Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directs authorities to increase taxpayer base through enhanced use of technology

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to implement an action plan to increase the taxpayer base through enhanced use of technology. Ms. Sitharaman said this while chairing a review meeting with CBIC in New Delhi today. She also directed CBIC to introduce its automated GST return scrutiny by next week.

During the meeting, the Finance Minister was briefed on the final revenue achievement in total Indirect Tax collections for 2022-23. It stood at 13 lakh 82 thousand crore rupees, as against 12 lakh 89 thousand crore rupees in 2021-22. On the GST side, the average gross monthly collection for the year 2022-23 stood at one lakh 51 thousand crore rupees. The monthly GST revenue collections exceeded one lakh 40 thousand crore rupees for 12 months in a row. The comprehensive review covered a variety of work areas including trade facilitation, taxpayer services, grievance redressal of the trade, finalisation of disciplinary cases and infrastructure projects.

Ms. Sitharaman emphasised the need for continuously improving taxpayer services. In order to intensify its drive against fake billing and Input Tax Credit, the Minister asked CBIC to undertake a comprehensive root cause analysis by studying the typology of cases already booked. She asked them to come up with recommendations on technology based solutions to address the menace and prevent its occurrence.