The Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005

THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 1 UPDATED UPTO-28-05-2016 Index of Amended VAT Act, 2005 Sr. No. CHAPTERS PAGE NO. 1. CHAPTER-I PRELIMINARY 2 to 13 2. CHAPTER-II TAXING AUTHORITIES 13 to 14 3. CHAPTER-III INCIDENCE, LEVY AND RATE OF TAX 14 to 31 4. CHAPTER-IV RESISTRATION, RETURNS, ASSESSMENT, RECOVERY AND REFUND OF TAX 31 to 59 5. CHAPTER-V ACCOUNTS, SURVEY AND INSPECTION 60 to 83 6. CHAPTER-VI APPEAL, REVISION AND RECTIFICATION 83 to 93 7. CHAPTER-VII OFFENCES AND PENALITIES 94 to 99 8. CHAPTER-VIII MISCELLANEOUS 99 to 113 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 2 Act No. 12 of 2005 1 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005. (AS ASSENTED BY THE GOVERNOR ON 31 ST DAY OF MARCH, 2005) A ACT to re-enact the law to provide for the levy of a value added tax on the sales or purchases of goods in the State of Himachal Pradesh and for certain other matters connected therewith. BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Himachal Pradesh in the Fifty-sixth Year of the Republic of India, as follows: - CHAPTER -I PRELIMINARY Short title and commencement. 1. (1) This Act may be called the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005. (2) It shall come into force from such date as the Government may, by notification, appoint. Definitions. 2. In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, -- (a) ―Act” means the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005. (b) ―Assessing Authority‖ means any person appointed by 1 Instructions of the President for promulgation of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Ordinance, 2005 received vide the Under Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue O.M. No. 25/6/2005-ST dated 21 st February, 2005 (See Appendix) THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 3 the State Government under sub-section (2) of section 3 to make any assessment under this Act; (c) ―business‖ includes, - (i) any trade, commerce, manufacture, any adventure or concern, in the nature of trade, commerce or manufacture, whether or not such trade, commerce, manufacture, adventure or concern is carried on with a motive to make profit and whether or not any profit accrues therefrom; and (ii) any transaction in connection with or ancillary to such trade, commerce, manufacture, adventure or concern; (d) ―capital goods‖ means plant, machinery or equipment 1 [including hydraulic mobile pick and cranes] used in the process of manufacturing, processing and packing of goods for sale excluding civil structures as may be prescribed; (e) ―casual dealer‖ means any person who carries on occasional transactions of business of buying, selling, supplying or distributing goods whether for cash, deferred payment, commission, remuneration or other valuable consideration; (f) ―Commissioner‖ means the Excise and Taxation Commissioner appointed under sub-section (1) of section 3; 1 Clause (d) of section 2 amended vide Ordinance No.10 of 2010 of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2010 w.e.f. 16-11-2010. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 4 (g) ―dealer‖ means any person who carries on (whether regularly or otherwise) the business of buying, selling, supplying or distributing goods, directly or indirectly, for cash, or for deferred payment, or for commission, remuneration or other valuable consideration, and includes,- (i) a local authority, a body corporate, a company, a co-operative society or other society, club, firm, Hindu Undivided Family or other association of persons which carries on such business; (ii) a factor, broker, commission agent, a dealer‘s agent or any other mercantile agent, by whatever name called; (iii) an auctioneer who carries on the business of selling or auctioning goods belonging to any principal, whether disclosed or not, and whether the offer of the intending purchaser is accepted by him or by the principal or a nominee of the principal; (iv) every person engaged in the business of,-- (a) transfer, otherwise than in pursuance of a contract, of property in any goods for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (b) transfer of property in goods THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 5 (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract; (c) delivery of goods on hire-purchase or any system of payment by instalments; (d) transfer of the right to use any goods for any purpose (whether or not for a specified period) for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (e) supply of goods by any unincorporated association or body of persons to a member thereof for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; and (f) supply, 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) where such supply or service, is for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 6 3 of 1930 Explanation (I). -- Every person who acts as an agent, in Himachal Pradesh, of a dealer residing outside this State and buys, sells, supplies or distributes goods in the State or acts on behalf of such dealer as— (i) a mercantile agent as defined in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930; or (ii) an agent for handling of goods or documents of title relating to goods; or (iii) an agent for the collection of the payment of the sale price of goods or as a guarantor for such collection or payment; and every local branch or office in Himachal Pradesh of a firm registered outside this State or a company or other body corporate, the principal office or headquarters whereof is outside this State, shall be deemed to be a dealer for the purpose of this Act. Explanation (II). -- Every department, or its subordinate offices, of a Government which whether or not in the course of business, buys, sells, supplies or distributes goods, directly or otherwise, for cash or for deferred payment or for commission, remuneration or other valuable consideration, shall, except in relation to any sale, supply or distribution of surplus, unserviceable or old stores or materials or waste products or obsolete or discarded machinery or parts or accessories thereof, be deemed to be a dealer for the purpose of this Act. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 7 Explanation (III). -- For the purpose of this clause ―Government‖ shall include the Central Government or the Government of any other State or Union Territory. 74 of 1956. (h) “declared goods‖ shall have the meaning assigned to that expression in clause (c) of section 2 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956; (i) ―Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner‖ means the Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner, appointed under sub-section (1) of section 3 of this Act, to assist the Commissioner and shall also include the Joint/Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner; (j) ―document‖ includes title deeds, writing or inscription, statement of account and data stored electronically in whatever form and the like that furnishes evidence; (k) ―goods‖ means every kind of movable property (other than news-papers, actionable claims, stocks and shares and securities) and includes live stock, all materials, commodities and articles and every kind of property (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract, and all growing crops, grass, trees or things attached to or forming part of the land which are agreed to be severed before sale or under the contract of sale; (l) ―import‖ means the bringing of goods into Himachal Pradesh from any place outside its territorial jurisdiction; THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 8 (m) ―input tax‖ means the amount paid or payable by way of tax under this Act, by a purchasing registered dealer to a selling registered dealer on the purchase of goods in the course of business for re-sale, or for use in the manufacture of taxable goods or for use as containers or packing material or for the execution of works contract; (n) ―invoice‖ means a document listing goods with price, quantity, tax involved and other particulars as may be prescribed and includes a bill, cash memorandum, slip, receipt or similar record, regardless of its form; (o) ―motor spirit‖ means any inflammable hydrocarbon including any mixture of hydrocarbons or any liquid containing hydrocarbon, which is ordinarily used for providing reasonably efficient motive power for any form of motor vehicle; (p) ―notification‖ means notification published in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh; (q) ―output tax‖ output tax in relation to any registered dealer means the tax payable under this Act in respect of any taxable sale or purchase of goods made by that dealer in the course of his business; (r) ―prescribed‖ means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (s) “purchase‖ with all its grammatical or cognate expressions, means the acquisition of goods for cash or deferred payment or other valuable consideration otherwise THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 9 than under a mortgage, hypothecation, charge or pledge and includes— (i) the transfer, otherwise than in pursuance of a contract, of property in any goods for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (ii) the transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract; (iii) the delivery of goods on hire-purchase or any system of payment by instalments; (iv) the transfer of the right to use any goods for any purpose (whether or not for a specified period) for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (v) the supply of goods by any unincorporated association or body of persons to a member thereof for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (vi) the supply, 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), where such supply or service, is for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; and such transfer, delivery or supply of any goods shall be deemed to be a sale of those goods by the person making the transfer, delivery or supply and a purchase of those goods by the person to whom such transfer, delivery or supply is THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 10 made; (t) ―registered‖ means registered under this Act; (u) “reverse input tax‖ means that amount of input tax credit in relation to any goods for which input tax credit has been availed of, but which shall stand reversed in the circumstances specified in sub-sections (9) and (10) of section 11; (v) ―sale‖ means any transfer of property in goods for cash or for deferred payment or for any other valuable consideration other than a mortgage, hypothecation, charge or pledge, and includes— (i) the transfer, otherwise than in pursuance of a contract, of property in any goods for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (ii) the transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of a works contract; (iii) the delivery of goods on hire-purchase or any system of payment by instalments; (iv) the transfer of the right to use any goods for any purpose (whether or not for a specified period) for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 11 (v) the supply of goods by any unincorporated association or body of persons to a member thereof