Public Awareness, Knowledge and Understanding of GST in India

Abstract

The Goods and Services tax (GST) is one of the most discussed topic in India nowadays. The Indian Government decision to implement the GST on 1st July 2017 has affected every member in the country. Financial issues such as inflation, rising cost of living, economic instability and the implementation of GST have impacted many Indian consumers in terms of their spending. However, the government has undertaken various efforts to study the effect and impact, to disseminate the information, to educate the public and to improve their understanding on the need of GST in taxation system. Even so at the early stage of implementation the public appears to be confused on the actual operations of the GST system. Many questions and complaints have been reported and lost to the related authorities for further action. This incident raises questions on the level of awareness and knowledge of the people about GST. To get a clearer picture on the degree of public awareness, knowledge and understanding of GST, a study pays specific focus on these areas is necessary and this study aims to review the consumer's awareness towards the implementation of GST in India.