NDA 3.0: Coalition government unlikely to impact GST reforms, power of tax officers may be reviewed, experts say

Legal experts foresee uninterrupted progress in GST reforms despite the coalition government. However, issues like rate rationalisation may be sidelined while scrutiny over tax officers' powers gains focus, according to Sudipta Bhattacharjee from Khaitan and Co. \r

The upcoming GST Council meeting on June 22 marks the first under the coalition, addressing challenges such as the contentious 28% GST on online gaming bets. Expectations center on compliance enhancement and aligning CGST Act amendments with recent rules to reduce scrutiny. \r

Russell A. Stamets from Circle of Counsels advocates for revisiting the high GST on online gaming, urging nurturing of the sector amidst digital expansion. The industry faces retrospective taxes and significant GST evasion allegations, currently under Supreme Court scrutiny.