for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; (vi) the supply, 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), where such supply or service, is for cash, deferred payment or other valuable consideration; and such transfer, delivery or supply of any goods shall be deemed to be a sale of those goods by the person making the transfer, delivery or supply and a purchase of those goods by the person to whom such transfer, delivery or supply is made; (w) ―Schedule” means a Schedule to this Act; (x) ―section‖ means the section of this Act; (y) ―State Government‖ or ―Government‖ means the Government of Himachal Pradesh; (z) ―tax‖ or “value added tax” means the tax on the sale or purchase of goods, levied under section 6 or 7; (za) ―tax period‖ means the period prescribed for filing a return; THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 12 (zb) ―timber‖ includes trees when they have fallen, or have been felled or agreed to be felled and all wood whether cut up or fashioned or hollowed out for any purpose or not; (zc) ―Tribunal‖ means the Tribunal established under section 44; (zd) ―turnover‖ means the aggregate amount of sales, purchases and parts of sales and purchases made by any dealer during the given period and includes any sum charged, on account of freight, storage, demurrage, insurance and for anything done by the dealer in respect of the goods at the time of or before delivery thereof; Explanation (I). — The proceeds of any sale made outside Himachal Pradesh by a dealer, who carries on business both inside and outside Himachal Pradesh, shall not be included in the turnover. Explanation (II). —The turnover of any dealer in respect of transactions of forward contracts, in which goods are actually not delivered, shall not be included in the turnover. Explanation (III). — The proceeds of sale of any goods on the purchase of which tax is leviable under this Act, or the purchase value of any goods on the sale of which tax is leviable under this Act, shall not be included in the turnover. Explanation (IV).— The sum allowed as cash discount according to ordinary trade practice shall not THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 13 be included in the turnover. Explanation (V).—The amount to be included in the turnover in respect of delivery of goods on hire purchase or any system of payment by instalments shall be the total sum payable by the hirer under the hire-purchase agreement in respect of the goods so delivered, or the amount actually paid in instalments. Explanation (VI). — The amount to be included in the turnover in respect of transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) involved in the execution of works contract shall be its sale price. (ze) ―vehicle‖ includes any carriage or conveyance used on land, water or air; and (zf) ―year‖ means the financial year. CHAPTER-II TAXING AUTHORITIES Taxing authorities. 3. (1) For carrying out the purposes of this Act, the State Government may, by notification, appoint a person to be the Commissioner and such other persons with such designations, as it thinks fit. (2) The State Government may, by notification, appoint as many Assessing Authorities as it may think fit. (3) The Commissioner and other persons appointed under THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 14 sub-section (1) shall perform such functions and duties as may be required by or under this Act or as may be conferred, by the State Government, by notification. (4) The jurisdiction of the Commissioner and other officers posted at the State Headquarters shall extend to the whole of the State of Himachal Pradesh, and the jurisdiction of other officers or officials shall, unless the State Government otherwise directs, by notification, extend to the districts or the areas of the districts for which they are for the time being posted. CHAPTER-III INCIDENCE, LEVY AND RATE OF TAX Incidence of taxation. 4. (1) Subject to the provisions of sections 6, 7 and sub- section (2) of section 16, every dealer (except one dealing exclusively in goods declared tax free under section 9) whose gross turnover during the year immediately preceding the commencement of this Act exceeded the taxable quantum shall be liable to pay tax under this Act on all sales effected and purchases made after the coming into force of this Act. (2) Every dealer, who does not deal exclusively in goods declared to be tax free under section 9, shall be liable to pay tax under this Act from the date on which his gross turnover during any year first exceeds the taxable quantum. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (1) THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 15 and (2) no tax on the sale of any goods shall be levied if a tax on their purchase is levied under this Act. (4) Every dealer who has become liable to pay tax under this Act shall continue to be so liable until the expiry of three consecutive years during each of which his gross turnover has failed to exceed the taxable quantum and such further period after the date of such expiry as may be prescribed, and on the expiry of this later period his liability to pay tax shall cease. (5) Every dealer, whose liability to pay tax has ceased under the provisions of sub-section (4), shall again be liable to pay tax under this Act with effect from the date on which his gross turnover first exceeds the taxable quantum. (6) In this Act, the expression ―taxable quantum‖ means, -- (a) in relation to any dealer who imports for sale or use in manufacturing or processing any goods in Himachal Pradesh: Rupee 1/-; (b) in relation to any dealer, who himself manufactures or produces any goods for sale: Rs. 1 4,00,000/-; (c) in relation to any dealer, who runs a hotel, restaurant, bakery or other similar establishment wherein food preparations including tea, are served: Rs. 2 ―8,00,000/-‖ 1 The taxable quantum in clauses (b), (c) enhanced from 2, 00,000/- to 4, 00,000/- vide Act No. 38 of 2011 published in Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on 29-09-2011. 2 Substituted for the figures & signs 5,00,000/- to 8,00,000/- by Act No. 13 of 2015 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2015-LEG dated 10-05-2015 published in Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on 18-05-2015. Prior to this the previous entry was substituted for the words, figures & signs 4,00,000/- to 5,00,000/- by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on 15-01-2013. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 16 (d) in relation to any particular classes of dealers not falling within clauses (a), (b) and/or (c), such sum as may be prescribed; or (e) in relation to any other dealer: Rs. 1 8,00,000/-: Provided that the registration of dealers already registered under this clause shall not be cancelled until their turnover in each of three consecutive years does not entitle them to cancellation under sub-section (4). Liability of a dealer registered under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. (74 of 1956) 5. A dealer registered under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 who is not liable to pay tax under section 4 shall nevertheless be liable to pay tax under this Act on any sale or purchase made by him inside the State of Himachal Pradesh: Provided that nothing herein shall apply to a dealer who deals exclusively in goods declared tax free under section 9. Levy of tax. 6. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, there shall be levied a tax, -- (a) at every point of sale in respect of the goods specified in the second column of Schedule ‗A‘, (b) at the prescribed points of purchase in respect of goods specified in the second column of Schedule ‗C‘, and (c) at the first point of sale in respect of the goods specified in the second column of Schedule 1 Substituted for the words, figures & signs 6,00,000/- to 8,00,000 by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh on 15-01-2013. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 17 74 of 1956 ‗D‘, (d) 1 at every point of sale in respect of the goods specified in the second column of Schedule ‗E‘, on the taxable turnover of a dealer, at the rates as specified in the respective Schedules or at such rates not exceeding 100 paise in a rupee as the State Government may, by notification, direct: Provided that the State Government may notify different rates in respect of different goods or classes of goods: Provided further that the rate of tax in respect of declared goods shall not exceed the maximum rate of tax specified in clause (a) of section 15 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956: Provided further that subject to furnishing of a declaration as may be prescribed, the Government may, by notification, reduce the rate of tax levied under sub-section (1) upto 4% in respect of goods sold to the Government, not being a registered dealer, for captive use in telecommunication network, or in the generation or distribution of electricity or any other form of power. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, where any goods are sold in container or are packed in any packing material, the rate of tax applicable to such container or packing material, shall, whether the price of the container or 1 Clouse (d) inserted vide notification No LLR-d(6)-7/2011-Loos dated 6-05-2011 Published in RHP (Extra-ordinary) on 07-05-2011. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 18 packing material is charged separately or not, be the same as is applicable to the goods, contained or packed therein and the turnover in respect of the container and packing material, shall be included in the turnover of such goods. Where the goods, sold in container or packed in packing material are tax free, the sale of such container or packing material shall also be tax free. (3) In this Act, the expression ―taxable turnover‖ means that part of the dealer‘s gross turnover during any period which remains after deducting therefrom --- (a) his turnover during that period on--- (i) the sale of goods declared tax free under section 9; (ii) sale or purchase of goods falling under section 58; and (iii) such other sales or purchases as may be prescribed; and (b) the amount of tax included in the gross turnover. Levy of presumptive tax. 7. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every registered dealer, whose gross turnover in any year does not exceed such amount as may be prescribed, shall, in lieu of the tax payable under this Act, pay presumptive tax on the entire taxable turnover of sales or purchases, as the case may be, at such rates, not exceeding the rates specified in section 6, as the State Government may, by notification, direct, and subject to such conditions and restrictions and in such manner as may be prescribed: THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 19 Provided that no input tax credit shall be available to such dealer: 1 ―Provided further that a registered dealer who imports goods for sale shall pay tax on the sale of such goods imported from outside the State on actual basis i.e. as per tax applicable on the sale of such goods within the State.‖ Levy of purchase tax on certain goods in certain circumstances. 