India Inc's preparations for GST: Firms scramble to streamline operations

Less than three months left for the roll-out of the goods and services tax (GST) on July 1, a large number of businesses are scrambling to streamline their operations to make them compatible with the new unified tax regime.

While big companies across a range of sectors, including consumer goods, auto, e-commerce, retail, real estate and telecom, have already done some work to reorganise their structures and functions, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are far behind the curve. 

“SMEs are just about kicking off their preparations by appointing consultants,” says Sachin Menon, partner & head – indirect tax, KPMG. “It