What is GST?
GST is an Indirect Tax which has replaced many Indirect Taxes in India. The Goods and Service Tax Act was passed in the Parliament on 29th March 2017. The Act came into effect on 1st July 2017; Goods & Services Tax Law in India is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition.
In simple words, Goods and Service Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. This law has replaced many indirect tax laws that previously existed in India.
What are the types of GST in India?
India has a federal structure of government – in other words, both entities i.e. the Centre as well as the State – hold certain powers in matters of administration. Taxation also, on similar lines, has been typically bifurcated between the two heads – while Excise Duty and Service Tax have been under the jurisdiction of the Centre, Sales Tax and later VAT has been under the jurisdiction of the States. The guiding principle in the previous regime largely was – that while the Centre had authority on the production of goods and services, States had the authority on the sales of those goods and services.
However, the introduction of GST brought about a major amendment – which gave powers to both Centre and State to levy taxes on the supply and consumption of goods and services. This was the prime basis on which all the indirect taxes were subsumed under one tax i.e. GST. However, in keeping with the federal nature of India, the government and the GST council decided to adopt the Dual GST model, which has been successfully implemented in Canada.
Under this dual model, GST will have the following 3 components –
- CGST - Central GST
- SGST / UTGST- State GST / Union Territory GST
- IGST - Integrated GST
What is CGST — Central Goods and Services Tax in India?
CGST rate or Central GST rate is levied on the intrastate supply of goods and services. The proceeds of which will be attributable to the Centre, as per the CGST Act.
What is SGST — State Goods and Services Tax in India?
SGST rate or State GST rate is levied on the intrastate supply of goods and services. The proceeds of which will be attributable to the States, as per the SGST Act – which is passed and recognised by the assemblies of respective States.
What is UTGST — Union Territory Goods and Services Tax in India?
The fact that Union Territories are directly under the governance of the Central Government, differentiates them from the states, which have their own elected governments. This called for a separate taxation structure for the Union Territories and thus UTGST rate or Union Territory GST was introduced instead of SGST for the following 5 Union Territories in India –
- Chandigarh
- Lakshadweep
- Daman and Diu
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In the Indian Constitution, the definition of ‘States’ included union territories with their own legislature. Hence the SGST Act also applied to the 2 union territories of Delhi and Puducherry – since they have their own legislature, with elected members and Chief Minister. For the rest of the 5 union territories listed above, UTGST rate will be levied for supply of goods and services.
What is IGST — Integrated State Goods and Services Tax in India?
IGST rate or Integrate State rate is levied on the interstate supply of goods and services, whenever such supplies are happening across state boundaries, and in terms of imports, as per the IGST Act.
Applicability of CGST, SGST & IGST Rates
- CGST rate & SGST rate will be applicable on intra-state transactions
- IGST rate will be applicable on inter-state transactions
ITC Availability of CGST, SGST & IGST
In this regards, the availability of ITC for set-off of tax liability also becomes crucial for businesses across the country. The manner in which one can avail ITC against each of these 3 taxes are as follows:
- CGST ITC – can be used to offset CGST and IGST (in that order)
- SGST ITC – can be used to offset SGST and IGST (in that order)
- IGST ITC – can be used to offset IGST, CGST and SGST (in that order)
Please note, that CGST and SGST cannot be set off against one another.
The above set-off order was amended and the following is the new order in which the ITC needs to be utilized.
|
Input tax credit |
IGST Output liability |
CGST Output liability |
SGST Output liability |
|
IGST |
(I) |
(II) – In any order in any proportion |
|
|
(III) Input tax credit on account of Integrated tax to be completely exhausted mandatorily |
|||
|
CGST |
(V) |
(IV) |
Not allowed |
|
SGST/UTGST |
(VII) |
Not permitted |
(VI) |
With the new rule, the IGST credit needs to be completely utilised before off setting it with CGST or SGST. The order of setting off ITC of IGST can be done in any proportion and any order towards setting off the CGST or SGST output after utilising the same for IGST output.
What are GST Rates in India?
GST rate schedule for goods and services
Under GST, there are 4 specified rates for goods and services, each of which have been classified under a Schedule in the GST Rates Booklet for Goods. They are as follows:
- 0%
- 5%
- 18%
- 40%(Sin Tax)
Each schedule includes:
- HSN Codes (Chapter/Heading/Sub-heading) for accurate classification
- Description of goods for clear identification
Final Note
Understanding GST rate slabs is essential for accurate invoicing, compliance, and tax calculation. Whether dealing with goods or services, selecting the correct GST rate ensures smooth business operations and avoids penalties.