8. Where a dealer who is liable to pay tax under this Act purchases any goods other than those specified in Schedule ‗B‘ from any source, and -- (a) uses them within the State in the manufacture of goods specified in Schedule ‗B‘, or (b) uses them within the State in the manufacture of any goods, other than those specified in Schedule ‗B‘, and sends the goods so manufactured outside the State in any manner otherwise than by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce or in the course of export out of the territory of India, or (c) uses such goods for a purpose other than that of resale within the State or sale in the 1 Substituted by Act No. 13 of 2015 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2015-LEG. Dated 10.5.2015 published in R.H.P. on 18.5.2015. Prior to substituted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009 entry was as under:- ―Provided further that no registered dealer, except a brick-kiln owner, who imports goods for sale or use in manufacturing or processing any goods for sale, shall be entitled to make payment of presumptive tax under this section.‖ THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 20 course of inter-State trade or commerce or in the course of export out of the territory of India, or (d) sends them outside the State in any manner otherwise than by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce or in the course of export out of the territory of India, and no tax is payable on the purchase of such goods under any other provisions of this Act, there shall be levied a tax on the purchase of such goods equal to the rate as notified, under sub-section (1) of section 6, by the State Government. Tax free Goods. 9. No tax shall be payable on the sale of goods specified in the second column of Schedule ‗B‘, subject to the conditions and exceptions, if any, set out in the corresponding entry in the third column thereof and no dealer shall charge sales tax on the sale of goods which are declared tax free from time to time under this section. Power to amend Schedules. 10. The State Government, after giving by notification, not less than [ 1 ten days‘] notice of its intention to do so, may, by like notification, add to or delete from the Schedules ‗A‘, ‗B‘, ‗C‘ , ‗D‘ 2 or ‗E‘ any goods, or otherwise amend these 1 Substituted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. prior substitution the words were ‗thirty days‖. 2 The word, letter and signs ―or ‗D‘‖, the signs, word and letters ―,‘D‘ or ‗E‘‖ shall be substituted vide Notification No. LLR-d(6)-7/2011-Loos dated 6-05-2011 Published in RHP (Extra-ordinary) on 07-05- 2011. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 21 Schedules, and thereupon the Schedule shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. Input tax credit. 11. 1 [(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the input tax credit which a purchasing registered dealer (hereinafter in this section called ‗the purchasing dealer‘) may claim, in respect of taxable sales made by him during the tax period, shall be – (i) the amount of input tax paid or payable by such purchasing dealer to the selling registered dealer, on the turnover of purchases of such goods as have been sold by him during the tax period; and (ii) calculated and allowed as provided in this section, and subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed.] (2) The purchasing dealer availing of the input tax credit shall maintain the tax invoices, the registers and the books of accounts in the manner as may be prescribed. (3) 2 [Except the goods in respect of which input tax credit is not admissible under this Act or the rules made thereunder, the input tax credit shall be allowed to the purchasing dealer in respect of the turnover of purchases of such taxable goods as have been sold by him during the tax period, and to the extent 1 Substituted for the word, letter and signs ―or ‗D‘‖, the signs, word and letters ―,‘D‘ or ‗E‘‖ shall be substituted by Act No. 12 of 2007 published vide Notification No. LLR-D(6) 4/2007 –Leg. Dated 16-5-2007 published in R.H.P. dated 16-5-2007. Sub-section (1) prior substitution was as under :-- ―The input tax credit which a purchasing registered dealer (hereinafter in this section called ‗the purchasing dealer‘), is entitled to claim, shall be the amount of input tax paid or payable by such purchasing dealer to the selling registered dealer, on the turnover of purchases made by him during the tax period and input tax credit shall be calculated as provided in this section and allowed subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.‖ . 2 Substituted by Act No. 12 of 2007 published vide Notification No. LLR-D(6) 4/2007-Leg. dated 16- 5-2007 in R.H.P. Extra dated 16-5-2007. The words and signs prior to substitution were: ―The input tax credit shall be allowed to the extent of the amount of input tax paid by the purchasing dealer on the purchases of taxable goods made by him in the State, from a registered dealer holding a valid certificate of registration, which are intended for the purpose of,-‖ THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 22 of the amount of input tax paid by such purchasing dealer on the turnover of purchases of such taxable goods made by him in the State, from a registered dealer holding a valid certificate of registration, for the purposes of,--] (a) sale or re-sale of goods by him in the State; or (b) sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce; or (c) sale in the course of export out of the territory of India; or (d) use as raw material or as capital goods in the manufacturing or processing of taxable goods for sale of the nature referred to in clauses (a), (b) or (c); or (e) use as containers or packing material of taxable goods for sale of the nature referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d): Provided that if the goods so purchased are used partially for the purposes specified in this sub-section, the input tax credit shall be allowed proportionate to the extent these are used for the purposes specified in this sub-section: Provided further that input tax credit on fuels and lubricants, shall be allowed only to the extent by which the amount of input tax paid in the State exceeds 4 percent subject to the condition that such fuels and lubricants are used in the manufacture of taxable goods or captive generation of power. (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), the input tax credit shall be allowed only to the extent by which the amount of input tax paid in the State exceeds 4 percent on purchase of goods— (a) sent outside the State otherwise than by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce or in the course of export out of territory of India; and (b) used in manufacture or in packing of taxable goods sent outside the State otherwise [ 1 than] by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce or in THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 23 the course of export out of territory of India. (5) The input tax credit shall not be claimed by the purchasing dealer until the tax period in which he receives from a registered dealer from whom he has purchased the goods, a tax invoice in the prescribed form (in original) evidencing the payment of amount of input tax: 2 XX XX XX XX XX . ___________________________________________________________ 1 Inserted by Act No.- of 14 of 2009 vide . notification No. . LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. 2. . Omitted by Act No.14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. Provisions prior to this amendment were as under:- ―Provided that for good and sufficient reasons, to be recorded in writing and in the prescribed manner, the Commissioner or any person appointed under section 3 may allow such credit subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed.‖ (6) The input tax credit on capital goods shall be limited to plant and machinery directly connected with the manufacturing or processing of the finished goods and input tax credit as admissible under this section shall commence from the date of commencement of commercial production and shall be adjusted against tax payable on turnover of sales over a period of three years: Provided that in case of closure of business before the period of three years, no further input tax credit shall be allowed and input tax carried forward, if any, shall be forfeited. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 24 (7) No input tax credit shall be claimed by a purchasing dealer and shall not be allowed to him for, --- (a) tax collected on the purchase of goods used in the manufacture or processing or packing of goods declared tax free under section 9; (b) purchases of goods made in the course of inter-State trade or commerce or in the course of import of goods into the territory of India or import from outside the State, in respect of tax paid in any other country or other State; (c) purchase of goods made in the State from,-- (i) an un-registered dealer or a casual dealer, or (ii) a dealer whose certificate of registration has been suspended, or (iii) a registered dealer who has opted to pay lump-sum amount, in lieu of tax, by way of composition under sub-section (2) of or presumptive tax under section 7; (d) purchase of goods used as free samples or gift or for personal consumption; (e) goods purchased for the uses specified in sub-section (3) but not sold because of theft, loss or destruction for any reason including natural calamity; (f) purchase of capital goods other than those specified in sub-section (6); (g) stock of goods remaining unsold at the time of closure of business and if a dealer has already taken any input tax credit against purchase of such stock of goods there shall be a reverse tax credit on closure of such THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 25 business; (h) save as provided in sub-section (4), tax collected on purchase of goods but subsequently despatched to a place outside the State in any manner otherwise than by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce; (i) save as provided in sub-section (4), tax collected on the purchase of goods used as raw material in the manufacture of goods, and the goods so manufactured are despatched outside the State in any manner otherwise than by way of sale in the course of inter-State trade or commerce; (j) purchase of goods for sale under the transfer of right to use goods for any purpose (whether for specified period or not); (k) purchases where,-- (i) tax invoice is not available with the registered dealer; or (ii) there is evidence that the tax invoice has not been issued by the selling dealer from whom the goods have been or stated to have been purchased; or (iii) original tax invoice does not contain the details of tax charged separately by the selling dealer from whom purchasing dealer has purchased the goods 1 [; and 1 The sign ―.‖,substituted by the sign and the word ―; and‖ and thereafter the new clause (l) inserted by Act No. 12 of 2007 published vide Notification No. LLR-D (6)4/2007-Leg. dated 16-5-2007 in R.H.P. Extra dated 16-5-2007. