An Analytical Study of Taxation Practices in India with Special Reference to Goods and Services Tax (GST), Income Tax Return (ITR), and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS)

Taxation constitutes the foundation of a nation’s economic and administrative framework, serving as a primary source of revenue and a mechanism for regulating economic activities (Musgrave & Musgrave, 1989). In India, the taxation system has witnessed substantial reforms in recent years, particularly through the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), digitization of Income Tax Return (ITR) filing, and strengthening of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) mechanisms. These reforms aim to enhance transparency, improve compliance, and expand the tax base (OECD, 2016).This research paper presents an analytical study of taxation practices in India with special reference to GST, ITR, and TDS, drawing insights from practical exposure gained during a summer internship at Pankaj Chug and Co., a Chartered Accountancy firm. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design using primary observational data and secondary sources such as government reports, academic journals, and policy documents.The findings reveal that digital transformation has significantly improved efficiency and compliance; however, challenges such as procedural complexity, frequent amendments, and technological issues persist (Kumar & Gupta, 2018). The study concludes that continuous simplification, professional support, and enhanced tax literacy are essential for strengthening India’s taxation framework.