India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection nearly doubled over five years, reaching an all-time high of ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25. This marks eight years since GST’s introduction on July 1, 2017, reflecting significant growth in the tax regime.
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November 10 Overview India's tax department has caught a big scam where people used fake donations to political parties to avoid paying taxes. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) found out about a ₹9,169 crore racket. This involved small political parties, accountants, and middlemen who helped cheat the system. The news came out on November 9, 2025, and it's a wake-up call for how some people misuse rules meant for real political funding. Why CBDT Monitors Donations CBDT is the government body that handles income...
September 22 GST Rate Reforms 2025: Overview India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) underwent its most significant overhaul since 2017 with the rollout of "GST 2.0" reforms, approved by the 56th GST Council meeting on September 3, 2025. Effective from September 22, 2025 (coinciding with the start of Navratri), these changes simplify the structure from four main slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) plus cess to a streamlined system: 0% (exemptions), 5%, 18%, and a new 40% slab for luxury and "sin" goods. Tobacco products like...
September 05 Category / Examples Old GST New GST Notes Consumer durables – air-conditioners, dishwashers, TVs (LCD/LED) 28% 18% Rate rationalisation for electronics. Cement 28% 18% Relief for housing & infra. Small cars (≤1200cc petrol/LPG/CNG ≤4000 mm; ≤1500cc diesel ≤4000 mm) 28% 18% Relief for middle class Motorcycles ≤350 cc 28% 18% >350 cc moved to 40%. Three-wheelers (HSN...
September 05 The GST Council is established under Article 279A, introduced by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. It functions as a joint forum for decision-making between the Union and the States. Members of GST council include: Union Finance Minister (Chairperson) Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue/Finance State Finance Ministers or their nominees Weighted Voting Structure Decisions are made through a weighted voting system, structured as follows: Central Government holds 1/3 (≈33.33%) of...
September 03 The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is advancing an extensive overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax system—arguably the most significant since its launch in 2017. Key highlights include Elimination of 12% and 28% slabs: These are being phased out in favor of a two-rate structure—5% for essential and "merit" goods and 18% for standard items. A 40% "sin and luxury" rate will initially remain for high-value goods like tobacco and premium automobiles. Benefits...
August 25 WHAT Luxury goods like expensive cars, branded clothes, diamonds, and imported wines are seen as a status symbol in today’s world. They may give happiness and prestige to individuals, but at the national level, they create economic pressure, social inequality, and cultural harm. Key Points and Analysis Issue Analysis Result 1. Dependence on Imports Most luxury goods are imported, sending foreign exchange abroad. Money drains out instead of building...
August 23 CONTEXT The government is planning to rationalize the GST rates. As of now the different rates are 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. The cars attract a GST of 28% making them costlier. The government's Group of Ministers (GoM) are discussing potential changes to India's GST structure for vehicles, which could significantly reduce prices and make car ownership more affordable. They are backing a simplified two-slab GST system: 5% for essentials and 18% for standard items. This overhaul might lower GST on small cars and...
June 08 SUMMARY The article from CNBC TV18, published on May 30, 2025, titled "8 years of GST: Achievements, challenges, next reforms," reflects on the progress of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) since its implementation on July 1, 2017. Key points Achievements: GST unified India’s complex indirect tax system, creating a common economic market and improving compliance through the GST Network (GSTN) technology platform. It has driven economic activity, with revenues...
June 05 SUMMARY India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections have been on an upward trajectory, with April 2025 witnessing a record high of ₹2.37 lakh crore—a 12.6% year-on-year increase. This surge is attributed to several key factors: Key Drivers of Rising GST Collections Robust Import Activity: A significant 20.8% increase in GST revenue from imported goods, particularly high-value items like electronics and gold, has bolstered overall collections. Enhanced Domestic...
January 18 WHAT? These are two separate bodies under the GST law. The AAR is responsible for providing a binding ruling to an applicant, while the AAAR is responsible for hearing appeals against the rulings of the AAR. The AAAR has the power to examine appeals and pass orders, which are binding on the taxpayer and the tax authorities. What is Advance Ruling? An advance ruling is a legal mechanism provided by tax authorities to give taxpayers clarity and certainty regarding the interpretation and application of tax...
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