Dharamshala blew the lid off a colossal service tax evasion in the state as well as in the country. If it is down patted, it will have a ripple effect followed in the other states.
The figures for tax bucks to be recouped are bemouth. Estimating exclusively from Dharamshala, the first two hotel catenas have an outstanding of Rs1,22,94515, Rs11,32,7782 and the third one which has been brought to light recently has an outstanding of Rs84,11,003. These hotels have their chain all through the country. 
Himachal alone is a host to their multiple properties. Therefore, the total tax evasion in the state will make a strong figure which will be close to 10 cr.
Talking to himachalwire, assistant commissioner of State excise and taxation department from Dharamshala, Rajive Sharma shared, that the notice has been served to three properties in Dharamshala.
He further informed that the two properties which were served the notice initially have failed to abide by the place of service clause under GST. The tax evasion has been calculated under SGST and CGST.
Sharma said” We have sent a trail of notices. None of them has received a substantial reply as yet. We are waiting for the details of accounts of the hotels from their other properties. The local hotel chains are not cooperating in providing the details. Therefore, the department is contacting their head office directly to get the details.”Sharma further added that if need be the bank accounts of the hotels can be seized in future and their properties can be raided.”
After understanding the GST’s place of service tax clause, these giant hospitality chains will have to burn holes in their pockets throughout the country.
Place of supply clause has dodged the teams of chartered accountants these hospitality giants have and has landed them into a problem. Interestingly, the boost to the state revenue has come from the Dharamshala team of State excise and taxation.
Thus, the hills rule when it comes to attracting tourist.Himachal Pradesh has hit the target right in the mid of red. Despite the water crises in June in capital city Shimla which parched the throats of tourists as well as the locals, the footfall has only increased towards the end of the year.
Gathered from the common opinion of the tourist, it is understood that it is the rawness, natural beauty and the freshness in the state that has kept the magic alive.This also hints at bringing back the attention to and keeping a close check on the available resources primarily. As old is the foundation for the new.]]>
