How we can assist in implementing GST

We adopt the following approach to help ensure thorough implementation

• A joint team of different skill sets in areas of tax, IT, supply chain, project management, business processes, strategy and operations
• Mix of consultants, ex-revenue officials and industry experts
• Closely work with industry associations and governments
• A customised approach according to the needs of the company rather than a straight jacketed approach.

Businesses need to adopt a structured approach to prepare for the transition. Broadly, the approach should encompass the following:

• Assessment of the impact of GST on different business functions
• Drawing up an implementation plan
• Zeroing in on the target operating model
• Implementation and transition
• Post-implementation validation refinement of the operating model selected.

Our dedicated team of professionals can help businesses transition to the GST regime. The key differentiator we bring on board is our three-phased, unified-yet-modular approach (fiscal, supply chain and IT modules) which helps preserve value through a robust implementation methodology for the impacted functions, backed by efficient programme and hange management principles, in three phases as illustrated below:

We have successfully conducted impact assessment for various companies since 2011.

• Assessing the potential GST impact on different business functions and operations, in order to be better prepared for the transition, including quantification of impact on pricing, incentives, profitability, top-line and cash flows.
• Reviewing the impact of GST on the current value chain elements (e.g. procurement, manufacturing and distribution) and proposing options for the realignment of the business model to help better capture the additional value that may be available on account of GST.
• Reviewing the existing ERP system for technical compatibility, coverage of business processes, configuration of the localisation settings and impact of GST on the current business scenarios (e.g. procurement, sales and distribution).

• Identifying obstacles being faced by the company under the existing regime.
• Highlighting the likely GST provisions which could be detrimental to the business of a company.
• Suggesting the strategy around the representation.
• Providing insight into international leading practices.
• Assisting in finalising the representation.
• Assistance in time-to-time meetings and follow up.

• Revalidating the impact analysis of GST, after the draft GST legislation is available in the public domain.
• Identifying potential business approaches in order to help manage tax costs and mitigate any adverse impact. 

• Realigning the ‘target operating model’ to help ensure  smooth functioning of the selected operating model option.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) of IT systems.Reorganising business processes. Providing assistance in finalisation of the implementation plan for the company. Providing assistance on transition-related provisions.Reviewing vendor/customer communication.Assisting in preparing GST manuals for easy reference.
• Implementing the revised IT landscape by integrating testing sign off for GST changes, executing the transaction on production system (go-Live) and finalising the configuration documents of the changes undertaken.

• Helping prepare instruction manuals, including providing assistance in framing systems and procedures to help ensure compliances and helping in dealing with transitional issues such as assistance in understanding the transitional provisions, helping devise the approach for transition of existing contracts under the new regime and helping in identifying the requisite changes, computation of taxes and filing of returns under the GST regime, etc.
• Assisting in the communication to be sent to key vendors/customers by the company, highlighting changes in the taxation regime and the consequent impact on transactions.

• Undertaking detailed planning of activities in co-ordination with various work streams.
• Tracking the progress of various work streams identifying key milestones, dependencies and helping ensure smooth execution, identifying issues during execution and suggesting mitigation plans, helping ensure effective communication/co-ordination among stakeholders
• Extending support in terms of developing training materials and training the trainers.

• Organising trainings for senior management on strategic and critical areas of GST’s impact on the company’s business model, impact on the bottom-line, and on how to reduce tax risks.
• Conducting workshops for operational staff on procedural mechanisms, documentation requirements, control checks on data/information, etc.
• Training dealers on the applicability of GST, its impact on them and measures to help ensure compliance. 

• Providing assistance to the tax team in reviewing the documents to be filed with the tax authorities such as registration applications, transition stock statements, credit transition documents, etc.
• Advising on the base upon which goods and services can be valued for payment of GST. Reviewing sample invoices and credit/debit note formats to be maintained under the new tax regime as prepared by the company and providing comments thereon from a GST perspective. Reviewing the records that need to be maintained by the company under the new tax regime. Reviewing GST returns to be filed by the company.
• Assisting with GST compliance on an ongoing basis.

• Seconding GST-trained staff to help handle the tax processes on a long-term or assignment basis.
• Seconding GST-trained managers to provide high-level support to the tax functions.