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 26 (l) the turnover of purchase of such goods which have not been sold during the tax period.] (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the State Government may, as may be prescribed, specify any goods in respect of which input tax credit shall not be allowed in part or in full or specify the class of dealers who shall not be entitled to input tax credit in part or in full. (9) If the goods purchased 1 [xxx] for the purposes specified in sub-section (3) and are subsequently used fully or partly for purposes other than those specified in the said sub-section, the input tax credit, if availed of, shall be reduced from the input tax credit being claimed for the tax period during which such use has taken place; and such reduction, shall be done in the manner as may be prescribed. (10) Subject to the provisions of this section, input tax credit already availed of shall stand reversed if, -- (a) the dealer discontinues business; or (b) the certificate of registration granted to the dealer is cancelled; or (c) the goods fall under clause (d), (e) or (g) of sub- section (7); or (d) excess input tax credit has been claimed; or (e) the goods purchased are returned to the selling dealer within three months of the date of purchase of such goods; or 1 The words ―are intended‖ omitted by Act No. 12 of 2007 published, vide Notification No. LLR-D (6)4/2007-Leg. dated 16-5-2007, in R.H.P. Extra dated 16-5-2007. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 27 (f) the credit note has been received from selling registered dealer for the amount of tax charged in excess of the tax due according to the provisions of this Act; or (g) there exist any other circumstances as may be prescribed. (11) The dealer shall be liable to pay such amount of reverse input-tax credit alongwith interest under section 19 from the date immediately succeeding the last date prescribed for filing the return for the period for which such input-tax credit was claimed till the date of its payment. (12) Where any purchasing dealer has been issued with a credit note or debit note or if he returns or rejects goods purchased, as a consequence of which the input tax credit availed of by him during any tax period (to which the purchase of goods relates) becomes either short or excess, he shall compensate such short or excess by adjusting the amount of input tax credit allowed to him in respect of the tax period in which the credit note or debit note has been issued or the goods are returned or rejected, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed. (13) The amount of net input tax credit, which may be availed of by a purchasing dealer, shall be determined on the basis of the following formula, namely: - Net Input Tax Credit = A+B-C Explanation--- In this formula---- (i) ―A‖ represents the amount of input tax credit THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 28 1 [which the purchasing dealer may be allowed under this section in respect of taxable sales made by him during the tax period]; (ii) ―B‖ represents outstanding input tax credit brought forward from the previous tax period; and (iii) ―C‖ represents reverse input tax credit as determined under sub-section (10). (14) The methods that are used by a purchasing dealer in a year to determine the extent to which the goods are sold, used, consumed or supplied, or intended to be sold, used, consumed or supplied in the course of making taxable sales shall be fair and reasonable: Provided that the Commissioner or any person appointed under section 3 may, after giving the dealer an opportunity of being heard and for the reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the method adopted by the purchasing dealer and calculate the amount of input tax credit. (15) Where a registered dealer without entering into a transaction of sale, issues to another registered dealer a tax invoice, retail invoice, bill or cash memorandum with the intention to defraud the State Government revenue or with the intention that the State Government may be defrauded of its revenue, the Commissioner or any person appointed under section 3 may, after making such inquiry as he thinks fit and giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard, deny the 1 The words ―for which the purchasing dealer is entitled to ‖, substituted by Act No. 12 of 2007 published vide Notification No. LLR-D (6)4/2007-Leg. dated 16-5-2007 in R.H.P. Extra dated 16-5- 2007. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 29 benefit of input tax credit to such registered dealer issuing or accepting such tax invoice, retail invoice, bill or cash memorandum or other invoice either prospectively or retrospectively from such date as he may fix. 1 (16) If a dealer, — (a) falsely claims Input Tax Credit in his returns to which he is not entitled, the Commissioner or the Assessing Authority shall direct such dealer to pay, by way of penalty, in addition to the tax and interest payable by him, a sum equal to 2 [xxx] the amount of such claim or credit; and (b) claims incorrect Input Tax Credit in his returns, the Commissioner or the Assessing Authority shall direct such dealer to pay, by way of penalty, in addition to the tax and interest payable by him, a sum equal to 3 ―twenty five‖ percentum of the amount of such claim or credit. Explanation: — (i) For the purpose of clause (a) ―falsely‖ means excessive claim made deliberately with the intent to affect revenue interest adversely; and (ii) For the purpose of clause (b) ―incorrect‖ means excessive claim due to wrong calculation without any intension to affect revenue interest adversely. Net tax payable. 12. (1) The net tax payable by a registered dealer for a tax period shall be the difference between the output tax plus 1 Substituted by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. 2 Omitted for the word ―twice‖ by Act No. 10 of 2016 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2016-LEG. Dated 26-05- 2016 published in R.H.P. on 28-05-2016. 3 Substituted for the word ―fifty‖ by Act No. 10 of 2016 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2016-LEG. Dated 26-05- 2016 published in R.H.P. on 28-05-2016. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 30 74 of 1956 74 of 1956 purchase tax, if any, and the input tax credit, which can be determined from the following formula, namely:-- Net tax payable = (O+P) –I Explanation. —In this formula--- (i) ‗O‘ denotes the output tax payable for any tax period; (ii) ‗P‘ denotes the purchase tax paid by a registered dealer for any tax period; and (iii) ‗I‘ denotes the input tax paid or payable for the said tax period, including input tax credit, if any, carried forward from any preceding tax period as determined under section 11. (2) If the amount of input tax credit is more than the amount of output tax, the same may be adjusted, at the option of the dealer, against the tax liability for the said tax period, if any, under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 and only the remaining amount of the Central Sales Tax shall be payable. (3) Excess amount of input tax credit, if any, after adjustment under sub-section (2) shall be adjusted against any outstanding tax, penalty or interest under this Act or, at the option of the dealer, under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956. (4) Excess amount of input tax credit, if any, after adjustment under sub-sections (2) and (3) may be carried forward to subsequent tax period or at the option of the dealer, on application being made in the prescribed manner, be refunded in accordance with the provisions of this Act. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 31 (5) The net tax payable for a tax period by a dealer, liable to pay tax, but not registered under this Act, shall be equal to the output tax plus purchase tax, if any, payable for the said tax period as per the provisions of this Act and no input tax credit shall be admissible to him. Burden of proof. 13. In respect of any sale or purchase effected by a dealer the burden of proving that he is not liable to pay tax under section 6 or section 8 or that he is eligible to input tax credit under section 11 shall be on him. CHAPTER-IV REGISTRATION, RETURNS, ASSESSMENT, RECOVERY AND REFUND OF TAX. Registration of dealers. 14. (1) No dealer shall, while being liable to pay tax under this Act, carry on business as a dealer unless he has been registered and possesses a registration certificate: Provided that in the case of a casual dealer, on payment of a fee of Rs.50/-, the Assessing Authority or the Officer-Incharge of the check-post or barrier or any other officer inspecting the goods at any other place, may dispense with the requirement of a valid certificate of registration under this section. (2) Any person intending to establish a business in Himachal Pradesh for the purpose of manufacturing goods for sale may, notwithstanding that he is not liable to registration under sub- section (1), be granted a registration certificate subject to such conditions and in the manner as may be prescribed, and THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 32 such person when granted a registration certificate shall, for so long as such certificate is in force, be liable to pay tax under the Act: Provided that grant of such a certificate of registration shall be subject to the conditions that if such person fails to establish the business within the period specified in the certificate or fails to comply with any of the conditions specified therein, he shall be liable by order of the Assessing Authority, to pay a penalty equivalent to one-half of the amount of tax which would have been payable by him in respect of all the goods purchased by him as if he had not been registered under this sub-section: Provided further that a dealer who sells taxable goods, not liable to register under sub-section (1) but who desires to register voluntarily may make an application to the appropriate Assessing Authority in the manner as may be prescribed and shall pay tax only in accordance with section 4 from the date his gross turnover exceeds a taxable quantum as specified in sub-section (6) of section 4. (3) Every dealer required by sub-section (1) to be registered and every person who may be granted a registration certificate under sub-section (2) shall make an application in this behalf in the prescribed manner, to the Assessing Authority. