Automated GST refund for exporters by next month

Exporters of goods and services as well as suppliers to SEZ units are likely to get GST refunds automatically from June as the revenue department plans to introduce faceless scrutiny of refunds and faster claim settlement, an official said.

Under GST, every person making a claim of refund on account of 'zero-rated' supplies has two options. Either he can export without payment of integrated tax under Bond/ LUT and claim a refund of accumulated Input Tax Credit (ITC) or he may export on payment of integrated tax and claim refund thereof.

Currently, the facility of automatic refund is available only for those exporters who have paid Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) while exporting goods. Since the GST Network (GSTN) systems are integrated with Customs, hence, refunds are generally transferred to the bank accounts of such exporters within a fortnight.

However, manufacturing exporters and suppliers to SEZ, who want to claim a refund of ITC, have to file an application in Form GST .