the tax or the licence fees, if any, paid provisionally by an assessee or licensee for any particular period, if it is found to be in excess of the tax or the licence fees payable by him for the said period, or at the option of the assessee or licensee, adjust such excess towards any tax or licence fees due in respect of any other period:
       Provided that the assessing or licensing authority, as the case may be, may first apply the excess paid in respect of any period towards the recovery of any amount, in respect of which a notice of demand may have been issued, and shall then refund the balance, if any.


S.33(B) Refund on appeal etc

       Where as a result of any order passed in appeal or other proceeding under this Act, refund of any amount becomes due to the assessee or licensee, the assessing or licensing authority shall refund the amount to the assessee or licensee without his having to make any claim in that behalf, or adjust or apply, such amount as provided in section 33.


S.33(B)(B) Non refund of tax in certain cases

       Where a levy and collection of tax is held invalid by any judgment or order of a Court or Tribunal, it shall not be necessary to refund any such tax to the dealer unless it is proved by the dealer to the satisfaction of the assessing authority that the tax has not been collected from the purchaser


S.33(C) Power to withhold refund in certain cases

       Where an order giving rise to a refund to an assessee or licensee is the subject matter of an appeal or further proceeding, or where any other proceeding under this Act is pending, and the assessing or the licensing authority is of the opinion that the grant of the refund is likely to adversely affect the revenue, the assessing or the licensing authority may, with the previous approval of the Deputy Commissioner, withhold the refund till such time as the Deputy Commissioner may determine.


S.33(D) Correctness of assessment not to be questioned

       In a claim for refund under section 33, it shall not be open to the assessee or the licensee to question the correctness of any assessment or other matter decided, which has become final and conclusive, or seek for a review in respect thereof, and the assessee or the licensee shall not be entitled to any relief on such claim except the refund of tax or licence fees wrongly paid or paid in excess.


S.33(E) Interest on delayed refunds

       (1) If the assessing authority or the licensing authority does not grant the refund within six months from the date on which the claim for refund is made by the assessee or licensee under section 33 A, the State Government shall pay the assessee or licensee simple interest at twelve percent per annum on the amount directed to be refunded from the date immediately following the expiry of the period of six months aforesaid to the date of the order granting the refund.
       Explanation :- If the delay in granting the refund within the period of six months aforesaid is attributable to the assessee or licensee, whether wholly or in part, the period of the delay attributable to him shall be excluded from the period for which interest is payable.
       (2) Where any question arises as to the period to be excluded for the purpose of calculation of interes

S.33(F) Interest on refund where no claim need be made

       (1) Where a refund is due to the assessee or licensee in pursuance of an order referred to in section 33 B and the assessing or the licensing authority does not grant the refund within a period of six months from the date of such order, the State Government shall pay to the assessee or the licensee simple interest at twelve percent per annum on the amount of refund due from the date immediately following the expiry of the period of six months aforesaid to the date on which the refund is granted.
       (2) Where the refund is withheld under the provisions of section 33 C the State government shall pay interest at the aforesaid rate on the amount of the refund ultimately determined to be due as a result of the appeal or further proceeding for the period commencing after the expiry of six months from the date of the order referred to in section 33 C to the date the refund is granted.

S.34 Power to summon witnesses and production of documents

       (1) an assessing authority or an appellate or revising authority including the Appellate Tribunal or any Officer of the Commercial Taxes Department not lower in rank than an Assistant Commercial Tax Officer shall, for the purpose of this Act, have all the powers:
       (a) to summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath or affirmation and
       (b) compelling the production of any document.
       (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of any other law for the time being in force, where a person to whom a summons is issued either to attend to give evidence, or produce accounts, registers, records or other documents at a certain place and time intentionally omits or fails to attend or produce accounts, registers, records or other documents at such place or time the authority or

S.34(A) Power to get information

       (1) Any assessing authority or appellate or revising authority under this Act may, by writing, require any person or authority to furnish such information, particulars or records available with that person or authority as will be useful or relevant to any proceeding under this Act.
       (2) The person or authority from whom such information, particulars or records is or are required under Sub section (1) shall furnish, within a reasonable time, the information, particulars or records available.


S.35 Appearance before any authority in proceedings

       Any person who is entitled to appear before any authority other than the High Court in connection with any proceedings under this Act, may be represented before such authority
       (a) by his relative or a person regularly employed by him, if such relative or person is duly authorised by him in writing in this behalf; or
       (b) by a legal practitioner; or
       (c) subject to such conditions as may be laid down by the rules in that regard by a Chartered Accountant within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 or by a person who was enrolled as a Sales Tax Practitioner by such authority on payment of such fees and possessing such qualification as may be prescribed, if such Accountant or Sales Tax Practitioner is duly authorised in writing in this behalf.


