Nirmala Sitharaman to inaugurate conference on combating GST evasion today

Nirmala Sitharaman to inaugurate conference of GST enforcement chiefs today

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday will inaugurate a one-day conference of enforcement chiefs of all states and central GST officers to prevent tax evasion.

The conference will focus on deliberate on combating GST evasion, fake invoicing, sharing best practices, synergy among tax formations, leveraging technology and data and providing ease of doing business, according to a finance ministry statement.

"The conference will examine current challenges and delving into successful methodologies employed by both state and central enforcement authorities. Discussion on GST evasion via fake invoicing and strategising effective methods to combat it collaboratively will be on agenda," it said.

Sitharaman will inaugurate the one-day conference and also deliver the keynote address. Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary will also attend the conference.

The one-day national conference will explore the potential of advanced technological tools and data analytics to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of enforcement efforts while striking the crucial equilibrium between facilitating a smooth business environment and implementing effective, deterrent enforcement measures.

There will also be knowledge exchange through presentations by enforcement heads showcasing the most successful strategies and innovative approaches for tackling tax evasion. The aim is to build deeper collaboration and fostering greater synergy between state and central enforcement authorities, ensuring a unified and comprehensive approach, it said.

"Embracing the spirit of cooperative federalism as exemplified by GST, this conference serves as a valuable platform for both Centre and state GST enforcement authorities to share best practices, foster mutual learning, and collectively strengthen the GST administration," the statement said.