Effective September 22, 2025, India transitioned to a simplified GST 2.0 structure, replacing the old 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs with a two-tier system of 5% and 18%, plus a 40% rate for luxury/sin goods. This reform reduces tax on electronics (28% to 18%) and essentials (12%/18% to 5%).
The GST Council's significant tax reforms, effective from September 22, 2025, have introduced a new 40% GST rate. This single rate replaces the earlier combination of 28% GST plus additional cess on luxury and "sin" goods, simplifying the tax structure.
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 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.
Key Categories of Goods under 40% GST Slab
Key items exempted from GST:
The 56th GST Council (3 Sept 2025) revamped the tax slabs into two main rates—18% and 5%—plus a new 40% rate for luxury and demerit goods. Essentials like bread, milk, and many packaged foods now fall under 0–5%, and common items like soaps and shampoos drop to 5%.
Goods and services tax credit
According to the federal government, the maximum annual amount an individual may receive from July 2025 to June 2026 is $533, while a married or common-law couple could see up to $698 combined.
Here is a quick look at the new GST rate cuts: 👉🏻 Daily essentials like hair oil, soaps, and toothpaste will now be taxed at 5%, down from 18%.
How much will I receive in October 2025? It depends on your 2024 adjusted family net income, marital status, and number of children. Maximum amounts are $533 (singles), $698 (couples), and $184 per child.
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.
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%.
Daily-use goods including shampoos, soaps, hair oil, shaving cream, talcum powder, and face creams will also see price reductions. Electronics such as ACs, washing machines, TVs, and dishwashers are set to become more affordable, while GST on several medicines and medical devices has been cut to 5 per cent.
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)
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.
The shift to a two-slab system of 5% and 18%, removing the earlier 12% and 28% rates, will make taxation more transparent and easier to follow. At the same time, a 40% on luxury and sin goods such as pan masala, tobacco, aerated drinks, high-end cars, yachts, and private aircraft ensures fairness and revenue balance.
Subtracting GST from Price
To calculate how much GST was included in the price, divide the total price by 11 ($1000∕11=$90.91). To calculate the price without GST, divide the price by 1.1 ($1000∕1.1=$909.09).
In order to qualify for this, you have to have worked in 2023 and had an income below $150,000. You also qualify if you received Employment Insurance, paid EI premiums or made CPP contributions. You should receive this via cheque or direct deposit by April 2025.
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.
New Deadline: September 30, 2025
A critical change: the $7,500 tax credit (and the $4,000 used EV credit) will expire on September 30, 2025. Any EV purchase or lease finalized on or before that date qualifies; after that, the incentive disappears, regardless of model or eligibility.
New GST Rate Structure 2025: 5%, 18%, and 40% Explained. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has undergone its biggest overhaul since its 2017 launch.
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.
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.
Starting December 14, 2024, we're giving a tax break to all Canadians. With a GST/HST exemption across the country, Canadians will be able to buy essentials like groceries, snacks, and kids clothing – all tax-free.