All business through online from August 1

VIJAYAWADA: The commercial taxes department will transact all official business online from August 1 in the state to promote transparency.Though the department introduced the Online system two months ago, it is not being implemented in toto as majority of traders are not fully aware of the new system.Firstly, the traders have to register their business establishments through e-Facility at commercial taxes department website www.apcommercialtaxes.gov.in. Later, they can make tax payments through the Online system.Speaking to Express here on Wednesday, deputy commissioner of commercial taxes (Vijayawada One Division) D Ramesh said 4 per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) was imposed on sugar and textiles with effect from July 11.The sales tax officials will make inspection of shops and commercial establishments after two months. By that time, the traders are well aware of the new system.Help Desks have been set up at the commercial tax offices, where traders can get their doubts pertaining to VAT cleared, he said.Wholesale sugar merchants of 13 districts met here and expressed concern over imposition of 4 per cent VAT on sugar. In protest against it, they stopped selling sugar for past 10 days.