Tax reforms in India

Introduction to Tax Reforms

1. Tax reforms in India aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and equitable tax system.
2. The focus has been on simplifying the direct and indirect tax structure, broadening the tax base, and improving compliance.
3. Reforms have been undertaken since the 1991 economic liberalization era.

Key Reforms in Direct Taxes

1. Implementation of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as the foundational legislation for direct taxes.
2. Introduction of the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) to bring companies with low taxable income under the tax net.
3. Reduction in corporate tax rates to attract foreign and domestic investment.
4. Simplification of personal income tax slabs to enhance compliance.
5. Launch of the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) system to ensure upfront tax collection.
6. Introduction of the Faceless Assessment and Appeal to reduce corruption and ensure transparency.

Key Reforms in Indirect Taxes

1. Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, unifying multiple indirect taxes under one framework.
2. Introduction of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, to streamline import and export duties.
3. Gradual reduction of customs duties to promote global trade and competitiveness.
4. Replacement of the Central Excise Act with GST for a more comprehensive tax structure.

Technological Advancements in Taxation

1. Launch of the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) for seamless filing of GST returns.
2. Introduction of the e-filing portal for income tax returns to simplify taxpayer compliance.
3. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to detect tax evasion.
4. Adoption of the PAN and Aadhaar linkage for tracking financial transactions.

Reforms to Enhance Compliance

1. Reduction in litigation through schemes like the Vivad se Vishwas Scheme.
2. Incentives for voluntary disclosure of income under various amnesty schemes.
3. Implementation of the Taxpayer Charter to safeguard the rights of taxpayers.

Challenges in Tax Reforms

1. Ensuring uniform compliance across states for GST.
2. Addressing the high level of informality in the Indian economy.
3. Increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio, which remains low compared to global standards.
4. Simplifying the tax filing process further for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Impact of Tax Reforms

1. Enhanced tax revenue collection, enabling higher government spending on infrastructure and welfare schemes.
2. Improved ease of doing business due to a simplified tax regime.
3. Increased transparency and reduced corruption in the tax system.
4. Creation of a more equitable tax system with a broader tax base.

Way Forward

1. Focus on improving digital infrastructure for seamless tax administration.
2. Ensure further simplification of tax rates and compliance requirements.
3. Encourage greater formalization of the economy to broaden the tax base.
4. Address sectoral disparities in the tax structure to ensure equitable growth.