TAX BUOYANCY IN MAJOR STATES IN INDIA

Abstract

In the world of fiscal policy, tax elasticity and buoyancy are crucial factors shaping a country's financial health. Tax elasticity measures how much tax revenue changes when national income shifts, showing how flexible the tax system is naturally, without deliberate policy changes. This flexibility helps stabilize revenue, reducing the need for constant tweaking of tax policies. On the other hand, tax buoyancy reflects how tax revenue responds to economic shifts and intentional changes in tax policies. It acts like a gauge, indicating how effectively taxes adjust to economic ups and downs and how well policy decisions influence revenue. Low buoyancy suggests that there might be flaws in the tax system, prompting policymakers to rethink and improve tax strategies to better fit economic realities. For a country like India, where tax revenues are essential for financing public spending, understanding these metrics is critical. The buoyancy coefficient compares the growth of actual tax revenue to national income growth, providing insights into how successful fiscal policies are in boosting tax revenues. Meanwhile, the elasticity coefficient shows how responsive the tax system is to changes in national income, revealing its potential to generate more revenue as the economy grows. Analyzing these metrics gives policymakers a detailed view of fiscal sustainability and economic stability. It helps them make informed decisions when designing tax policies, ensuring that the government can maximize revenue while allowing the tax system to adapt smoothly to economic changes. A balanced approach that considers both elasticity and buoyancy is key for India's fiscal strategy, ensuring a well-coordinated financial performance that aligns with national economic goals. KEYWORDS :- Tax Buoyancy, Tax Elasticity, Fiscal Policy, Tax Revenue, NITI Aayog, RBI (Reserve Bank of India), VAT (Value Added Tax), GST (Goods and Services Tax).