Effective September 22, 2025, India implemented major GST 2.0 reforms, transitioning to a simplified three-tier structure (0%, 5%, 18%) alongside a 40% rate for luxury/sin goods. The 12% and 28% slabs were largely removed, reducing taxes on many consumer electronics, white goods, and small cars to 18%, while essential items moved to 5%.
GST Reforms 2025: Key Changes in GST Rates Across Categories
Key categories have seen rate reductions: daily essentials have dropped from 12%/18% to 5%, agricultural equipment from 12%/18% to 5%, healthcare services to 5% or exempt, and education services are now fully tax-exempt.
The New GST Rate Structure
The old four-slab structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) has been simplified. The 12% and 28% slabs were eliminated and replaced with a new structure, which is now primarily 0%, 5%, 18%, and a 40% rate for luxury and “sin” goods.
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).
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 CRA will make these payments on the 5th day of July and October 2025, and of January and April 2026.
Total Net GST revenue for October 2025 stands at ₹1,69,002 crore, which is 0.6% higher(monthly growth) and 7.1% higher (yearly growth) than the corresponding period last year at ₹1,68,054 crore.
Payment amounts are recalculated every July
For example, the information from your 2024 tax return determines the GST/HST credit amount you get for the payment period from July 2025 to June 2026. You could get up to: $533 if you are a single individual. $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner.
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%.
20th August 2025
Due to the incessant rains in various parts of Maharashtra, the government has extended GSTR-3B due date for July 2025 from 20th August to 27th August 2025.
Key Changes – What Gets Cheaper or Costlier
Removal of 12% slab: Items under this slab shifted to 5% or 18%. Electronics & White Goods (ACs, TVs, fridges, washing machines, cement) from 28% to 18%. FMCG small sachets (for instance, Rs. 10 or less) moved to 5% slab.
GST registration limits in regular category states are ₹40 lakhs for goods and ₹20 lakhs for services. Special category states have a limit of ₹20 lakhs.
Using the wrong tax codes or accounting method
Many GST mistakes are the result of using incorrect tax codes or the wrong accounting method: Tax codes: If a GST-free sale is coded as taxable in your accounting system, you'll pay GST unnecessarily. If a taxable sale is coded GST-free, you'll underpay.
Canadian taxpayers will see a confirmed 2% GST payment increase in 2026, offering some welcome financial relief at a time when the cost of living remains high. Starting July 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will adjust the GST/HST credit to reflect annual inflation indexation.
In the 56th GST Council meeting, the government approved a simplified structure (now implemented), reducing the old multi-tier system (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) to just two main slabs—5% and 18%—plus a 40% “sin & luxury” slab for select items.
Automobile sector reforms reduce GST from 28% to 18% on small cars, motorcycles (up to 350cc), buses, trucks, ambulances, and three-wheelers, while maintaining high rates for large luxury vehicles. Housing and infrastructure relief with GST on cement cut from 28% to 18%, easing construction costs.
In August 2025, over 1.5 million eligible adult Singaporeans will receive up to $850 in cash as part of GSTV – Cash, depending on their AI for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2024 and the Annual Value (AV) of their home.
From April 1, 2025, Input Service Distributor (ISD) registration will be compulsory for businesses having multiple Goods & Services Tax Identification Numbers (GSTINs). The time limit for the validity of an E-Way bill will be 180 days, and it can be extended to 360 days.
How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally
The GST/HST credit payment period begins in July and ends in June of the following year: January and April payments. Based on your adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return. July and October payments.
Find the GST Amount:
Multiply the base price by 0.1. $500 × 0.1 = $50. The GST is $50.
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has entered a new era with the rollout of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025. The Council has simplified the structure into a 5% slab for essentials, 18% for standard goods, and 40% for luxury/sin items, replacing the earlier complex categories.
0.7% growth in GST Collections for November 2025 on the sidelines of an 8% GDP growth tailwind. Indias Gross GST collections for the month of November stood at Rs 1,70,276 crore, up 0.7% year on year. GST collection was over Rs 1.69 lakh crore in November 2024.