A STUDY ON HOW MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IS AFFECTED BY GOODS AND SERVICES TAX.

Abstract

The goal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which went into effect in India on July 1, 2017, was to simplify the tax structure by combining several indirect taxes into one cohesive tax system. The effect of GST on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) is evaluated in this study. By relieving MSMEs of the hassle of managing several federal and state taxes, the GST system improved their operational efficiency and made tax compliance simpler. Administrative difficulties were decreased via the GSTN interface, which made tax registration and return filing easier. A number of benefits of GST for MSMEs are highlighted by the report, such as the removal of the tax cascade effect, an increase in the threshold exemption for tax registration, better supply chain efficiency, and increased competitiveness. In addition, there have been notable advantages from the formalization of enterprises and the use of technology for tax compliance. But the report also lists difficulties like higher costs associated with GST compliance, more burdensome compliance requirements, problems with cash flow, and difficulties with interstate transactions. This research offers valuable insights into the ways in which MSMEs perceive the impact of GST on their operations, finances, and growth prospects. It employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as surveys and literature studies. The results imply that, despite the benefits that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has brought about, MSMEs still face a number of obstacles that require government assistance in the form of streamlined compliance processes and educational materials. All things considered, MSMEs have experienced a mixed response to the implementation of GST, with both noteworthy advantages and difficulties. Maximizing the benefits of this tax reform will need ongoing efforts to improve small business understanding and ease GST compliance.