No IT hiccups, GSTN is ready for smooth launch: Navin Kumar

Are you ready for the launch of the world's largest and most challenging tax system?

Yes, we are ready. We started working on our systems in November 2015. As per our analysis, we will process 3.2 billion invoices on an average every month. We have further doubled our capacity.

IT preparedness has been questioned. What is your take?

We have made changes to our software based on revised rules. As of today, we have made very good progress.

What are the tax payment options?

For the first time, taxpayers will able to pay taxes through debit and credit cards. We are engaging with seven payment gateways for smooth payments. We also have NEFT and RTGS facilities. Taxpayers will also have offline payment options.

How many taxpayers have registered so far?

The migration process started in November 2016. Of the 80 lakh taxpayers, 66.60 lakh have signed up.

Will GSTN levy user charges?

We are borrowing money from banks to run this system. We have to repay, so we have to charge user fees — Rs 50 per month, including charges for 60-70 thousand government officials. Everything will be paid by the government.

(As told to Dipu Rai)