57TH GST COUNCIL: WHAT’S NEXT FOR BUSINESSES ?

The 57th GST Council Meeting is scheduled for 12 September 2026 in Delhi. While the final agenda is yet to be announced, several important GST-related issues are expected to be discussed. This meeting could focus more on making GST easier for businesses rather than only changing GST rates. So, what’s really on the GST Council’s table this time? Let’s take a closer look.

What Could Be Discussed?

1.  Compensation Cess Credit-

Some businesses still have unused compensation cess credit from the earlier GST system. The Council may discuss how businesses can use or transfer this old credit instead of allowing it to remain stuck. Businesses may get a way to use their old tax credit.

2.  Easier GST Compliance

The Council may look at making GST procedures simpler, including:

• GST registration
• GST refunds
• GST audits
• Simpler Compliance

This could help businesses save time and reduce paperwork.

3.  Protection of Genuine ITC

Sometimes, a business loses ITC because its supplier fails to comply with GST rules. A possible proposal is to protect a genuine buyer if:

• The invoice is valid
• Goods or services were actually received
• Payment was properly made

 A genuine business should not suffer because of its supplier’s mistake.

4. Electricity, Natural Gas & Petroleum

Electricity and natural gas are currently outside GST. The Council may discuss whether these energy products should be brought closer to the GST system. This could help industries that spend heavily on energy by improving the ITC chain and reducing hidden costs.

5. Faster GST Dispute Resolution

The GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) is expected to play an important role in resolving GST disputes. The Council may review how the tribunal is functioning and how pending cases can be resolved faster.

6. Possible GST Amnesty

There may also be a proposal for an amnesty scheme for certain old procedural GST mistakes. This could provide relief to businesses that made genuine compliance errors, while serious cases involving fraud would remain outside the scheme.

Who Will Be Impacted?

• Businesses & MSMEs – Easier registration and compliance.
• Exporters – Changes in refund procedures.
• Businesses claiming ITC – Possible protection for genuine ITC.
• Automobile & other affected sectors – Compensation cess credit issues.
• Manufacturers & energy-intensive industries – Possible changes involving electricity and natural gas.
• Businesses with GST disputes – Faster dispute resolution through GSTAT.
• Renewable energy businesses – Possible changes in valuation/tax treatment.
• Taxpayers with old GST issues – Possible benefit from an amnesty scheme.

What Should Businesses Do Now?

Don’t make changes based only on proposals or media reports. Businesses should:

• Continue following the existing GST rules
• Keep GST returns and records updated
•  Reconcile ITC regularly
• Monitor supplier compliance
• Keep invoices and supporting documents properly maintained
• Wait for official notifications before implementing any proposed change

CONCLUSION

GST is constantly evolving. Don’t let changing rules, registrations and compliance requirements slow your business down. From GST Registration to ongoing compliance, CorpBuddy, Raipur helps businesses get registered, stay compliant and grow with confidence. Ready to register your business? Choose CorpBuddy — your trusted compliance partner. Stay Compliant. Stay Updated. Grow with CorpBuddy.

REFRENCES

1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gst-councils-next-big-challenge-57th-meeting-deliver-long-awaited-n38nf/