Deloitte GST@9 survey: 99% of India Inc backs GST, but refund delays and audit friction top reform asks

Survey of 1,096 business leaders across 8 industries marks 9 years of GST with 99% positive/neutral sentiment. Respondents credit consolidation of 17 local taxes and 13 cesses, but flag refund processing lags and audit inconsistencies as drag. Next phase: AI-driven compliance.

— FiledSat, 27 Jun, 2026, 01:48 IST·First seen Sat, 27 Jun, 2026, 01:46 IST·Source Moneycontrol · Results

What happened

GST Council · Deloitte's GST@9 survey of 1,096 business leaders across 8 industries shows 99% positive/neutral sentiment on GST, but flags pending issues around

Key facts

  • 99% positive/neutral
  • 1096 responses
  • 17 local taxes
  • 13 cesses
  • 9 years

Why this matters

Broad GST endorsement reduces regulatory risk in India deals, though diligence should still probe target-level exposure to refund lags and audit inconsistencies.

What to watch

  • Next GST Council meeting agenda and communique
  • CBIC circulars on refund processing timelines or risk-based audit framework
  • FM or Revenue Secretary remarks referencing the Deloitte survey
  • E-invoicing threshold notification below Rs 5cr turnover
  • Q2 FY26 retailer commentary on GST refund receivables movement
  • Map retail client exposure to inverted duty structures and stuck refunds — quantify WC locked
  • Build watchlist of GST-tech and ERP integrators positioned for AI compliance mandate
  • Stress-test apparel and packaged-food coverage names for slab-merger scenarios
  • Engage tax heads at top-20 retail clients on audit inconsistency pain points for desk note

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