GST represents Goods and Services Tax. It refers to the levied value-added tax on most goods and services. In India, it is an indirect tax that replaces many indirect taxes such as the VAT, excise duty, services tax, etc. The consumers pay the GST while buying, and the businesses selling the goods and services remit it to the government.
The GST Act became effective from 1July 2017. GST is an indirect tax single domestic law for the entire country. Under the regime of GST, the tax levying is at each sale point. In the intra-state sales, state GST and central CST, both are charged.
Why is it referred to as Multi-stage tax?
An item changes multiple hands through its supply chain: Right from manufacturing to the consumer as the final sale, these are the following stages:
The GST charges are on each stage making it a multi-stage tax.
GST components
The GST components applicable are:
CGST: It refers to the tax collected on an intra-state sale by the Central Government. (For instance, a transaction taking place within Maharashtra)
SGST: It is the tax collected on an intra-state sale by the state government (For instance, a transaction taking place within Maharashtra)
IGST: It is the tax collected for an inter-state sale by the Central Government (For instance, Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu)
GST rules
Advantages Of GST
The government has extended the annual return filing due date up to 21 August for the period 2019-20. The GST composition scheme is for any taxpayer having turnover below Rs. 1.5 crore. The traders and manufacturers pay GST at 1% under the scheme, while for restaurants, it is 5% (for the ones not serving alcohol).