An Empirical Study on the Journey of Tax Reforms in India

Abstract

Reforms in the taxation system of a country are an integral part of its development. India has witnessed series of reforms in its taxation system. The tax rates have been rationalize d with simplification in the tax laws results in better compliance, ease of tax payment and better enforcement. India has witnessed reforms in both direct tax system and indirect tax system. After every reform, it becomes quite essential to measure its effectiveness. There are various parameters to measure the affects of the reforms and the tax to GDP ratio is considered to be the one. One of the major objectives of tax reform measures has been to increase total tax to GDP ratio as a means of achieving fiscal consolidation and improving resource allocation. Government of India is working to enhance its revenue collection, at the same time ensuring that cumbersome taxes do not bother the investors. This paper makes an attempt to highlight the journey of tax reforms taken place in India since the post liberalization period. The paper also highlights the tax to GDP ratio over the period of five years of study.