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 33 1 Provided that a dealer may also make such application electronically in the prescribed manner. (4) If the Assessing Authority is satisfied that an application for registration made under sub-section (3) is in order, he shall, in accordance with such rules and on payment of such fee and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, register the applicant and grant him a certificate of registration in the prescribed form. (5) When any dealer fails to apply for registration in contravention of sub-section (1), the Assessing Authority shall register such dealer and grant him a certificate of registration and such registration shall take effect as if it had been made under sub-section (4) on the dealer‘s application. (6) The Assessing Authority may, by order, ---- (a) amend certificate of registration on the dealer‘s application if the dealer or his legal representative furnishes the information that he-- (i) has transferred his business, or (ii) has changed the name (constitution) or nature of his business, or (iii) wants to open a new place of business or make any change either in the places of business or in the class or classes of goods specified in his certificate of registration 1 New proviso inserted vide Act No. 38 of 2011 published in Rajpatra Himachal Pradesh on 29-09-2011 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 34 for resale or for use in manufacture of goods for sale; (b) suspend a certificate of registration, without prejudice to any other penalty, if the dealer or person has violated any provision of this Act or rules made thereunder; (c) cancel a certificate of registration, on dealer‘s or, as the case may be, of his legal representative‘s application or suo-moto, without affecting liability to pay tax till such cancellation,- (i) if the dealer sells or otherwise disposes of his business or any place of business or discontinues his business, or (iii) if the dealer dies, or (iii) for any other sufficient cause including misuse of the certificate of registration or cessation of liability to payment of tax under this Act: Provided that no order affecting any person adversely shall be made under clauses (b) and (c) of this sub- section without affording him a reasonable opportunity of being heard; and (d) renew a certificate of registration for such period and in the manner and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 35 [ 1 (7) If any person knowingly uses a false registration number or uses a registration number of another person with a view to evade tax under this Act, the Commissioner or any person appointed to assist him under sub-section (1) of section 3 may , after affording such person or the dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, direct him to pay by way of penalty, in addition to the tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed, an amount equal to 2 [fifty percentum of the value of consignment.] 3 ―14-A. Application for grant of Provisional Registration Certificate.-(1) Any person intending to apply for registration in the State may make online application in the prescribed form alongwith scanned copies of the prescribed documents. (2) On receipt of application under sub-section (1), the prescribed authority shall grant Provisional Registration Certificate within three working days in the prescribed form. (3) After issue of the Provisional Registration Certificate, the prescribed authority shall direct the applicant to produce evidence and documents in respect of the particulars given in the application and also the accounts relating to the business for verification. On production of evidence, documents and accounts, it shall verify the particulars given in the application and on being satisfied about the correctness of the particulars, it shall issue a 1 Sub-section (7) inserted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. . LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. 2 Substituted for the words ―the amount of tax evaded or attempted to be evaded‖ by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide Notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. 3 New section 14-A shall be inserted by the Act No. 10 of 2016 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2016-LEG. Dated 26-05-2016 published in R.H.P. on 28-05-2016. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 36 Permanent Registration Certificate in the prescribed form not later than thirty days from the date of receipt of application for grant of Registration Certificate. (4) If the prescribed authority is satisfied that the particulars given by the applicant in his application are incorrect or that the applicant has misrepresented certain facts, it shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard and recording the reasons in writing, reject the application and cancel the Provisional Registration Certificate issued under sub-section(2) not later than thirty days of the date of receipt of application.‖. Security from certain class of dealers. 15. (1) The Commissioner or any other person appointed to assist him under sub-section (1) of section 3, if it appears to him to be necessary so to do for the proper realisation of the tax levied under this Act, may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, impose as a condition of the issue of a certificate of registration to a dealer, or of the continuance in effect of such certificate issued to any dealer, a requirement that the dealer shall give security, in the manner as may be prescribed, for such amount as may be specified in the order. [ 1 Provided that the security shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but not exceeding the estimated tax liability for one year.] (2) No dealer shall be required to furnish security under sub- section (1), unless he has been given an opportunity of being 1 Inserted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 37 heard. (3) Where the security furnished by a dealer under sub-section (1) is in the form of a surety bond and the surety becomes insolvent or is otherwise incapacitated or dies or withdraws, the dealer shall, within fifteen days of the occurrence of any of the aforesaid events, inform the Authority granting the certificate of registration and shall within thirty days of such occurrence furnish a fresh surety bond. (4) The Authority granting the certificate of registration may, by an order in writing, for good and sufficient cause, forfeit the whole or any part of the security furnished by a dealer for realising any amount of tax, penalty or interest payable by a dealer: Provided that no order shall be passed under this sub-section without giving the dealer and the surety a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (5) The Authority granting a certificate of registration may, on application by the dealer, order the refund of security furnished by him or any part thereof, if the same is not required for the purposes of this Act. Payment of tax and returns. 16. (1) Tax payable under the Act shall be paid in the manner hereinafter provided at such intervals as may be prescribed. (2) The State Government may, in public interest and subject to such conditions as it may deem fit, accept from any class of dealers in lieu of the amount of tax payable under this Act for THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 38 any period, by way of composition, a lumpsum to be determined and to be paid at such intervals and in such manner as may be prescribed, or the lumpsum amount may be calculated at a fixed rate on the taxable turnover, as may be prescribed in respect of such class of dealers and for this purpose a simplified system of registration, maintenance of accounts, filing of returns may also be prescribed which shall remain in force during the period of such composition. (3) Such dealers as may be required so to do by the Assessing Authority by notice served in the prescribed manner and every registered dealer shall furnish such returns 1 [manually of electronically] by such dates and to such Authority as may be prescribed. 2 (3a) The State Government may, by notification, exempt any class of dealer from filling of return, subject to such restrictions and conditions, such limit of turnover and for such period, as may be prescribed, and tax, if any, deducted at source, shall be deemed to be final payment of tax and such dealer shall not be liable to assessment for that period. (4) Before a registered dealer furnishes the return required by sub-section (3), he shall, in the prescribed manner, pay 3 1 Sub-section (3) of section 16 Amended vide Ordinance No.10 of 2010 of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Ordinance2010 published on 16-11-2010. 2 Substituted by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. 3 Sub-section (4) of section 16 Amended vide Ordinance No.10 of 2010 of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax (Amendment) Ordinance2010 published on 16-11-2010. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 39 [manually or electronically] into a Government Treasury or the Scheduled Bank which is a treasury bank, or at the office of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner or Excise and Taxation Officer-in-charge of the District, the full amount of tax due from him under the Act according to such returns and shall furnish along with the returns a receipt from such treasury, bank or office of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner or Excise and Taxation Officer-in-charge of the District showing the payment of such amount: Provided that no payment of such amount shall be accepted at the office of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner or Excise and Taxation Officer-in-Charge of the District save through a crossed cheque or bank draft payable at a local branch of a Scheduled Bank in favour of the Assessing Authority: Provided further that when a dealer makes payment through a Scheduled Bank other than the treasury bank, he shall obtain from such bank a certificate, as may be prescribed, to the effect that the bank has remitted the amount of tax to the treasury bank on the dealer‘s directions and on production of such certificate to the Assessing Authority the dealer shall be deemed to have paid the tax on the date following the date on which such certificate is issued by such bank: Provided further that in case of payment through a Scheduled Bank which is located at a station other than that of the treasury bank, the dealer shall need to procure the prescribed certificate from the concerned bank, as mentioned THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 40 under the preceding proviso, at least three days before the expiry of the due date prescribed under sub-section (2) for filing the return and only in that case the dealer shall be deemed to have made the payment by due date: Provided further that where the payment is made through a crossed cheque, such crossed cheque must be delivered in the office of the Assessing Authority concerned, not less than ten clear days before the expiry of the due date prescribed under sub-section (3) for filing the return, and the dealer shall be deemed to have made the payment on the date on which such crossed cheque, after its presentation in the bank, is actually credited into the Government account and necessary receipt is issued by the bank in favour of the dealer: 1 ―(5) If any dealer discovers any omission or other error in any return furnished by him, he may,- 1 Substituted by Act. No. 6 of 2015 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-16/2014-LEG. Dated 22.01.2015 published in R.H.P. on 22.01.2015. Previous provisions were as under:- ―(5) If any dealer discovers any omission or other error in any return furnished by him, he may, at any time, before the date prescribed for the furnishing of the next return by him, furnish a revised return, and if the revised return shows a greater amount of tax to be due than was shown in the original 2 of 1934. Provided further that where the payment is made through a crossed cheque and the cheque is dishonoured, the dealer shall be deemed to have not made the payment and shall be liable to any action which may be taken for not making payment under this Act or the rules framed there under. Explanation. For the purposes of this sub-section ―Scheduled Bank‖ means a bank included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 41 (i) in the case of monthly and quarterly return, furnish a revised return before the date prescribed for filing of next return, and (ii) in the case of annual return furnish a revised return within a period of sixty days from the last date prescribed for filing of annual return, and if the revised return shows a greater amount of tax to be due against the tax shown in the original return, it shall be accompanied with a receipt showing payment of extra amount in accordance with sub-section(4).