The GST 2.0 reform, effective September 22, 2025, overhauls India's tax system by consolidating the previous 4-slab structure into a simplified framework: mainly 5% (merit/essential goods), 18% (standard goods), and a 40% rate for luxury/sin goods. This overhaul aims to lower taxes on household items, electronics, and vehicles while tightening compliance, including reduced e-invoicing thresholds.
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).
What are the new changes in GST 2025? 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.
The New GST Rate Structure
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. This change has impacted the pricing of many goods, including: Reduced to 18%: Items like electronic appliances and small cars.
GST Revenue Rises to Rs. 1.96 Lakh Crore in October 2025 | Press Release.
The CRA will make these payments on the 5th day of July and October 2025, and of January and April 2026.
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 must register for GST if: your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more. your non-profit organisation has a GST turnover of $150,000 or more. you provide taxi or limousine travel (including ride-sourcing services like Uber or DiDi) regardless of your GST turnover.
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.
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.
What was the decision in 56th GST council meeting? The long-discussed proposal for a two-tier GST structure has now been approved (and implemented starting from 22nd September 2025): 5% GST: Applicable to most essential and everyday goods and services. 18% GST: For higher-value products and services.
List of exempted goods under GST in India:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally
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.
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.