Kollam: The Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi members will stage a sit-in protest before the district Sales Tax offices throughout the state on Thursday in protest against the ‘illegal’ raids on the shops.
The traders allege that the department was conducting raids though ‘VAT’ laws do not have such a provision.
According to the traders, the law suggests only an ‘audit inspection,’ while e-filing of sales tax and returns has been in practice for many years complying with all laws, ruling out fraud.
The department can conduct raids only after issuing a notice if there is any reduction in the tax paid compared to the previous years.
The traders also allege that the officials stage the ‘drama’ only in smallscale establishments and exempt big firms after receiving bribe.
As part of the protest, the Kollam district committee will take out a march to the Sales Tax office starting from Vyapara Bhavan via the main road.