‖. 1 ―(6) If a dealer fails without sufficient cause to furnish the returns by the prescribed date as required under sub-section (3), the dealer shall be liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to 2 [Rs. 200/-] per day till the default counties, but such penalty shall not exceed Rs. 25000/. 3 ―Provided that where the dealer is filing monthly returns, a sum equal to Rs. 1000/- per day shall be charged as penalty till the default continues, but such penalty shall not exceed Rs. 50,000/-: Provided further that where a dealer has closed down his business or has left the business without getting his Registration return, it shall be accompanied by a receipt showing payment, as may be prescribed, in sub-section (4), of extra amount. 1 Substituted by Act. No. 6 of 2015 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-16/2014-LEG. Dated 22.01.2015 published in R.H.P. on 22.01.2015. Previous provisions were as under:- (6) If a dealer fails without sufficient cause to furnish the returns by the prescribed date as required under sub-section (3), the dealer shall be liable to pay, by way of penalty, a sum equal to 1[Rs.200/-] provided that where no tax is payable, such penalty shall not exceed Rs.500/-for every return. 2 Substituted for the words, figures and signs ―Rs.25/- per day for delay in furnishing such return upto 10 days, where after the penalty shall be Rs.50/- per day till the default continues, but such penalty shall not exceed Rs.3000/-‖ by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013 3 Substituted by Act No. 10 of 2016 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2016-LEG. Dated 26-05-2016 published in R.H.P. on 28-05-2016. Earlier the provisions were as under:- ―Provided that where annual tax liability is more than twenty lakh Rupees, a sum equal to Rs. 1000/- per day shall be charged as penalty till the default continues without any upper limit‖ THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 42 Certificate cancelled, the Assessing Authority shall suspend his Registration Certificate immediately, and thereafter no further incremental penalty as applicable shall be imposed.‖. [ 1 (6-A) If a dealer fails without sufficient cause to furnish annual return by the prescribed date, he shall be liable to pay by way of penalty, a sum of Rs. 5000/-.] [ 2 (7) If a dealer fails without sufficient cause to comply with the requirements of the provisions of sub-section (4), the Commissioner or any person appointed to assist him under sub- section (1) of section 3 may, after giving such dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, direct him to pay by way of penalty, a sum – (i) equal to ten percentum, for the delay upto fifteen days, (ii) equal to twenty five percentum, for the delay exceeding fifteen days but not exceeding thirty days and (iii) equal to fifty percentum, for the delay exceeding thirty days, of the amount of tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed under section 21, in addition to the amount of tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed] 1 Inserted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. 2Substituted by Act. No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. Previous provisions were as under:- ‖If a dealer fails without sufficient cause to comply with the requirements of the provisions of sub- section (4), the Commissioner or any person appointed to assist him under sub-section (1) of section 3 may, after giving such dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, direct him to pay by way of penalty, a sum which shall not be less than ten percentum, but which shall not exceed one and a half times of the amount of tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assess under section 21 in addition to the amount of tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed.‖ THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 43 (8) If a dealer has maintained false or incorrect accounts with a view to suppressing his sales, purchases or stocks of goods, or has concealed any particulars of his sales or purchases or has furnished to, or produced before, any Authority under this Act or the rules made thereunder any account, return or information which is false or incorrect in any material particular, the Commissioner or any person appointed to assist him under sub- section (1) of section 3 may, after affording such dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, direct him to pay by way of penalty in addition to the tax to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed, an amount 1[upto twice the amount of tax but which shall not be less than one hundred percentum of such tax amount] to which he is assessed or is liable to be assessed . Tax deduction from the bills or invoices of the works contractors etc. 17. (1) Notwithstanding anything contrary contained in section 20, every person making any payment or discharge or any liability on account of valuable consideration payable— (a) for the transfer of property in goods, whether as goods or in some other form, involved in the execution of works contract, and (b) for the transfer of property in goods on account of sales of such goods made to the 1 Substituted for the words ―equal to twice the amount of tax‖ by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide Notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. Prior to this was under:- ― which shall not be less than twenty-five percentum, but which shall not exceed one and a half times of the amount of tax to which he is assessed. as notified Act No. 14 of 2009 vide Notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/ 2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009‖ THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 44 Government of India or to any State Government, shall deduct an amount not exceeding four percentum, as may be prescribed, purporting to be a part or full of the tax payable on such sales, from the bills or invoices raised by the works contractor or by the dealer selling such goods, as payable by the person: Provided that no deduction of such amount shall be made in respect of any transfer of property in goods, the turnover of which is deductible, from the dealer‘s gross turnover, under sub-section (3) of section 6: Provided further that no such payment or discharge of any bill raised by the works contractor of the dealer selling such goods shall be made without deductions: Provided further that if the State Government is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the interest of the State revenue, it may notify the names/posts of such persons who shall be competent persons to make such deduction. (2) The deduction referred to in sub-section (1) shall be made in the manner, as may be prescribed, and the payment of such deduction into the Government treasury shall be the responsibility of the person making such deduction. (3) The person making such deduction shall issue deduction certificate in the prescribed manner to the person or dealer from whose bill or invoice, such deduction has been made. (4) If any person contravenes any or all of the provisions of sub-section (1) or (2) or (3), the prescribed THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 45 Authority shall, after giving an opportunity of being heard, by an order, in writing, direct that such person shall pay by way of penalty, a sum[ 1 equal to the amount of tax deductible under sub-section (1).] (5) The provisions of sections 25 and 27 for recovery of any amount of tax due from a dealer shall mutatis mutandis apply for recovery of any amount of tax, deducted and / or any penalty imposed but not deposited under this section. Declaration and certificates to be filed alongwith returns. 18. Every dealer claiming, - (i) any deduction from his gross turnover, or (ii) any part of his taxable turnover to be a sale to Government, or (iii) any part of the taxable turnover to be liable to tax at concessional rate of tax under this Act, shall, alongwith the return under sub-section (3) of section 16, furnish to the Assessing Authority, the declaration or the certificate as required under this Act. Payment of interest. 19. (1) If any dealer fails to pay the amount of tax due from him under this Act except to the extent mentioned in sub-section (2), he shall, in addition to the amount of tax, be liable to pay simple interest on the amount of tax due and payable by him at the rate of one percentum per month, from the date immediately following the last date on which the dealer should have either filed the return or paid the tax under this Act, for a period of one 1 Substituted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. . LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009.Privious provisions were as under:- ―not exceeding twice the amount of tax deductible under sub-section (1)‖. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 46 month and thereafter at the rate of one and a half per centum per month till the default continues. (2) If the amount of tax or penalty due from a dealer is not paid by him within the period specified in the notice of demand or, if no period is specified within thirty days from the service of such notice, the dealer shall, in addition to the amount of tax or penalty, be liable to pay simple interest on such amount at the rate of one percentum per month from the date immediately following the date on which the period specified in the notice or the period of thirty days, [ 1 as the case may be], expires, for a period of one month and thereafter at the rate of one and a half percentum per month till the default continues: Provided that where the recovery of any tax or penalty is stayed by an order of any court, the amount of tax or penalty shall, after the order of stay is vacated, be recoverable alongwith interest at the aforesaid rate on the amount ultimately found to be due and such interest shall be payable from the date the tax or penalty first became due. (3) The amount of interest payable under this section shall- (i) for the purposes of collection and recovery, be deemed to be tax under this Act; and (ii) be in addition to the penalty, if any, imposed under this Act. Prohibition against 20. (1) No person shall collect any sum by way of tax in respect 1 Substituted the words ―as the case any be‖ by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)- 20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 47 collection of tax in certain cases. of sale or purchase of any goods on which no tax is payable under this Act. (2) No person, who is not a registered dealer and liable to