Goods and Services Tax to unify indirect taxation, improve efficiency and integrate IT systems for compliance and revenue mobilization.
Introduction of Goods and Services Tax is presented as a foundational reform to unify Central and State indirect taxes through a common collection system and integrated IT backbone (GSTN), expected to improve tax efficiency, boost revenues, and remove inter-state barriers. Accompanying administrative reforms include mandatory e-filing of Central Excise and Service Tax returns, a shift to record/invoice-based compliance, self-assessment, post-clearance audit, and trade facilitation measures, while enforcement priorities call for enhanced Customs capability and international cooperation to protect revenue and counter smuggling.