Tax System in India-Evolution and Present Structure

Abstract

<bold>Main findings of the book</bold> The Indian tax system has undergone major structural changes since Independence in 1947. It has become comprehensive and complicated over the years. It has successfully mobilised resources to finance developmental, welfare and administrative activities of public authorities. Besides being the main source of revenue, both for the Central and State Governments, it is an effective instrument to realise various socio-economic objectives of national policies. However, the tax system has been relying heavily on indirect taxes and suffering extensively from fiscal malady called tax evasion. Restructuring of the tax system has constituted a major component of fiscal reforms initiated since 1991. The main focus of the tax reforms has been on simplification and rationalization of both direct and indirect taxes with the objective of augmenting revenues and removing anomalies in the tax structure. Tax reforms in recent years have brought the tax system much closer to international tax practices. Tax reforms are a part of the package to liberalise and globalise the Indian economy. The post-1991 period has witnessed a sharp decline in the rates of income tax, excise duty and customs tariff. The theory that high rates of duty lead to higher revenue collection has been discarded in favour of lower rates with fewer exemptions and concessions. The strategy in respect of direct taxation is to minimise distortions in tax structure by expanding the tax base and moderating tax rates on the one hand and improving the efficiency of tax administration and increasing the deterrence level on the other, so as to encourage voluntary compliance. The strategy in respect of indirect taxes is to move towards a fully integrated goods and services tax (GST).