Andhra Pradesh Government Notifies Creation of First Appellate Authority at Visakhapatnam

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, Revenue (Commercial Taxes) Department, has issued Order vide G.O.Ms. No. 180 dated March 23, 2026, for strengthening the appellate mechanism under the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (APGST) framework.

As per the order, the Government has approved the creation of one post in the cadre of Additional Commissioner (State Tax) to function as the First Appellate Authoarity at Visakhapatnam. This step is in continuation of earlier restructuring measures aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring a more result-oriented tax administration system.

The decision has been taken following recommendations from the Chief Commissioner of State Tax, Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the need for an additional appellate authority in view of administrative requirements and workload distribution.

Further, the Government has notified the jurisdiction of the three First Appellate Authorities located at Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam. These jurisdictions have been rationalized to ensure effective handling of appeals under Section 107 of the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

The order also directs the Chief Commissioner of State Tax, Andhra Pradesh, to take necessary follow-up action for operationalizing the newly created appellate authority and implementing the revised jurisdictional framework.

This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility, expedite dispute resolution, and strengthen the overall tax administration system in the State.

The Order can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/First-Appellate-Authority-at-Visakhapatnam-and-to-notify-the-Jurisdiction-of-the-three-Appellate-offices-at-Tirupathi-Vijayawada-and-Visakhapatnam.pdf