The introduction of GST in India has completely changed the way taxes are managed by replacing a complicated system of indirect taxes with a simpler and unified tax system. As businesses and individuals adjust to this new way of taxation, it is important to understand the details of GST and how it affects us.
In this blog post, we will explore the basics of GST in India, including its objectives, important features, and the impact it has had on businesses and consumers.
What Is Goods and Service Tax?
GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a unified tax system in India that replaces multiple indirect taxes with a single tax. It makes taxes simpler, avoids double taxation, and helps the economy grow. It applies to both goods and services and is divided into CGST, SGST, and IGST components. Overall, GST has made the Indian tax system easier to understand and has had a positive impact on the country.
How Does GST Work?
According to GST laws, a tax is applied to the value added at every stage of the supply chain, from the production of goods to their final sale to customers. GST is an indirect tax that is based on consumption.
For example, GST will apply to each of these stages-
- Purchasing of raw materials
- Manufacturing or production
- Storing the finished products in a warehouse
- Sale of product to wholesalers
- Sale of the product to retailers
- Sale of the product to consumers
Another feature of GST is that is it destination-based. This means that GST can be levied only at the point where the product or service is being consumed. For example, if a service or product is sold in West Bengal, the tax revenue will go to West Bengal and not the state where the product or service originated.
To comply with GST, businesses need to register and obtain a unique Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN). According to GST rules, businesses must charge GST on their sales and collect it from their customers. The GST charged on sales is known as output tax.
Businesses can also claim input tax credit for the GST they paid on purchases of goods and services. For example, if a manufacturer has to pay INR 3000 as tax on the final product and has already paid INR 2000 as tax on the purchases made for the final product, they can claim an input credit of INR 2000 and only pay INR 1000 as taxes.
The rate of GST in India varies depending on the type of goods or services. There are four GST rates: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. Some essential commodities are exempt from GST or taxed at a reduced rate.
The GST system is overseen by the GST Council, which consists of representatives from the central and state governments. The GST Council determines the GST rates, decides on tax exemptions, and makes necessary adjustments to the GST system.
Also Read: GST Composition Scheme
GST Benefits to Taxpayers
GST, or Goods and Services Tax, provides various advantages to Indian taxpayers. Following are some of the main advantages of GST:
- Simplified taxation system: Prior to the introduction of GST, businesses had to pay a variety of indirect taxes, including excise duty, service tax, and value-added tax. GST replaced all of these levies with a single tax, simplifying and simplifying the tax system.
- Lower tax burden: GST has a lower tax rate for many goods and services than the previous tax regime, resulting in a decreased tax burden for businesses and consumers. Tax cascading (taxes on taxes) has also been eliminated, resulting in further price reductions.
- Increased compliance: GST has made compliance easier and more transparent. The introduction of an online platform for GST registration, return filing, and payment has streamlined and simplified the process. This has resulted in increased compliance from taxpayers.
- Input tax credit: Under GST, businesses have the advantage of claiming the input tax credit on the GST they have paid for purchasing goods and services. This credit can be used to offset or reduce the amount of output tax they owe. This helps to lessen the tax burden and prevents double taxation, ensuring a fair and efficient tax system.
- Boost to exports: GST has enhanced the competitiveness of exports by reducing the cost of products and services. Exporters can avail themselves of a GST refund on the goods or services they export, leading to a significant increase in exports.
- Increased supply chain efficiency: GST has improved supply chain efficiency by lowering the time and cost required to ship and transfer goods across state boundaries. The elimination of multiple types of taxes and checkpoints where they are levied has resulted in speedier and more efficient goods transportation.
GST Rates in India
The following are the many types of GST rates in India:
| GST Rate | Examples of Goods and Services |
| 5% | Necessities (edible oil, tea, coffee), certain services (travel, rail tickets, economy-class plane tickets) |
| 12% | Computers and computer peripherals, frozen meat products, animal fat, non-AC hotels, business class air tickets, telecommunications services |
| 18% | Commodities costing more than Rs. 1,000 (cement, capital goods, footwear), AC hotels serving spirits, IT services, telephone services |
| 28% | Luxury goods and services (high-end cars, yachts, private planes), tobacco, aerated drinks |
In addition to the four GST rates listed above, some items and services are excluded from GST or are taxed at a lesser rate. Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, curd, and educational services, for example, are excluded from GST. It is crucial to note that GST rates are subject to change based on the GST Council’s recommendations. To guarantee compliance with tax rules, taxpayers should stay up to date on any changes to the GST rates.
Conclusion
GST in India is a comprehensive tax system that has streamlined Indian taxation by replacing various indirect taxes with a single tax. It provides various advantages to taxpayers, including a lower tax burden and more compliance. GST has also helped the Indian economy thrive by lowering the cost of products and services, encouraging exports, and improving supply chain efficiency. Understanding how GST works, and what its different types and rates are, will help taxpayers to comply with and reap the benefits of the taxation system of India.
