Complete GST Guide

Everything You Need to KnowAbout GST in India

A comprehensive guide to understanding GST, from basics to advanced concepts

GST Fundamentals

What is GST?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. It replaced multiple cascading taxes with a single unified tax system.

GST Rates

GST has four main tax slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%. Essential items are taxed at 0% or 5%, while luxury items attract 28% GST.

GST Registration

Businesses with turnover above ₹40 lakhs (₹20 lakhs for services) must register for GST. Registration is done online through the GST portal.

Input Tax Credit (ITC)

ITC allows businesses to claim credit for GST paid on purchases. This reduces the final tax liability and prevents cascading of taxes.

Composition Scheme

Simplified GST scheme for small businesses with lower compliance burden

Key Features

Turnover up to ₹1.5 Crore
Pay fixed rate: 1% (Traders), 5% (Restaurants), 6% (Service Providers)
Cannot claim Input Tax Credit
Cannot collect GST from customers
Simplified compliance with quarterly filing

Important Points to Remember

Inter-State vs Intra-State

  • Intra-State: Within same state - CGST + SGST
  • Inter-State: Between different states - IGST

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Late filing: ₹50/day (CGST) + ₹50/day (SGST)
  • Non-registration: 100% of tax due or ₹10,000

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