1. Refund:
   • Definition: Refund refers to the return of excess tax paid by a taxpayer to the government. It arises when the amount of tax paid by the taxpayer exceeds the actual tax liability or when taxes are paid inadvertently or erroneously.
   • Eligibility: Taxpayers may be eligible for a refund under various circumstances, such as excess payment of tax, inverted tax structure (where the rate of tax on inputs is higher than the rate of tax on outputs), exports of goods or services, supplies to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), or certain specified situations as per the GST law.
   • Application Process: Taxpayers eligible for a refund need to file an application for refund with the tax authorities within the prescribed time limit and in the prescribed format. The application must be supported by relevant documents and declarations as required under the GST law.
   • Processing: Upon receipt of the refund application, the tax authorities verify the eligibility criteria and documentation submitted. If the application is complete and meets the necessary conditions, the refund is processed, and the amount is credited to the taxpayer’s bank account. In cases of delayed processing, interest may be payable to the taxpayer.
   • Timeframe: The GST law specifies a time limit within which the refund application must be processed by the tax authorities. Delays in processing refunds beyond the specified timeframe may attract interest payable to the taxpayer.
2. Recovery:
   • Definition: Recovery refers to the process of collecting outstanding tax dues or arrears from taxpayers who have failed to pay their tax liabilities within the stipulated time or who have unpaid dues due to default, evasion, or non-compliance.
   • Modes of Recovery: Tax authorities have various mechanisms at their disposal to recover outstanding tax dues, including attachment of assets, imposition of penalties, initiation of recovery proceedings, garnishment of bank accounts, issuance of demand notices, attachment of property, and recovery through legal proceedings.
   • Notice of Demand: Before initiating recovery proceedings, tax authorities typically issue a notice of demand to the taxpayer specifying the amount of tax due, including any interest, penalties, or other charges payable, and providing an opportunity to the taxpayer to pay the dues within a specified period.
   • Compliance and Consequences: Non-compliance with the notice of demand or failure to pay the outstanding tax dues within the prescribed timeframe may result in the initiation of recovery proceedings by the tax authorities, which may include enforcement actions to recover the dues, imposition of penalties, or other consequences as per the GST law.

Understanding the processes of refund and recovery is essential for taxpayers to manage their tax liabilities effectively, ensure compliance with GST regulations, and avoid penalties or adverse consequences for non-compliance.