The finance ministry on Tuesday said advanced technologies like AI and data analytics are being used in GST registration and scrutiny to identify possible tax evasions, while easing regulatory requirements for compliant taxpayers. The number of taxpayers registered under Goods and Services Tax (GST) has increased from 66.5 lakh in 2017 to 1.65 crore as of May 2026, reflecting greater formalisation of the economy, according to the ministry. Also, gross GST collection, which stood at around Rs 7.4 lakh crore in 2017-18, has increased steadily over the years.