Finance Bill 2026 Likely to Introduce Key GST Reforms: Fast-Track Registration and 90% Automatic Refunds on the Agenda

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Focus on Faster Registrations and Simplified Compliance 90% Automatic Refund Mechanism to Ease Working Capital Pressure Addressing the Inverted Duty Structure Problem Part of the Broader GST 2.0 Vision Outlook: A Step Toward Faster, Smarter Tax Administration

The Finance Bill 2026 is set to usher in a new wave of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, with the government planning amendments to simplify compliance, reduce delays, and improve liquidity for businesses. Among the most anticipated measures are a risk-based fast-track GST registration system and an automatic 90% refund mechanism under the inverted duty structure (IDS), according to senior government officials.

These proposed legal changes are expected to be included in the upcoming Union Budget, forming part of the broader GST 2.0 roadmap that aims to make tax administration more automated, transparent, and business-friendly.

Focus on Faster Registrations and Simplified Compliance

The centrepiece of the proposed reforms is the introduction of a risk-based fast-track registration process, which will enable low-risk taxpayers to receive GST registration approvals within three working days of Aadhaar or PAN verification.

“The focus is on faster registration and quicker refund settlement. The idea is to use data-driven analytics to identify risk categories and speed up approvals for compliant taxpayers,”.

This system, which became operational in a pilot phase from November 1, 2025, is designed to reduce human intervention and eliminate bureaucratic delays. However, the legal amendment required to formalise the process is still pending and will likely be introduced through the Finance Bill 2026.

Officials emphasized that this change aligns with the government’s larger vision of “faceless and technology-driven governance.” The automated registration mechanism will rely on risk algorithms that flag high-risk applicants for detailed verification while approving low-risk taxpayers automatically.

“The system will automatically verify applications based on pre-defined parameters, cutting approval time and easing business entry,” the official added. source: Moneycontrol

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90% Automatic Refund Mechanism to Ease Working Capital Pressure

Another major highlight of the proposed GST reform package is the introduction of a 90% automatic refund mechanism for eligible taxpayers under the inverted duty structure (IDS) framework.

Under this proposal, 90% of the claimed refund amount will be credited to taxpayers automatically after basic system checks, while the remaining 10% will undergo manual verification before final settlement.

“The 90% of the claim is sanctioned upfront on a risk-assessed basis. It will ease working capital pressures, especially in sectors like textiles, footwear, and fertilisers,” the official noted.

This move aims to address long-standing industry complaints regarding delays in refund processing, which often result in blocked input tax credits and liquidity constraints. By automating the majority of refund disbursals, the government intends to inject timely cash flow into the system, particularly for export-oriented and manufacturing businesses.

The mechanism, already operational in parts since November 2025, requires statutory backing through the Finance Bill for full implementation.

Addressing the Inverted Duty Structure Problem

The inverted duty structure (IDS) has been one of the most persistent challenges under GST, arising when the tax rate on inputs exceeds the tax rate on final products. This results in the accumulation of unused input tax credits, which can only be reclaimed through a refund process.

Currently, refunds under IDS are processed manually after verification, leading to extended waiting periods for businesses. The upcoming amendments seek to automate this process, making it faster, risk-based, and more transparent.

Officials explained that the system-driven refund model will use risk ratings to determine the extent of automatic disbursal. Taxpayers with consistent compliance records and verified credentials will receive refunds automatically, while others may be subject to additional scrutiny.

“Automating refund processing will not only reduce delays but also minimize discretion and improve taxpayer trust,” said a senior official involved in the reform discussions.

Part of the Broader GST 2.0 Vision

The reforms proposed under the Finance Bill 2026 are part of a wider initiative dubbed GST 2.0, aimed at creating a trust-based compliance ecosystem through the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics.

The idea is to make India’s indirect tax system faster, cleaner, and more predictable, with minimal manual intervention. The move follows the government’s recent efforts to streamline GST return filing, enhance digital invoice tracking, and strengthen anti-evasion measures using advanced analytics.

Industry experts believe these reforms could mark a significant shift in India’s tax administration. “The introduction of fast-track registration and automatic refunds will reduce compliance costs and improve cash flows, particularly for MSMEs and exporters,” said a tax partner at a leading consulting firm.

He added that the reforms reflect the government’s intent to make GST truly seamless and business-friendly, paving the way for sustained economic growth.

Outlook: A Step Toward Faster, Smarter Tax Administration

With the Finance Bill 2026 expected to be tabled in the Budget session, stakeholders across industries are optimistic about the government’s push for faceless and technology-led GST processes.

If implemented effectively, these changes could reduce approval bottlenecks, ease refund delays, and improve liquidity, helping businesses operate with greater efficiency.

By combining data-driven governance with simplified compliance rules, the reforms could mark a major milestone in India’s journey toward a digitally integrated and transparent taxation regime.