- Introduction of IMS: The Invoice Management System (IMS) was launched by the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) in October 2023 to facilitate real-time reconciliation of transaction details for claiming GST credits. It aims to address issues where businesses do not receive tax credits due to sellers failing to upload invoices or providing incorrect details.
- Future Mandatory Implementation: IMS is expected to become compulsory, initially targeting large transactions above a specified monetary threshold, and potentially expanding to smaller transactions based on feedback and outcomes from initial implementation. This will encourage businesses to ensure timely and accurate invoice uploads, thereby improving compliance along the supply chain.
- Benefits and Challenges: Making IMS mandatory could enhance real-time tracking of invoices, reduce fraudulent claims, and streamline audits, but it may also present challenges for businesses, particularly small ones, due to the costs of upgrading systems and training personnel. A phased rollout with strong technical support will be essential for a smooth transition.
Source A2ztaxcorp