20 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on Goods and Services Tax (GST) defaulters, attaching 136 properties worth approximately Rs 91 crore in a major enforcement drive aimed at improving tax compliance and boosting state revenue.
Senior officials said the action was taken against habitual defaulters who failed to clear outstanding GST dues despite repeated notices and opportunities for settlement. The attached assets include commercial buildings, industrial units, residential properties, and vacant land across multiple districts.
Large-Scale Enforcement Action
The action was carried out by the state’s taxation department under the provisions of GST law, which empower authorities to attach properties of businesses and individuals who deliberately evade tax payments.
According to officials, the drive focused on entities that had either underreported turnover, availed fraudulent input tax credit, or collected GST from consumers but failed to deposit it with the government.
“This is part of a sustained effort to ensure fairness in the tax system,” a senior tax official said. “Honest taxpayers should not suffer because of a few who evade their responsibilities.”
Properties Attached Across Districts
The attached properties are spread across several districts, including major commercial and industrial hubs. Officials said detailed verification and audits were conducted before initiating attachment proceedings to ensure due process.
Notices were issued to defaulters multiple times, giving them the chance to clear their dues or enter into payment arrangements. Attachment was carried out only after these options were exhausted.
Boosting Revenue and Compliance
The Punjab government said the move is expected to significantly boost GST collections and act as a deterrent against tax evasion. With rising expenditure commitments, the state has been focusing on strengthening revenue streams and plugging leakages.
Officials added that stricter enforcement also creates a level playing field for businesses that comply with tax laws and file returns on time.
Government’s Message to Taxpayers
The enforcement drive sends a clear signal that tax evasion will not be tolerated. Authorities said similar actions would continue against defaulters, including recovery proceedings, bank account attachments, and legal action where required.
However, the government also stressed that genuine taxpayers facing financial distress can approach the department for resolution through legal mechanisms.
“We are not against businesses,” an official said. “Our focus is on wilful defaulters who misuse the system.”
Reaction From Business Community
While many compliant businesses welcomed the move, saying it would curb unfair competition, some trade bodies urged the government to ensure transparency and avoid harassment of genuine taxpayers.
Industry representatives called for faster dispute resolution and clearer communication from tax authorities to prevent misunderstandings.
Focus on Data-Driven Enforcement
Officials said the action was based on data analytics, return mismatches, and intelligence inputs, allowing the department to identify high-risk cases more accurately.
With improved digital tracking under the GST framework, authorities believe enforcement actions will become more targeted and effective.
More Actions Likely
The taxation department confirmed that more enforcement actions are in the pipeline as part of an ongoing campaign against GST evasion. Businesses have been advised to review their compliance status and clear outstanding dues promptly.
As Punjab tightens its grip on tax defaulters, the government hopes the crackdown will not only recover dues but also reinforce a culture of compliance across the state.
Summary
Punjab has intensified action against GST defaulters, attaching 136 properties worth Rs 91 crore in a major enforcement drive aimed at boosting tax compliance and strengthening state revenue.