GST Council likely to decide on common audit manual for Centre, states

GST Council may take up today expert panel's proposal to avoid multiplicity of audits by central, state authorities

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is likely to consider in its meeting on Saturday uniform practices for GST audit for adoption by the Centre and the states. At present, businesses are subject to a multiplicity of audits by the Central and state authorities with varying information requirements, different time limits, and several reconciliations.

While the tax authorities have their internal guidance in the form of the GST Audit Manual (GSTAM), the move seeks to have a comprehensive but common audit manual that would be more focused, efficient, and taxpayer-friendly.

“The All India GST audit manual takes into account the differential