Kerala GST Department: Instructions on Centralized Refund Processing Unit (Effective March 15, 2025)

Read the Instruction No.5/2025

The Kerala GST Department has introduced a Centralized Refund Processing Formation (CRPF) to streamline and expedite statewide refund applications. This initiative, provisionally approved by Order SGST/1234/2025-PLC dated 07-03-2025, will become operational on March 15, 2025.

Key Highlights of the New Refund Processing System

1. Formation of CRPF & Operational Scope

✅ The CRPF, headquartered at the State Tax Commissioner’s Office, will handle all refund applications submitted on or after March 15, 2025.
✅ Refund applications received up to March 14, 2025, will continue to be processed by the Divisional Deputy Commissioners (DDCs) of the Taxpayer Services (TPS) verticals until disposal.
✅ Officers assigned to CRPF must report for duty on March 15, 2025.

2. Transition & Workflow for Pending Refund Applications

✅ The Divisional Deputy Commissioners (DDCs) will continue processing all pending refund applications filed before March 15, 2025.
✅ Any new refund applications mistakenly assigned to the DDCs after March 14, 2025, will be reassigned to CRPF officers.
✅ No new applications will remain pending with DDCs beyond March 14, 2025.

3. Monitoring & Compliance

✅ Joint Commissioners of Taxpayer Services (Districts) will oversee the transition, ensuring:

  • Timely transfer of refund applications to CRPF.
  • Efficient disposal of pending refunds by the DDCs within the stipulated timeline.

4. Personal Hearings – Virtual Mode

✅ All personal hearings related to refund applications will be conducted virtually as per Circular No. 07/2025 dated 14-03-2025.
✅ Taxpayers or their Authorized Representatives (ARs) will receive virtual hearing details (date, time, meeting ID, and password) via official email.
✅ SMS or phone call reminders may also be sent to ensure participation.
✅ Taxpayers/ARs must confirm their attendance via a reply email.
✅ The assigned officer will prepare a hearing note, which the taxpayer must authenticate via email.

5. Official Communication

✅ All taxpayer communication from CRPF will be conducted via the designated email ID: crpf.sgst@kerala.gov.in.

Conclusion

The Kerala GST Department’s new CRPF system aims to enhance refund processing efficiency through centralized verification, virtual hearings, and strict monitoring. Taxpayers are advised to ensure timely submission of applications and respond to official communications promptly.