A GST notice sent to a pani puri vendor in Tamil Nadu has gone viral on social media, with many amused and some pondering career changes.
The advertisement regarding an online payment of Rs 40 lakh to the merchant in the year 2023-24 has sparked a wide discussion, especially on Reddit.
Under Section 70 of the Tamil Nadu Goods and Services Tax Act and the Central GST Act, dated December 17, 2024, the summons was issued directing the dealer to appear in person and furnish necessary documents.
“Based on the records received from RazorPay and Phonepe, you have received UPI payments for the outsourced supply of goods/services and the following are the payments received for the years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24,” reads the summons. 40 lakhs received in 2023-24 is shown.
The notification also states that supply of goods or services without obtaining GST registration after exceeding the limit will be considered an offence.
However, Business Today could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral announcement.
The notification has evoked mixed reactions from social media users.
Rs 40 L is the amount he received and it could be his income. You have to reduce raw material cost, manpower cost, fixed cost etc. He probably earns enough to get by,” user X commented.
Professor of Psychiatry Dheeraj K. pointed out that the amount mentioned in the advertisement is more than the salary of many professors in medical colleges which are taxed according to the income slab.
“The Pani Puri guy can add GST to his bills and pay the government. However, he will lose the competition where the bill goes down. Tax action will push people into cash transactions!!!” He commented.
Another Reddit user advised, “He better register under GST.”
One user humorously referred to GST as “Golgappey Sewpuri Tax”.
Some users supported the idea, with one stating, “This should be done to all the business owners who make more without paying taxes. We taxpayers have to pay more taxes because of them.”
On the other hand, some users questioned the validity of the notification. “Yes, selling panipuri can make so much money. But this looks like a legit fake, easily photoshopped,” said a user.