GST Council Unveils Refund, Pharma Reforms

The 57th GST Council introduced major changes:
- Automated refunds: Excess cash‑ledger balances will be returned automatically as per the new s.54 amendment. ([source]https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/57th-gst-council-meeting-key-recommendations-and-what-they-mean-56406.asp)
- Pharma relief: Input tax credit now permitted on expired goods, easing cash flow for healthcare firms. ([source]https://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=191239&sid=1)
- Process reforms: Officials urged simpler procedures for taxpayers. ([source]https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Oct/14/process-reforms-needed-to-ease-difficulties-for-taxpayers-gst-council-in-bengaluru)

Other tax headlines:
- New TDS compliance pitfalls highlighted, with potential penalties for common mistakes. ([source]https://www.caclubindia.com/articles/tax-deducted-at-source-tds-common-compliance-failures-and-their-tax-consequences-56401.asp)
- Malaysia’s Ministry reaffirms preference for SST over GST. ([source]https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/14/sst-remains-governments-preferred-tax-system-says-ministry)
- Paytm’s First Games GST demand slashed from ₹5,712 cr to ₹704 cr after reassessment. ([source]https://www.sahi.com/news/one-97-communications-first-games-gst-demand-reduced-from-5-712-cr-to-703-66-cr)