Faster GST Refunds, Lower Penalties and Simplified Compliance Among Key Decisions; New Framework to Take Effect From April 1, 2027
NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 9: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a series of significant reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, reducing compliance burdens on businesses and strengthening a trust-based relationship between taxpayers and the government.
The decisions, taken at the Council’s 57th meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, include removing GST officers’ powers to arrest taxpayers under the proposed revised framework, raising the threshold for criminal prosecution to ₹5 crore and accelerating the processing of eligible GST refunds.
The reform package also provides for simpler registration procedures, reduced penalties, streamlined scrutiny of goods in transit and a more technology-driven tax administration system.
Criminal Prosecution Threshold Raised to ₹5 Crore
One of the most significant decisions is the proposed removal of GST officers’ arrest powers at the investigation stage, alongside an increase in the threshold for initiating criminal prosecution to ₹5 crore.
The changes are intended to reduce the risk of disproportionate enforcement in tax-related matters and provide greater confidence to businesses operating under the GST regime.
Tax authorities will continue to retain their powers to assess tax liabilities and recover applicable dues, interest and penalties in accordance with the law.
Eligible GST Refunds Likely Within Three Working Days
The Council has also approved measures to speed up the refund mechanism, which is expected to improve cash flow and working capital for businesses.
Under the revised process, the period for acknowledging refund applications will be reduced from 15 days to 10 days. If neither an acknowledgement nor a deficiency memo is issued within the prescribed 10-day period, the application will be treated as acknowledged.
Based on risk assessment, the government expects around 90 per cent of refund claims to be sanctioned within three working days of acknowledgement.
The move is expected to benefit businesses that depend on timely refunds to manage their day-to-day financial requirements.
GST Notices, Penalties to Be Rationalised
The Council has approved a ₹10,000 threshold for issuing GST notices, along with measures to rationalise penalties and simplify compliance procedures.
The general penalty is also set to be reduced from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000, according to the announced reform package.
Officials are expected to work towards a system that reduces unnecessary procedural complications while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Relief for Small Businesses and Online Sellers
The Council has approved measures to simplify GST registration for small suppliers seeking to operate through e-commerce platforms.
An optional compliance scheme has also been proposed for businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹5 crore that supply goods or services exclusively to consumers. Under the proposed arrangement, eligible businesses would file one annual return while making tax payments quarterly.
The detailed framework for the scheme is expected to be considered at the next GST Council meeting.
Restrictions on Checking Goods-Carrying Vehicles
To reduce delays in the transportation of goods, the Council has recommended tighter safeguards governing the interception of commercial vehicles.
Under the proposed mechanism, vehicles carrying goods may be stopped only on the basis of specific intelligence and with prior authorisation from an officer not below the rank of Joint Commissioner.
Inspections will be restricted to the state from which the goods originate and the destination state, preventing states along the transit route from routinely stopping consignments.
The measure is expected to improve logistics efficiency, reduce avoidable delays and make the movement of goods more predictable.
Input Tax Credit Proposals for Businesses
The Council has also recommended changes concerning input tax credit (ITC), including provisions relating to health and life insurance purchased for employees, telecommunications towers and pipelines laid outside factory premises.
Recommendations have also been made regarding credit on free samples and stock written off because of expiry where applicable laws require the goods to be destroyed.
The implementation of these provisions will be governed by the relevant statutory changes and applicable conditions.
Centralised Tax Administration Planned
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is working towards introducing a centralised assessment and administration mechanism for approximately two lakh taxpayers operating across multiple Central GST jurisdictions.
The proposed system would provide a unified window for GST-related functions, reducing the need for businesses operating in different states to deal separately with multiple jurisdictions.
Reforms to Be Implemented From April 2027
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to a more transparent, efficient and taxpayer-friendly GST system.
The process-related changes are scheduled to come into effect from April 1, 2027, subject to the necessary legislative and administrative measures.
The Council expects the revised framework to strengthen ease of doing business, reduce unnecessary interaction between taxpayers and officials, and maintain stable revenue collections for the Centre and states.
The latest decisions mark a major proposed shift in GST administration, with greater emphasis on simplified compliance, digital processes and a trust-based approach towards businesses and taxpayers.(KNC)