pay tax in respect of any sale or purchase, shall collect on the sale or purchase of any goods any sum by way of tax from any other person and no registered dealer shall collect any amount by way of tax in excess of the amount of tax payable by him under this Act. (3) If any person, or a dealer referred to in sub-section (1) and (2) contravenes any of these provisions he shall be liable to pay, in addition to any tax for which he may be liable, a penalty of an amount [ 1 of] five hundred rupees, or double the amount so collected, whichever is greater. (4) If the Commissioner, or any person appointed to assist him under sub-section (1) of section 3, in the course of any proceedings under this Act or otherwise, has reason to believe that any person has become liable to pay penalty under sub- section (3), he shall serve on such person a notice in the prescribed form requiring him to show cause why a penalty as provided in sub-section (3) should not be imposed on him and there upon hold an enquiry and shall make such order as he thinks fit. Assessment of tax. 21. (1) The returns furnished by a dealer shall be duly acknowledged in the manner prescribed and where all the returns 1 Substituted for the words ―not exceeding‖ by Act No.14 of 2009 vide notification No. . LLR-D (6)- 20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 48 relating to any year have been filed and are correct and complete in material particulars, the dealer shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), 1 ―in the manner prescribed‖ be deemed to have been assessed for that year: Provided that where the returns are not complete in material particulars, the dealer shall be given an opportunity to complete the same within 2 ―thirty days‖ of service of the notice. 3 XXX XXX XXX (2) The State Government may prescribe the manner of selection of cases for scrutiny of returns filed by the dealers specified in sub-section (1) and the Assessing Authority shall, in respect of each selected case, serve on the dealer a notice in the prescribed manner requiring him, on a date and at a place specified therein, either to attend in person or to produce or cause to be produced any evidence on which such dealer may rely in support of the returns filed by him under sub-section (1) and after hearing the dealer and considering the evidence produced by him assess the amount of tax, if any, due from him. 1 Inserted after the words, signs and figure ―Sub-section(2)‖, by the Act no. 13 of 2015 vide Notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2015-LEG. dated 10-05-2015 Published in R.H.P. on 18-05-2015. 2 Substituted for the words ―fifteen days‖ by Act No. 13 of 2015 vide Notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2015- LEG. dated 10-05-2015 Published in R.H.P. on 18-05-2015. 3 Omitted by the Act no. 13 of 2015 vide Notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2015-LEG. dated 10-05-2015 Published in R.H.P. on 18-05-2015. Prior to this the previous entry was as under: Explanation.-- For the purpose of sub-section (1) a return shall be deemed to be--- (i) correct, if its version conforms to that of the accounts maintained by the dealer and the account version cannot be impeached by any adverse information available on record till 31st [3December] of the following year; and (ii) complete, in material particulars, if it contains the entire information required to be furnished therein, is correct arithmetically and is accompanied by the statutory or prescribed lists, documents and proof of payment of the full amount of tax due according to the returns and is duly signed by the dealer. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 49 (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the Government considers it necessary and expedient, in public interest so to do, it may in respect of a dealer, whose gross turnover in a year does not exceed such amount as the Government may specify, in a special scheme of self- assessment for any year which may be notified, under this Act: Provided that in case any dealer, whose taxable turnover has been assessed under the self-assessment scheme, is found to have evaded the tax, the Assessing Authority shall, after affording such dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, direct him to pay by way of penalty, in addition to the amount of tax assessed, a sum which shall not be less than one hundred per centum but which shall not exceed one and a half times of the amount of tax found to have been evaded and assessed. (4) The Assessing Authority shall serve on the dealer not covered under sub-section (1) a notice in the prescribed manner requiring him, on a date and at a place specified therein, either to attend in person or to produce or cause to be produced any evidence on which such dealer may rely in support of such returns and after hearing such evidence as the dealer may produce, and such other evidence as the Assessing Authority may require on specified points, assess the amount of tax due from the dealer. (5) If a dealer, having furnished returns in respect of a period, fails to comply with the terms of a notice issued under sub- section (2) or (4), the Assessing Authority shall, within five THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 50 years after the expiry of such period, proceed to assess to the best of his judgment the amount of the tax due from the dealer. (6) If a dealer does not furnish returns in respect of any period by the prescribed date, the Assessing Authority shall, within five years after the expiry of such period, after giving the dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, proceed to assess, to the best of his judgment, the amount of tax, if any, due from the dealer. (7) If upon information which has come into his possession, the Assessing Authority is satisfied that any dealer has been liable to pay tax under this Act in respect of any period but has failed to apply for registration, the Assessing Authority shall, within five years after the expiry of such period, after giving the dealer a reasonable opportunity of being heard, proceed to assess, to the best of his judgment, the amount of tax, if any, due from the dealer in respect of such period and all subsequent period and in cases where such dealer has wilfully failed to apply for registration, the Assessing Authority [ 1 shall direct that the dealer shall pay by way of penalty, in addition to the amount of tax assessed, a sum 2 [upto double the amount of tax assessed but which shall not be less than one hundred percentum of the amount of tax] so assessed. (8) The amount of any tax, penalty or interest payable under this 1 Substituted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. . LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. Previous provisions were as under:- ―may direct that the dealer shall pay by way of penalty, in addition to the amount so assessed, a sum which shall not be less than fifteen percentum, but which shall not exceed one and a half times that amount. 2 Substituted for the words ―equal to the amount‖ by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)- 35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 51 Act shall be paid by the dealer by such date as may be specified in the notice issued by the Assessing Authority for the purpose and the date so specified shall not be less than fifteen days and not more than thirty days from the date of service of such notice: Provided that the Assessing Authority may, with the prior approval of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner or the Excise and Taxation Officer in-charge of the district, extend the date of such payment, but not more than 90 days, or allow payment by monthly instalments not exceeding three, against an adequate security or a bank guarantee. (9) If the tax assessed under this Act or any instalment thereof is not paid by any dealer within the time specified [ 1 therefor] in the notice of assessment or in the order permitting payment in instalments, the Commissioner, or any person appointed to assist him under sub- section (1) of section 3, may after giving such dealer an opportunity of being heard, impose on him a penalty not exceeding the sum due from him 2 [but which shall not be less than one thousand rupees]. (10) Any assessment made under this section shall be without prejudice to any penalty imposed under this Act. Assessment of a casual dealer. 22. (1) A casual dealer who is registered under this Act, shall be assessed like any other registered dealer under section 21. 1 Substituted for the word ―therefore‖ by Act No 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009- Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. 2 Inserted by Act No. 2 of 2013 vide notification No. LLR-D(6)-35/2012-LEG dated 05-01-2013 published in R.H.P. on 15-01-2013. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 52 (2) A casual dealer who is not registered shall, immediately on completion of transaction of sale or purchase for which he is liable to pay tax, report to the Assessing Authority having jurisdiction with reference to the place of such transaction or to the Officer-incharge of the nearest check-post or barrier, the amount of sale or purchase price and the tax payable thereon and shall deposit the amount of tax with such Assessing Authority or such Incharge of the check-post or barrier within such time and in such manner as such Authority or Incharge may direct: Provided that if a casual dealer desires voluntarily to pay the tax in advance in respect of the goods which such dealer intends to sell or purchase, he may pay the amount of tax on the sale or purchase value of such goods enhanced by ten percentum to the Assessing Authority or the Officer-Incharge of the nearest check-post or barrier. (3) Where a casual dealer fails to make a report as required in sub-section (2), the Assessing Authority having jurisdiction or Excise and Taxation officer Incharge of the nearest check-post or barrier may require such casual dealer to make a report of the sale or purchase price and the tax due, failing which such Assessing Authority or such Incharge of the check-post or barrier may assess to the best of his judgement the amount of tax due and direct the casual dealer to pay the amount of tax within such time and in such manner as he may direct. (4) Where a casual dealer fails to pay the tax as directed by the Assessing Authority or the Excise and Taxation Officer, THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 53 Re-assessment of tax. Incharge of the check-post or barrier under sub-section (2) or (3), the goods belonging to such casual dealer shall be detained until the tax is paid or adequate security for payment of tax is furnished. 