Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax which was introduced in India on 1 July 2017 and was applicable throughout India which replaced multiple cascading taxes levied by central and state governments. It was introduced as the Constitution (One Hundred and first Amendment) Act 2017, following the passage of constitution 122nd Amendment Act Bill.
The GST is governed by a GST council and its chairman is the Finance Minister of India. Under GST, goods and services are taxed at the following rates, 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. There is a special rate of 0.25% on rough precious and semi-precious stones and 3% on gold. In addition a cess of 22% or other rates on top of 28% GST applies on few items like aerated drinks, luxury cars and tobacco products.
GST replaced a slew of indirect taxes with a unified tax and is therefore set to dramatically reshape the country's 2 trillion dollar economy. The distraught among the business community on GST, especially in Gujarat. In recent Assembly elections in Gujarat, GST factor has given dividends to Indian National Congress, although other factors too are also responsible for it, Although BJP in Gujarat has formed the government but has not emerged so strong as that of previous assembly elections. Some neutral economists in India term GST as an organised and legitimised disaster like that of a double sided axe.
GST is one of the most significant tax reforms in the history of India.
Comments
Post a Comment