S.36 Bar of Jurisdiction of Courts

       Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, no Court shall entertain any suit, or other proceeding to set aside or modify, or question the validity of any assessment, order or decision made or passed by any officer or authority under this Act or any rules made thereunder, or in respect of any other matter falling within its or his scope.


S.37 Protection of acts done in good faith

       (1) No suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall lie against any officer or servant of the State Government for any act done or purporting to be done under this Act without the previous sanction of the State Government, and no such suit, prosecution or other proceeding shall be instituted after the expiry of six months from the date of the act complained of.
       (2) No officer or servant of the State Government shall be liable in respect of any such act in any civil or criminal proceeding if the act was done in good faith in the course of the execution of duties imposed on him or the discharge of functions entrusted to him by or under this Act.


S.38(B) Rounding of tax, etc

       The amount of tax, interest, penalty, or any other sum payable and the amount of refund due under the provisions of this Act shall be rounded off to the nearest rupee and for this purpose, where such amount contains a part of a rupee consisting of paise, then, if such part is fifty paise or more, and it shall be increased to one rupee and if such part is less than fifty paise, is shall be ignored.
       


S.38(A)(A) Rounding off of turnover

       The amount of turnover shall be rounded off to the nearest multiple often ruppes and for this purpose any part of a rupee consisting of paise shall be ignored and thereafter if such amount is not a multiple of ten, then, if that last figure in the amount is five or more, the amount shall be increased to the next higher amount which is multiple of ten and if the last figure is less than five, the amount shall be reduced to the next lower amount which is a multiple of ten; and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be total turnover of the assessee for the purposes of this Act.


S.38(A) Provision in the case of defective or irregular proceedings

       No assessment made, penalty or compounding fee levied or other order passed by any officer or authority under this Act, shall be set aside merely on account of any defect or irregularity in the procedure relating thereto, unless it appears that such defect or irregularity has in fact occasioned material hardship or failure of justice.


S.38 Act not to apply to sales or purchases outside the State, in the course of impor or export, etc.

       Nothing contained in this Act shall be deemed to impose or authorise the imposition of a tax on the sale or purchase of any goods, where such sale or purchase takes place,
       (i) outside the State; or
       (ii) in the course of the import of the goods into, or export of the goods out of the territory of India; or
       (iii) in the course of inter State trade or commerce.
       Explanation :- The provisions of Chapter II of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (Central Act 74 of 1956), shall apply for the purpose of determining when a sale or purchase takes place in the course of inter State trade or commerce or outside a State or in the course or import or export.
       


S.39 Power to make rules

       (1) The State Government may by notification, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.
       (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for
       (a) all matters expressly required or allowed by this Act to be prescribed;
       (aa) the manner of determination of the amount payable by the dealer in respect of :
       (i) any transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract;
       (ii) any delivery of goods on hire purchase or any system of payment by instalments;
       (iii) any transfer of the right to use any goods for any purpose (whether or not for a spe

S.40 Power to amend Schedules

       (1) The Government may, by notification, alter, add to or cancel any of the Schedules.
       (2) Where a notification has been issued under Sub section (1), there shall, unless the notification is in the meantime rescinded, be introduced in the Legislative Assembly, as soon as may be, but in any case during the next session of the Legislative Assembly following the date of the issue of the notification, a Bill on behalf of the Government, to give effect to the alteration, addition or cancellation, as the case may, be of the Schedule specified in the notification, and the notification shall cease to have effect when such Bill becomes law, whether with or without modifications, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder;
       Provided that if the notification under Sub section (1) is issued when the Legislative Asse

S.41 Repeal

       (1) The Madras General Sales Tax Act, 1939 (Madras Act IX of 1939), The Hyderabad General sales Tax Act 1950, (Hydeabad Act XIV of 1950) The Madras Tobacco (Taxation of Sales and Registration) Act, 1953 (Madras Act IV of 1953), The Andhra General Purchase Tax Act, 1956 (Andhra Act XIII of 1956) and Section 21 A of the Madras Prohibition Act, 1937 (Madras Act X of 1937,) are hereby repealed:
       Provided that such repeal shall not affect the previous operation of the said Acts or Section or any right, title, obligation or liability already acquired, accrued or incurred thereunder, and subject thereto, anything done or any action taken (including any appointment, notification, notice,order,rule, form, regulation, certificate, licence or permit) in the exercise of any power conferred by or under the said Acts or Section shall be deemed to have been done or taken in the exercise of the po

S.42(A) Instructions to Subordinate Officers

       The Commissioner may, from time to time, issue such orders, instructions and directions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or the rules made there under to his subordinate officers as he may deem fit, for the proper administration of the Act and such officers and all other persons employed in the enforcement of the Act, shall comply with such orders, instructions and directions.
       Provided that no such orders, instructions shall be such as to interfere with the discretion of any appellate authority in exercise of its appellate functions.


