Effective September 22, 2025, the GST 2.0 reforms introduced a simplified 2-tiered structure (5% and 18%) to replace the 12% and 28% slabs, reducing taxes on many items. Key updates include exemptions for health/life insurance, lower rates for electronics and automobiles (18%), and essential goods (5%).
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).
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.
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.
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.
All auto parts now attract a uniform 18% GST, while small cars, motorcycles (≤ 350 cc), and goods transport vehicles will now be taxed at 18% instead of 28%.
GST on cement has been reduced from 28% to 18%.
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%.
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.
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.
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%.
What will be the new 2025 GST rate structure? GST 2.0 reform abolished the old tax structure (5%, 12%, 18% and 28%). The council introduced the new 2-slab structure of 5%, 18% and 40% for demerit.
The CRA will make these payments on the 5th day of July and October 2025, and of January and April 2026.
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.
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.
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.
The key categories of goods and services included under the special 40% GST slab are, Tobacco and related intoxicants as sin goods (e.g., cigarettes, bidis, pan masala, caffeinated drinks) Drinks with high sugar content and caffeinated. Super-luxury and luxury 4-wheelers, 2-wheelers and personal use yacht, aircraft, ...
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.
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.
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.
Standard paints and varnishes—whether for home use, industrial coating, or retail—are taxed at 18% GST, down from the earlier 28%.
What is the standard GST rate on tiles? The standard GST rate for most tiles is 18%.