Tax Officials raids Biriyani Outlets in Hoskote; Unearth GST Evasion

The Commercial Tax Officials carried out several raids on the well-known non-vegetarian hotels in Hoskote and discovered significant GST evasion using the UPI payment mode.

Prior to the Monday raids, a team of vigilance wing officials conducted numerous surveys and reconnaissances while posing as customers and making test purchases.

A team of 50 officials searched hoteliers’ homes and places of business, most of which operate biriyani shops. A number of biriyani shops in the city’s outskirts, Hoksote, have become well-known for their lengthy lines and wait times, even in the early morning.

According to C. Shikha, Commissioner of Commercial Tax, the method of receiving payments involves using numerous UPI accounts and frequently changing the UPI accounts in order to conceal actual turnovers and evade taxes. The involved hoteliers failed to issue invoices, bills of sale for the supply of food items, or to keep accurate books of accounts.

In one instance, 1.47 crore rupees in cash and 30 different QR codes were discovered during a search of a proprietor’s home. Income Tax officials were informed, who joined the raid and started the legal process. Recall that the commercial tax authorities carried out a similar exercise at Chikpete last week and discovered sizable tax evasions.