S.42 Power to remove difficulties

       (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act in consequence of the transition to the said provisions from the corresponding provisions of the Acts inforce immediately before the commencement of this Act, the State Government may, by order in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, makes such provisions as appear to them to be necessary or expedient or removing the difficulty.
       (2) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act (other wise than in relation to the transition from the provisions of the corresponding Act in force before the commencement of this Act), the State Government may, by order make such provisions, not inconsistent with the purposes of this Act, as appear to them to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty.


S.43 Non Implementation of penal provision on disclosure

       Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, where a dealer
       (a) has prior to the detection by any officer of the Commercial Taxes Department, of the concealment of particulars of true and full turnover of his business, voluntarily and in good faith), made between the 1st January, 1987 and the 31st March, 1987;
       (b) has, on or before the 31st March, 1987 paid the tax on the full turnover, and
       (c) has cooperated in an enquiry if any, relating to the assessment of his turnover,the registering, assessing and revising authorities under this Act, shall not initiate any proceeding for imposition of a penalty or impose any penalty leviable under This Act, in respect of any assessment year including the assessment year 1986 87;
       Provided that the disclosu

Sch.1 GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH SINGLE POINT TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5

       FIRST SCHEDULE SECHEDULE 2
       GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH SINGLE POINT PURCHASE TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5
       1. Manganese including manganese
       ore and ferro manganese At the point of purchase
       by the last dealer who
       buys in the State. 4 Paise in the rupee
       2. Iron ore -do- 8 Paise in the rupee
       3. Turmeric At the point of first
       purchase in the State. 4 Paise in the rupee
       4. Omitted
       5. Butter and Ghee other than that
       purchased from any organis

Sch.2 GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH SINGLE POINT PURCHASE TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5

       SECOND SECHEDULE SCHEDULE 3
       DECLARED GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH A SINGLE POINT TAX ONLY IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 6
       S.No Description of goods Point of levy Rate of tax
       1. Coal including coke in all its forms,
       but excluding charcoal:
       Provided that during the period
       commencing on the 23rd day of
       February, 1967 and ending
       with the 1st day of April, 1973,
       the clause shall have effect subject to
       the modification that the words "but
       excluding

Sch.3 DECLARED GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH A SINGLE POINT TAX ONLY IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 6

       THIRD SCHEDULE
       SCHEDULE 4
       (As subs by Act NO.16 OF 1963 W.E.F. 1-8-1963 and as amended upto 31st May, 1995)
       
       
       Description of goods
       1. Salt other than specified in the First Schedule.
       2. Electrical energy
       4. Toddy, neera and arrack
       5. Cotton fabrics, man made fabrics and woolen fabrics
       5-A Handloom cloth other than silk cloth
       6. Sugar
       7. Tobacco.
      

Sch.4 .

       FOURTH SCHEDULE (As subs by Act NO.16 OF 1963 W.E.F. 1-8-1963 and as amended upto 31st May, 1995)
       
       SCHEDULE 5
       GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5
       1. Jaggery At every point of sale
       in the State. 4 paise in the
       rupee
       Provided that
       (a) where Jaggery is sold to a dealer by
       a person who is not a registered dealer
       other wise than through an agent, the
       tax shall be levied at the point of
     &

Sch.5 GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5

       FIFTH SCHEDULE
       SCHEDULE 6
       GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5
       1.
       2. Photographic and other cameras and
       enlargers, lenses, films and plates, paper
       and cloth and other parts and accessories
       required for use therewith. At every point of sale
       in the State. 16 paise in the rupee
       3. All clocks, time pieces and watches
       including Quartz watches and clocks
       and parts thereof. -do- 16 paise in the rupee
   

Sch.6 GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5

       SIXTH SCHEDULE
       SCHEDULE 7
       ( Substituted by Act No.22 of 1995 w.e.f. 1-4-1995)
       GOODS IN RESPECT OF WHICH TAX IS LEVIABLE UNDER SECTION 5
       
       1. Goods other than
       those specified in
       First to Sixth
       Schedules At the point of first
       sale in the State 12 paise in the rupee
       Provided that a dealer other than a casual trader and an agent of a non
       resident daler whose total turnover for a year is les than rupees two
    &nbs

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