Goods and Services Tax (GST) 2.0 reform, which came into effect from September 22nd, 2025, brought relief for the common people and boosts for businesses. One of the key GST updates under 2.0 reform is that it simplified the GST tax structure from a 4-slab (5%, 12%, 18% and 28%) to a 3-slab (5%, 18% and 40%).
Starting September 22, 2025, GST in India will be simplified to primarily two rates: 5% and 18%, with a special 40% rate on luxury and sin goods like tobacco and high-end vehicles. Many essentials, including certain medicines and foods, are now zero-rated, while several items see reduced rates.
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%.
GST Revenue Rises to Rs. 1.96 Lakh Crore in October 2025 | Press Release.
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.
The total of lifetime gifts and the estate are eligible for a lifetime exemption, which is set at $13.99 million in 2025. The exemption amount is indexed for inflation, and was scheduled to be reduced by half after 2025. The higher exemption level was made permanent and slightly increased to $15 million in 2026 by P.L.
The following category of tax persons are exempted from payment of 1% of GST in Cash 1. Registered taxpayers who have paid income tax above Rs 1.00 in Income Tax during the last two years continuously 2. Taxpayers who have zero-rated supplies without payment of duty and claimed refund of more than Rs 1.00 lac 3.
What is New in 2025 HST/GST Credit Increase? Every year, the CRA adjusts federal tax benefits based on inflation. For 2025, the CRA HST credit will rise by 2.7%, starting with the July 2025 GST HST payment. While this increase is lower than 2024's 4.7%, it still brings welcome support for millions across the country.
Maximum marginal rate is the highest rate of tax at any income level. This means for those with incomes between Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore, 39% will be the highest applicable tax rate, and for those with incomes above Rs 5 crore, it will be 42.74% — the highest tax rate since 1992.
Types of GST in India
CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) SGST (State Goods and Services. IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax)
New GST Rate of 9% in 2024
Come 1 Jan 2024, the GST rate will be raised from 8% to 9%, as part of the two-step GST rate change announced by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2022. The first step from 7% to 8% had taken place earlier on 1 Jan 2023.
How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally
Tax changes for 2025, largely driven by the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBBA) Act, introduce significant deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, expand the Child Tax Credit, and raise the SALT deduction cap to $40,000, while making several 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions permanent, including the seven tax brackets. Key changes include a $2,200 Child Tax Credit, a $6,000 senior deduction, deductions for qualified tips and overtime, and a permanent standard deduction increase.
Effective October 1st, 2025, a new set of rules for GST return filing will come into effect. This marks the first filing cycle under the GST 2.0 reforms, aimed at improving transparency, control, and accuracy in Input Tax Credit (ITC) management through the Invoice Management System (IMS).
According to government reports, while over 7 crore people file tax returns, only a fraction of them actually pay taxes because many fall below the taxable income threshold or use deductions to reduce liability.
Examples of income that are not taxable in India include agricultural income, gifts and inheritances, interest on EPF and PPF, scholarships and awards, life insurance proceeds, leave encashment, gratuity, Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG), and interest on tax-free bonds.
Prior to FY21, his salary had been capped at Rs 15 crore annually since 2009. Despite forgoing a salary, Ambani earned Rs 8.85 crore in dividend income from his 1.61 crore directly held shares in Reliance Industries, based on the Rs 5.50 per share dividend declared for FY25.
If your GST turnover is below the $75,000 threshold, you may choose to register. But if you do, regardless of your turnover, you must: include GST in the price of most goods and services you sell. claim GST credits for most business purchases you make.
If you are eligible for the 2025 GST Voucher (GSTV) – Cash and/or GSTV – MediSave and have signed up for a previous Government payout (e.g., 2024 GSTV), you will automatically receive your 2025 GSTV – Cash and/or GSTV – MediSave in August 2025. No further action is required on your part.
The tax is a 5% tax imposed on the supply of goods and services that are purchased in Canada, except certain items that are either "exempt" or "zero-rated": For tax-free — i.e., "zero-rated" — sales, GST is charged by suppliers at a rate of 0% so effectively there is no GST collected.
GST exemption from registration
A person whose turnover falls below the threshold exemption limit—INR 40 lakhs for goods, INR 20 lakhs for services, and INR 20 lakhs (or INR 10 lakhs in special category states) for specified categories.
GST reduces tax burden through input tax credits, lowers logistics costs by eliminating state entry taxes, and creates a uniform market across India. It also simplifies tax compliance with an online filing system, making it easier for businesses to operate.
GST Updates & Amendments in 2025: Key Changes to Know
One of the key GST updates under 2.0 reform is that it simplified the GST tax structure from a 4-slab (5%, 12%, 18% and 28%) to a 3-slab (5%, 18% and 40%). GST Council, however, meets every quarter to improve the system.