Tamil Nadu: Pani Puri seller gets GST notice for earning Rs 40 lakh through online payments; Netizens say “It’s time to switch careers”

A GST notice sent to a pani puri seller in Tamil Nadu has gone viral on social media, leaving many people amused and some even thinking about changing their careers.

The notice, which relates to an online payment of Rs 40 lakh received by the seller in the year 2023-24, sparked widespread discussion, especially on Reddit.

Dated 17 December 2024, the summons was issued under Section 70 of the Tamil Nadu GST Act and the Central GST Act, directing the seller to appear in person and submit the required documents.

“Based on reports from RazorPay and Phonepe, you have received UPI payments for overseas supply of goods/services, payments received for the years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 are below,” the recall said. Show Rs 40 lakh received in 2023-24.

The notification also noted that supply of goods or services without obtaining GST registration, beyond the threshold, is an offence.

However, Business Today was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the viral notice.

The notice sparked various reactions from social media users.

“40 liters is the amount he earned and this may or may not be his income. “You have to deduct the cost of ingredients, manpower costs, fixed expenses, etc. Maybe he earns just enough to get by,” commented one X user.

Dr. Dheeraj K, professor of psychiatry, pointed out that the amount mentioned in the notice exceeded the salary of many professors in medical colleges, who are subject to tax according to income brackets.

“The pani puri man can add GST to his bills and pay the government. However, he will lose out to the competition whose bill will be lower. The action to collect taxes will push people to cash transactions!!!” he commented.

“He better register himself under GST,” another Reddit user advised.

One user humorously referred to the GST as “Golgappe Sevpuri Tax”.

Some users supported the idea, with one saying: “This should be done to all business owners who don’t pay taxes and earn a lot. We taxpayers have to pay more taxes because of them.”

On the other hand, some users questioned the authenticity of the notice. One user said: “Yes, it is possible to make that kind of money by selling panipuri. But this looks fake and legit and can be easily photoshopped.”