GSTR-1 filing process simplified: single-step File Statement with consolidated and recipient-wise summaries before submission.
The GST Portal replaces the two-step GSTR-1/IFF workflow with a single File Statement action permitting additions or edits until filing, and adds a pre-filing consolidated table-wise summary plus a recipient-wise summary for tables with counter-party recipients (B2B supplies, reverse charge supplies, SEZ supplies, deemed exports, and credit/debit notes).

GST compensation mechanism: central releases and loans ensured full payment; residual shortfall to be met from cess accruals.
The GST compensation regime requires payments to States from a compensation fund financed by a designated compensation cess; all compensation is paid from the fund. Centre provided back to back loans to States to meet COVID related shortfalls and, after these measures and cess receipts, reports earlier year compensation fully released while a residual shortfall equivalent to four months remains for the current year, to be released as cess accrues. The normal release pattern is ten months within the year and the remaining two months in the next financial year.

Fake Input Tax Credit scheme exposed; co conspirator arrested and CGST offences prosecuted, network disrupted.
The CGST Anti Evasion Unit detected a fabricated invoicing scheme used to claim and utilize bogus input tax credit; a co conspirator supplying those invoices was arrested under Section 69 and prosecuted for offenses under Section 132, following material evidence and a confessional statement, and the proprietor had been arrested earlier in the same matter.

GST rate rationalization: no state feedback was sought on specific items; Group of Ministers' review remains pending.
Clarification that no consultation has been undertaken with States on proposals to raise Goods and Services Tax rates for identified items; reports claiming feedback was sought on specific items are unfounded. The GST Council established a Group of Ministers to examine rate rationalization, States were consulted only on the Group's Terms of Reference, and the Group's report is yet to be submitted to the Council.

Input Tax Credit fraud investigation prompts arrest and raids after alleged fraudulent availment and passing of credits.
A coordinated scheme to fraudulently claim and transfer Input Tax Credit was uncovered where entities controlled by one person used fake, suspended and non existent suppliers to avail and pass ITC without receipt of goods. Searches recovered pen drives, rubber stamps and records; the key accused was arrested, produced before the magistrate and placed in judicial custody, and further investigation and forensic examination of seized material is in progress.

GST Portal functional updates expand digital tools for registration, returns, payment, refund and advance ruling compliance support.
Deployment of module-specific enhancements to the GST Portal functionalities consolidates digital compliance tools for taxpayers across Registration, Returns, Advance Ruling, Payment, Refund and miscellaneous modules, accompanied by webinars and short video guides; the announcement lists periodic compilations and links to access module-wise feature descriptions and multimedia guidance to assist taxpayers in adopting and applying the new portal tools.

Tax revenue recovery outpaces economic growth as strengthened compliance and faster refund processing boost collections.
Tax collections for 2021-22 exceeded budget estimates due to strong growth in corporate and income taxes and notable increases in GST and customs receipts, attributed to post pandemic economic recovery and strengthened tax administration. Rapid return processing and refund clearance improved liquidity, while GST compliance improved as filing rates converged and e way bill values rose. Elevated tax GDP ratio and healthy tax buoyancy indicate revenue growth outpacing nominal GDP.

GST revenue surge signals record monthly collections, increased settlements to Centre and States, and growth from enforcement and rate measures.
Gross GST receipts reached an all time monthly high in March 2022 with specified CGST, SGST, IGST (including imports) and cess components; regular and ad hoc IGST settlements between Centre and States/UTs plus GST compensation releases yielded stated post settlement revenues for Centre and States. Revenue increases were recorded year on year and versus March 2020 across import and domestic bases, supported by higher e way bill activity, anti evasion actions and rate rationalisation measures.