Introduction
GST is an acronym for goods and services tax. The GST has been introduced as a part of the reforms in India's taxation system to make the process simplified and more transparent. In this essay, we will discuss what GST is, how it is applied, the problem faced by businesses as well as common people due to GST implementation and the possible solutions that the government can take to mitigate those problems.
What is GST?
GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, and it is a tax that is levied on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of goods and services at a national level. The GST replaces all the indirect taxes that are currently being levied in India, such as service tax, value-added tax (VAT), central excise duty, etc.
The GST is levied on every transaction that takes place within India's territory, and it will be the responsibility of the buyer to pay the applicable taxes for any goods or services purchased. GST aims to do away with all indirect taxes like service tax, VAT, etc., making India a single market.
How is GST Applied?
The GST is a destination-based tax, and it will be levied on the value of the goods or services that are consumed within India's territory. The tax will be collected by the person who is responsible for the final consumption of the good or service. For example, if an item is produced in India and is sold to a consumer in another state, the GST will be levied by the state in which the final consumption takes place.
The GST is a multi-stage tax, and it will be levied at every stage of production and distribution of goods and services. The rate of GST at each stage will be based on the value addition that has taken place at that stage.
The GST aims to simplify the taxation system by ensuring a single tax rate across India's territory, thus making sure that goods and services are not taxed multiple times at different rates even if they cross through multiple states before reaching their destination.
Essay on GST
GST was firstly launched in 1954 in France. Currently, 160 countries in the world have implemented GST. As the Canadian model of GST has a federal structure, India has chosen the Canadian model of dual GST. GST stands for goods and service tax which has been applicable in India since July 1st 2017, so July 1st is declared as 'GST day. More specifically, Asam was the first state to get applied with GST. During the passing of the 'GST Bill' in the parliament, 336 votes were with it, and 11 votes were against it. The previous structure of indirect taxes in India was very complex, and quantitative taxes were levied by the central government and state government on goods and services. It has been a long-pending issue to streamline a variety of indirect taxes and implement a 'single taxation' system.
GST requires businesses who have exceeded the prescribed threshold value to register and must keep records of all inputs and outputs. It is exempted from a few products such as alcohols, natural gas, motor spirits and crude petroleum products. GST is simple in a calculation, simply multiplying taxable amount by GST rate. GST rates are covered under 5 tax slabs as 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. Most goods fall under the tax slab of 5%, 12% and 18%, while certain services are under 18%. Cement, tobacco lies under the highest tax slab of 28%.
The GST system is categorised into Central GST, also known as CGST, State GST known as SGST and Integrated GST known as IGST. CGST is levied by the central government, SGST by the state government and IGST by the central government on inter-state supplies. In short, while selling within the same state, CGST and SGST need to be paid, and in Inter-state, IGST is.
Due to the implementation of GST, the count of incidences of tax evasion came down in the country, which brings an increase in tax collection for the government. GST has been implemented under Article 279 of the Indian Constitution. The existence of sales tax, service tax, customs duty, excise duty, VAT, Octroi tax etc., vanished. Moreover, A very common procedure for registration of taxpayers, refund of taxes, uniform format of tax returns. With minimum tax or even no tax, the exporters are encouraged to export with the best quality and increase the economy.
GST proved beneficial with more transparency, efficient compliance to central and state manufactures. GST assists in the growth of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP). GDP is expected to increase by 2%. Before the implementation of GST, the prices of the commodity were varying state to state. But, the prices became uniform throughout the country as the GST applied. The implementation of GST has proven a great decision for the country's people. The common man has gained momentum in life due to GST. True life is lived when a few changes occur in it. In addition, GST makes the Indian companies more compatible with the foreign companies and the Indian market more stable than the previous one.
GST is a country-wide tax and was introduced as The Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act 2017. GST had brought uniformity in the indirect taxation system, which had differently levied by states and centres before now. Different taxes, such as central excise duty, state VAT, etc., have been unified under one single umbrella of GST. Now, businesses do not have to pay taxes as per the state they belong to. Moreover, it has simplified tax calculation as well as returns filing. Under GST, businesses that exceed the prescribed threshold value must register themselves, keep records of input and output, and file their GST returns regularly.
GST is a 'one country-one tax' system. It requires businesses that have exceeded the prescribed threshold value to register and keep records of all inputs and outputs. There are five tax slabs under GST, that is 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. Most goods fall under the 5%, 12%, and 18% tax slab, while certain services are subject to 18%. Cement, tobacco lies under the highest tax slab of 28%.
GST is governed by three different acts: The Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017, Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act 2017, and Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Act 2017. It includes central excise duty that falls under One Hundred and the First Amendment of the Constitution of India.
FAQs on GST Essay: Understanding Goods and Services Tax in India
1.What is GST?
GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, a tax that has been applicable in India since July 1st, 2017. It is a single tax that is levied on goods and services, and it replaces the previous structure of indirect taxes in India, which were very complex. GST simplifies the calculation of taxes by multiplying the taxable amount by the GST rate. The tax rates are covered under 5 tax slabs which are 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. One of the benefits of GST is that it brings more transparency and efficiency to the compliance of taxes by both central and state manufacturers. Businesses that exceed the prescribed threshold value are required to register and must keep records of all inputs and outputs.
2.How is GST beneficial?
There are many benefits of GST, such as the implementation of a simple taxation system that enables businesses to calculate their taxes easily. It eliminates the indirect taxes, including VAT, CST, Excise Duty and Service Tax. Also, it encourages exports which in turn leads to an increase in GDP. The government's revenue also increases since there is a reduction in tax evasion and the expenses on tax collection and compliance drop. Moreover, GST makes goods and services more affordable as most of them are now under the 18% tax slab. Businesses are no longer required to register multiple times for different indirect taxes, which means that the compliance process becomes easier, and there is less chance of error.
3.What is the difference between Central and State GST?
Central GST is also known as CGST, and State GST is also known as SGST. The main difference between the two is that CGST is levied by the Central Government, and SGST is levied by the State government. IGST is levied by the Central government on inter-state supplies. All three taxes (CGST, SGST and IGST) are collected by the Government of India and then distributed among the states. One should know that the tax rates for CGST, SGST and IGST are different. Different states have different tax slabs. One should be aware of the tax slab for their state in order to pay the correct GST. This will ensure that one is not required to pay more than the amount due.
4.What is the impact of GST on businesses?
The implementation of GST has positively impacted businesses as it has brought more transparency and efficiency to the compliance process. Businesses are now required to register only once and keep track of all input and output transactions. The tax rates are also clearer, making it easier for businesses to calculate their taxes. There is a reduction in tax evasion and the overall expenses on tax collection and compliance. GST has also made Indian businesses more competitive in the global market as it is now aligned with international taxation standards.
5.What are the benefits of GST for consumers?
The main benefit of GST for consumers is that it makes goods and services more affordable as most of them are now under the 18% tax slab. GST has also removed the cascading effect of taxes, which means that there is no tax on tax. This results in a decrease in the prices of goods and services. Consumers are now required to pay tax only on the amount they receive from the business. The benefits of GST for consumers also include a reduction in turn-around time for businesses since there is no need to register multiple times. This means that they receive their goods and services faster. The implementation of GST has had a positive impact on most sectors. The transportation, banking and insurance, telecom and IT sectors have all received benefits from GST.
