What is the structure of GST in India?
Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India follows a multi-tiered structure, consisting of various tax slabs based on the nature of goods and services. This simplified taxation system aims to streamline indirect taxation and promote ease of doing business across the country. Business loans can provide financial support for businesses to navigate the complexities of GST compliance and manage cash flow effectively.
Importance of understanding GST structure
Understanding GST and its structure is crucial for businesses to navigate the complexities of taxation effectively. It allows businesses to determine the applicable tax rates for their goods and services, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, knowing the GST State Code List helps businesses correctly identify state-specific codes for accurate tax filings and compliance. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of the GST structure enables businesses to optimize their tax liabilities and streamline their invoicing and accounting practices. By staying informed about GST regulations and tax slabs, businesses can make informed decisions regarding pricing strategies, supply chain management, and overall financial planning. Ultimately, this knowledge empowers businesses to remain competitive in the market and maintain smooth operations within the framework of GST laws.
Structure of GST
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is structured to simplify the indirect taxation system by replacing multiple taxes with a unified tax regime. Here's a detailed overview of the GST structure:
- Dual GST model
India follows a dual GST model, which means that both the Central Government and State Governments have the authority to levy and collect GST on the supply of goods and services. Under this system, GST is levied at two levels: Central GST (CGST) by the Central Government and State GST (SGST) by the respective State Governments. - Integrated GST (IGST)
IGST is applicable to inter-state transactions of goods and services and is levied and collected by the Central Government. It is designed to ensure seamless tax credit across states, preventing double taxation and promoting the free movement of goods and services across state borders. - Union Territory GST (UTGST)
UTGST is applicable to the union territories of India and is levied and collected by the Central Government. Similar to SGST, UTGST is imposed on intra-union territory transactions of goods and services. - Tax slabs
GST in India is structured into four main tax slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. Certain essential items such as food grains, books, and healthcare services are exempt from GST, while luxury goods and sin goods attract higher tax rates. - Composition scheme
The composition scheme is available to small businesses with an annual turnover below a specified threshold. Businesses opting for the composition scheme pay GST at a fixed rate based on their turnover and are relieved from the burden of maintaining detailed records and filing regular returns. - Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Businesses registered under GST can claim input tax credit, allowing them to offset the GST paid on inputs against the GST collected on outputs. This mechanism prevents the cascading effect of taxation and encourages compliance among taxpayers. - Compliance requirements
GST compliance involves various tasks such as GST registration, filing of returns, payment of taxes, and maintenance of records. Businesses must adhere to GST rules and regulations to avoid penalties and legal consequences. - Exports and imports
Exports of goods and services are zero-rated under GST, meaning no GST is levied on exported goods and services. Imports, on the other hand, are subject to IGST at the point of entry into India.
Understanding the structure of GST is essential for businesses to ensure compliance, optimize tax liabilities, and streamline operations. By adhering to GST rules and regulations, businesses can navigate the taxation system effectively and contribute to the country's economic growth.
What are the differences between GST and previous tax structure?
Before the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), India followed a VAT-based indirect tax structure. This system involved multiple taxes at both central and state levels, which often led to tax-on-tax (cascading effect). With the implementation of GST, a unified and destination-based tax model was introduced to simplify compliance, reduce redundancy, and improve transparency.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how GST differs from the earlier VAT system:
Parameter |
VAT system |
GST system |
Structure |
Included multiple central and state taxes like central excise, VAT, luxury tax, and entertainment tax |
Subsumes most central and state taxes under one unified system (excluding petrol, diesel, etc.) |
Basis of levy |
Tax was levied at the origin, i.e., where goods or services were sold or rendered |
Tax is levied at the point of consumption, making it a destination-based tax |
Registration |
Decentralised registration handled separately by central and state authorities |
Centralised e-registration system linked to the PAN of the business |
Validation |
Partial system validation, subject to manual assessment by authorities |
Fully system-driven validation with automated input credit and payment checks |
Returns and tax collection |
Return filing dates and processes varied from state to state |
Uniform return filing process and tax collection timeline across all states |
Service tax |
Charged by the central government under the Finance Act |
Subsumed under State GST depending on place of supply rules |
State VAT |
Levied on all taxable commodities within each state |
Subsumed into the State GST component of GST |
Excise duty |
Applied up to manufacturing level |
Replaced by Central GST; tax now applicable up to retail level |
Basic customs duty |
Charged separately on imports |
No change under GST |
Special additional duty (SAD) |
Charged separately on imports |
Subsumed under State GST |
Entry tax |
Levied by certain states on inter-state goods transfer |
Removed under GST; only IGST is applicable on inter-state supply |
Central sales tax (CST) |
Levied at concessional or standard rates depending on form submission |
Replaced by Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state supplies |
Tax on exports |
Generally exempt |
Remains exempt under GST |
Tax on branch/Agent transfers |
Exempt against Form F |
Taxable under GST, but full input credit is allowed |
Cross set-off of taxes |
Permitted between excise and service tax |
Set-off between CGST and SGST not allowed |
Transfers to branch/agent |
Exempt based on state-specific rules |
Taxable unless GSTIN of transferor and transferee is the same |
Disallowed credits |
Certain inputs and services ineligible for credit under VAT/CENVAT |
Generally allowed unless restricted by GST Council |
Inputs for exempt goods/services |
Credit not allowed |
Allowed unless notified in a negative list by GST Council |
Cascading effect |
Credit chain often broken between VAT and other taxes |
Full credit available up to the retailer, eliminating cascading effect |
Threshold limits |
Excise: ₹1.5 crore, VAT: ₹5 to ₹20 lakh, Service tax: ₹10 lakh |
Threshold: ₹10 to ₹20 lakh for GST, based on GST Council recommendations |
Tax on NGOs and government bodies |
Some PSUs and NPOs were covered under VAT |
No major change under GST |
Exemptions |
Certain states enjoyed area-based exemptions (e.g. North-East) |
No such exemptions; refund schemes may be considered instead |
For more detailed information on GST rules and regulations, refer to our official webpage on GST rules.
