Reducing GST (Goods and Services Tax) for businesses involves maximizing Input Tax Credit (ITC) by providing your GSTIN to suppliers, filing returns on time to avoid penalties, and ensuring accurate classification of goods/services. Other strategies include claiming legitimate expenses, utilizing exemptions, and, for exporters, operating under a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) to avoid upfront tax payments.
Here are several practical approaches you can adopt immediately to legally reduce the amount you owe each quarter.
Steps to make use of Input Tax Credit (ITC) on GST Portal
Reverse GST Calculation Example
Exports and supplies to SEZs are classified as zero-rated supplies, meaning no GST is charged on them. Yet importantly, the supplier can still claim a refund of unutilised input tax credit—either by exporting under a bond/Letter of Undertaking (LUT) without paying IGST or by paying IGST and claiming the refund later.
Answer: If turnover of the entity is less than the limit of Rs. 20 lakhs in a financial year, no tax would be payable. The exemption from payment of tax is applicable to services provided to a business entity having a turnover up to Rs. 20 lakh rupees.
Example
List of exempted goods under GST in India:
If you only have G.S.T, which is 7%, then you would calculate the price after taxes by multiplying by 1.07. So a $200 item would cost 1.07 x $200 = $214 after G.S.T. To calculate how much G.S.T. was paid on a $214 item, simply reverse the calculation by dividing by 1.07, as $214/1.07=$200.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible for GST refunds on specific transactions. Primarily, health and life insurance premiums paid from NRE accounts are eligible for claiming GST refunds. Claiming a refund of GST paid involves registration on the GST portal and filing the RFD-01 form.
2022, Works contract services provided to Central and State Government, or Local Authorities, which were earlier eligible for concessional rate of 12% GST,would attract GST at the rate of 18% in view of amendment carried out in notification No. 11/2017- Central Tax (Rate) vide notification No.
For any standard-rated supplies of goods or services that you make on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must charge GST at 9%. For instance, if you issue an invoice and receive payments for your supply on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must account for GST at 9%.
You have to start charging GST/HST on the supply that made you exceed $30,000. You exceed the $30,000 threshold 1 over the previous four (or fewer) consecutive calendar quarters (but not in a single calendar quarter).
Essential learning materials like pencils, erasers, and exercise books made GST-free to ease education costs. GST on gyms/fitness centres slashed from 18% to 5%, making fitness more affordable and accessible. GST on two-wheelers (≤350cc) and small cars cut from 28% to 18%, enhancing youth mobility.
India's GST regime is undergoing a landmark transformation with the 56th GST Council meeting unveiling GST 2.0 - next-generation reforms simplifying tax slabs to 5%, 18%, and 40%. Effective from September 22, 2025, these reforms aim to ease compliance, boost consumption, and fuel economic growth.
The GSTT exemption may be used for both outright transfers as well as transfers in trust. The allocation of the GSTT exemption is generally reported on a gift or estate tax return (IRS Form 709 or IRS Form 706), though this is not required by law.
You could get up to: $533 if you are a single individual. $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner. $184 for each child under the age of 19.
How do you remove GST? The equation to subtract GST is slightly more complicated: First, take the GST-inclusive price and multiply that by 3. Then, divide the result by 23 and round that number to the nearest two decimal points.
Understanding GST Rate Reduction
Starting September 22, 2025, the GST Council reduced the number of tax slabs from four to two main rates: 5% merit rate for essential and priority items and 18% standard rate for most other goods and services. There is also a special 40% rate for luxury and sin goods.
Beating the 60% tax trap: top up your pension
One of the simplest ways to avoid the 60% income tax trap is to pay more into your pension. This is a win-win, because you reduce your tax bill and boost your retirement fund at the same time. Here's an example. You get a £1,000 bonus, which takes your income to £101,000.
Pensions - Articles - Eight tips to beat the taxman this April