The West Bengal Finance Minister, Mr Amit Mitra, on Tuesday said the State government would take action against non-tax compliance. The State has a low tax compliance rate and that the business community should cooperate with the government on tax collection, he added.

According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), West Bengal's tax to gross state domestic product (GSDP) ratio is just 4.1, which is below other States.

“We have simplified the tax administration and now we urge the business community to cooperate with the government in tax compliance,” Mr Mitra said while speaking at an interactive session organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce here today.

The government recently undertook host of reforms for simplification of tax laws with an aim to achieve 13.9 per cent growth in gross state domestic product growth.

“The government has moved radically in terms of tax reforms, it is now time for the industry to respond. We have made several reforms and simplified the tax structure. If we do not get a response from you, then we will have to go for enforcement. Without your co-operation it is difficult to achieve the desired growth rate,” Mr Mitra said.

Drawing attention to some of the simplifications undertaken by the state government, Mr Mitra said, “Registration of dealers, filing of returns, payment of tax, assessment and settlement of certificate due, VAT refunds and speedy disposals of pending appeals are some of the key reforms that we have put in place.”

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