Goa GST Dept cracks down on Taxi Operators, serves 263 Notices on Cab Owners, Tourist Taxi Operators

The Goa GST Department has issued notices to 263 tourist taxi operators across the state, aiming to bring them under the GST regime. This move follows Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s criticism of taxi operators for evading taxes and staying outside the GST system. The notices target operators with four or more taxis, requiring them to comply with GST regulations. Many operators have expressed frustration, accusing the government of harassment and using “revenge tactics” for opposing the entry of cab aggregators like Ola and Uber. The North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association and other local leaders have criticized the government’s actions, arguing that they are being unfairly targeted despite running their businesses on loans and facing financial difficulties. This crackdown highlights the government’s efforts to ensure tax compliance in the tourism sector while addressing local operators’ concerns about market competition and regulatory burdens.