23. (1) If in consequence of definite information which has come into his possession, the Assessing Authority discovers that the turnover of the business of a dealer has been under-assessed or escaped assessment in any year, the Assessing Authority may, at any time within three years from the date of assessment under section 21, proceed to re-assess the tax payable on the turnover which has been under-assessed or has escaped assessment: Provided that the Assessing Authority may also take action to impose the penalty and interest under this Act: Provided further that no order of re-assessment or imposition of penalty and interest shall be made unless the dealer is afforded a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the prescribed manner. (2) The Assessing Authority or any such Authority as may be prescribed may, at any time, within one year from the date of any order passed by him and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, rectify any clerical or arithmetical mistake apparent from the record. Period of limitation for completion of assessment or re-assessment not to apply in certain cases. 24. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions relating to the period of limitation contained in section 21 or section 23 or in any other provision of this Act, assessment or re-assessment may be made at any time in consequence of, or to give effect to, any order made by any court or other Authority under this Act. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 54 (2) Where the assessment proceedings relating to any dealer remained stayed under the orders of any court or other Authority for any period, such period shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation for assessment or re-assessment specified in section 21 or section 23 or in any other provision of this Act. Tax and penalty recoverable as arrears of land revenue. 25. The amount of any tax and penalty imposed or interest payable under this Act, which remains unpaid after the due date, shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue. Tax, penalty and interest to be first charge on property. 26. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, any amount of tax and penalty including interest, if any, payable by a dealer or any other person under this Act shall be a first charge on the property of the dealer or such other person. Special mode of recovery. 27. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 25 or any law or contract to the contrary, Commissioner, or any officer other than an Excise and Taxation Inspector, appointed under section 3 to assist the Commissioner, may, at any time or from time to time, by notice in writing (a copy of which shall be sent to the dealer at his last address known to the officer issuing the notice), require – (a) any person from whom any amount is due or may become due to a dealer who has failed to comply with a notice of demand for any amount due under this Act; (b) any person who holds or may subsequently hold any money for or on account of such dealer, THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 55 to pay into the Government treasury in the manner specified in the notice issued under this sub-section, so much of the money as is sufficient to pay the amount due from the dealer in respect of the arrears of the tax, interest and penalty under this Act. Explanation.-- For the purposes of this sub-section, the amount due to a dealer or money held for or on account of a dealer by any person shall be computed after taking into account such claim, if any, as may have fallen due for payment by such dealer to such person and as may be lawfully subsisting. (2) The officer issuing a notice under sub-section (1) may at any time, or from time to time, amend or revoke any such notice or extend the time for making any payment in pursuance of the notice. (3) Any person making any payment in compliance with a notice issued under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to have made the payment under the Authority of the dealer and the treasury receipt for such payment shall constitute a good and sufficient discharge of the liability of such person to the extent of the amount specified in the receipt. (4) Any person discharging any liability to the dealer after service on him of the notice issued under sub-section (1) shall be personally liable to the State Government to the extent of the liability discharged or to the extent of the liability of the dealer for tax, interest and penalty, whichever is less. (5) Where a person on whom a notice is served under sub- section (1), proves to the satisfaction of the officer who issued THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 56 the notice that the sum demanded or any part thereof was not due to the dealer or that he did not hold any money for or on account of the dealer, at the time the notice was served on him, then nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to require such person to pay into the Government treasury any such money or part thereof, as the case may be. (6) Any amount of money which a person is required to pay under sub-section (1), or for which he is personally liable to the State Government under sub-section (4) shall, if it remains un- paid, be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue. (7) The provisions of this section shall be without prejudice to any action that may be taken for the recovery of the arrears of tax, interest and penalty, if any, due from the dealer. 1 27-A. Special provision for settlement of pendency and arrears.- Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the Government considers it necessary and expedient in public interest so to do, it may in respect of a dealer who for reasons beyond his control could not submit the statutory forms required for assessment, for assessment cases up to a financial year, it may notify a Settlement Scheme for such cases for a particular period and allow partial waiver of the tax amount and complete or partial waiver of the interest and penalty amount for non- submission of such statutory forms. 1 New section 27-A shall be inserted by the Act No. 10 of 2016 vide notification No. L.L.R.-D(6)-6/2016-LEG. Dated 26-05-2016 published in R.H.P. on 28-05-2016. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 57 Refund. 28. (1) The Assessing Authority either suo-moto or on an application shall, in the prescribed manner [ 1 after final determination of liability,] refund to a registered dealer or any other person any amount of tax, interest or penalty paid by such dealer or any such other person under this Act, if the amount of tax, penalty or interest so paid is in excess of the amount due from him under this Act, either by a refund voucher or, at the option of the dealer or such other person, by adjustment of the amount so paid with the amount due from him, in respect of any other period: 2 [Provided that an application for refund of any excess amount of input tax credit under sub-section (4) of section 12, may be made by a registered dealer after the expiry of a quarter of the year and where the Assessing Authority finds that the returns for the tax period are correct and complete, it shall in the prescribed manner refund to such registered dealer the excess amount of input tax credit or allow it to be carried forward to the next tax period: 1 Inserted by Act No. 14 of 2009 vide notification No. LLR-D (6)-20/2009-Leg. Dated 19.9.2009 published in R.H.P. (Extra-ordinary) on 22.9.2009. 2 Existing first proviso substituted by new provisos by H.P. Ordinance No. 2 of 2006 published vide Notification No. LLRD (6)-16/2006-Leg. dated 27-5-2006 in R.H.P. Extra dated 27-5-2006.The Ordinance was subsequently replaced by Act No. 17 of 2006 published vide Notification No. LLRD(6)- 21/2006-Leg. dated 30-9-2006 in R.H.P. Extra dated 30-9-2006. The first proviso prior to substitution was as under : -- Provided that no application for refund of any excess amount of input tax credit under sub- section (4) of section 12 shall be made and no refund allowed until the expiry of two years from the date of the commencement of this Act, and thereafter the claim may be made at the end of each subsequent year: THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 58 1 Provided that a dealer may also make such application electronically in the prescribed manner. Provided further that where any investigation, scrutiny, inspection or audit or other enquiry is pending against the registered dealer, and the officer authorised to sanction the refund is of the opinion that the payment of such refund is likely to adversely affect the revenue which may become due from such registered dealer at the conclusion of such investigation, scrutiny, inspection or audit or other enquiry, he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, either refund the amount of excess input tax credit subject to furnishing of a security equal to the amount to be refunded to such registered dealer or withhold the refund till such time the proceedings are concluded:] Provided further that no refund under this section shall be allowed unless the claim for refund is made within a period of three years from the date on which such claim accrues. (2) Where any amount required to be refunded by the Assessing Authority to any person by virtue of an order sanctioning such refund issued under this Act is not refunded to him within ninety days of the date of the order, the dealer shall be entitled to get simple interest on such amount at the rate of one percentum per month from the date immediately following the date of expiry of the said period for a period of one month and thereafter at the rate of one and a half percentum per month till the refund is made. 1 New proviso inserted by Act No. 38 of 2011 Published in Rajpatra Himachal Pradesh on 29-09-2011 THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 59 (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or (2), the Assessing Authority shall first adjust the amount to be refunded towards the recovery of any amount due from the dealer on the date of such adjustment, and shall thereafter refund the balance, if any. (4) If the delay in allowing refund within the aforesaid period of ninety days is for reasons beyond the control of the Assessing Authority or attributable to the dealer, whether wholly or in part, the period of such delay shall be excluded from the period for which interest is payable. (5) If any question arises whether any period is to be excluded for the purposes of calculation of interest under sub-section (4), the same shall be referred to the Commissioner, or such other officer as the State Government may, by notification, appoint, whose decision shall be final. (6) Where an order allowing refund is the subject-matter of any appeal or further proceedings or where any other proceedings under this Act are pending, and the Assessing Authority is of the opinion that the refund is likely to adversely affect the recovery, the Assessing Authority may withhold the refund and refer the case to the Commissioner whose orders shall be final. (7) The period during which the refund remains withheld under sub-section (6) shall be excluded for the purpose of calculation of interest under this section. THE HIMACHAL PRADESH VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2005 60 CHAPTER–V ACCOUNTS, SURVEY AND INSPECTION Accounts. 29. (1) Every registered dealer or a dealer on whom a notice has been served to furnish returns under sub-section (3) of section 16 shall maintain a true and upto date account of the value of goods purchased, manufactured and sold by him, or goods held by him in stock and in addition to the books of accounts that a dealer maintains and keeps for the purpose referred to in this sub- section, he