Tax dispute resolution has been a key focus area for the overall tax reforms since litigation has been a huge drain on resources. The Central Government has come up with a one-time measure for liquidation of past disputes of Central Excise and Service Tax in the form of Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 (SVLDRS). It provides an opportunity of voluntary disclosure to those taxpayers who did not pay their tax dues.

The benefits include total waiver of interest, penalty and fine, immunity from prosecution, relief in duty demand ranging from 40 per cent to 70 per cent with a provision for adjustment of any deposits of duty already made. In cases of voluntary confession, payment of merely the full amount of disclosed duty is all that is required.