How India's New Tax Is Breaking Down Barriers
Gulf Business|August 2017

One of the biggest talking points across India this year has undoubtedly been the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which came into force on July 1. Jigar Doshi – partner for indirect tax at SKP Business Consulting – discusses the benefits GST is predicted to bring, and the challenges of transitioning to the new system.

Neil King
How India's New Tax Is Breaking Down Barriers

What do you foresee the overall impact of the Goods and Services Tax being on the Indian economy?

“The long awaited introduction of GST has been established with an objective of unifying multiple taxes, removing inter-state barriers and making India ‘one nation, one market, one tax,’ which would drive overall economic growth in the country.

“With the roll-out of the GST, faith has been rejuvenated that India’s fiscal deficits will reduce, and the overall impact of the tax on the India economy on a macro basis appears to be progressive and growth oriented.

“The consolidation of multiple levies leads to the elimination of a tax cascading effect, resulting in the reduction of prices in long run. Recently, India’s finance minister Arun Jaitley described the GST as a ‘winwin’ deal for all as it expands the tax net and brings down prices.

“The digitalisation of tax compliances and reporting also brings transparency and encourages the growth of industries in organised sectors.

“Uniformity of the taxation structure across the various states of India unifies the country in a single market. This helps to eliminate inter-state barriers, putting every state on a level playing field from an industry growth perspective.

“Thus, given the numerous benefits of this streamlined taxation structure, it is certain that the GST will augur well with the economy in the long term. However, given the mammoth changes instigated by the introduction of the GST, industries such as the SME and micro-SME sectors are facing huge implementation challenges. With this said, stability is expected to prevail over a period of time and thereafter companies will be able to leverage the incremental benefits of GST.”

How well received has the tax been?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GULF BUSINESSView all
Green lights
Gulf Business

Green lights

It hasn’t even been a full year that Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest auto companies, has been in existence. Still, its wheels are spinning furiously. Here’s what it has in store for the region

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2021
Purpose through corporate responsibility
Gulf Business

Purpose through corporate responsibility

Every organisation must deeply reflect about whether they are leaving behind a legacy or a liability, says Abdulaziz AlSowailim, EY MENA chairman and CEO

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021
Analysing the layers of a coconut
Gulf Business

Analysing the layers of a coconut

When we have a sense of clarity as to our purpose in life, then we institute the correct practices and habits around us, and set realistic and achievable results

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
DUNES TO DOMINION
Gulf Business

DUNES TO DOMINION

FOR A COUNTRY RICH IN TRADITION AND DRIVEN BY AMBITION, THE UAE’S JOURNEY DURING THE PAST 50 YEARS HAS BEEN UNPRECEDENTED. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE NEXT 50?

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2021
Building strong
Gulf Business

Building strong

International investors are boosting Dubai’s residential property market, which has rebounded strongly from the Covid crisis, writes Aarti Nagraj

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
CHASING THE AMERCIAN DREAM
Gulf Business

CHASING THE AMERCIAN DREAM

FOR SHAI ZAMANIAN, THE US IS A LAND OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES, AN AVENUE HE AIMS TO OPEN FOR FAMILIES WORLDWIDE VIA IMMIGRATION. HERE’S HOW HE IS BRINGING HIS GOAL TO FRUITION

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2021
OBITUARY: JOCELYN HENDERSON (1921-2021)
Gulf Business

OBITUARY: JOCELYN HENDERSON (1921-2021)

THE GRANDE DAME OF ABU DHABI – THE WIFE OF A FORMER DIPLOMAT – PASSED AWAY IN THE UAE CAPITAL AGED 100

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021
THE DIGITAL DISRUPTORS
Gulf Business

THE DIGITAL DISRUPTORS

IN THE COMING YEARS, THE GCC IS EXPECTED TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SECTORS SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, MANUFACTURING, EDUCATION AND RETAIL, WHICH WILL HELP BOOST THE GROWTH OF ITS NON-OIL ECONOMY

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021
Signed, sealed, delivered
Gulf Business

Signed, sealed, delivered

Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc, partnered with one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, Ferrari, earlier this year. Here’s where the partnership, and the German company as well, is headed next

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2021
UP, UP AND AWAY
Gulf Business

UP, UP AND AWAY

AS THE FIRST IN-PERSON AIRSHOW TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE PANDEMIC, THE EVENT SAW SEVERAL DEALS ANNOUNCED

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021