Addition: Thanks to new GST rates 2025, the cost of cement and construction materials is now taxed at 18%, effectively lowering construction costs and benefiting homebuyers.
On September 22, 2025, the GST Council made a landmark decision that promises to reshape India's real estate and construction landscape. By simplifying the tax framework into a leaner two-slab system (5% and 18%), the government has delivered a long-awaited tax cut on cement — from 28% to 18%.
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.
Taxability of Works Contract Services With effect from 18.07. 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.
Taxes on aerated drinks, tobacco and luxury goods will now come under the 28 percent tax bracket under GST, so it will get costlier.
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.
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%.
Net price = Cost of the product + GST amount
For example, if a product or service costs Rs. 100 and the GST levied on that is 18%, the GST amount will be 100 x 18% = Rs. 18. The net amount you'd have to pay would be Rs. 118.
You must register for GST as soon as you think you'll earn more than $60,000 in 12 months – whether you're a sole trader, a contractor, in partnership or a company. You may be charged penalties if you don't register when you need to. If you don't think you'll earn that much, it's up to you whether or not to register.
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)
Key GST rates (2025 update):
5% GST: Steel scrap (7204), steel bars and rods (7214), seamless pipes (7304), cast iron tubes/pipes (7303)—as per new policy. 18% GST: Most fabricated articles, steel rails, piling, fittings, shapes, structural products, and specialty hollow profiles (Chapter 73)
The R1, R2, and R3 in GST represent the GST R1, GST R2, and GST R3. Here the. R1 in GST represents sales return (outward supplies) R2 in GST represents purchase return (inward supplies) R3 in GST represents both sales return and purchase return (outward and inward supplies respectively)
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, ...
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.
The new 18% GST slab standardizes taxation across cement-based products under HSN 6810. 5% GST under government initiatives applies only to bricks and blocks used in registered low-cost housing. Cement and concrete items used in decorative or non-standard products still fall under the 18% bracket.
Most typically, it's around a third of the total cost. But in California, the rule is 10 percent down, or $1,000, whichever is less.
When you have worked out your total GST credits, you can offset them against the amount of GST you are liable to pay to us. If your GST credits are greater than the amount you are liable to pay, you're entitled to a refund.
How to avoid paying higher-rate tax
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.
A GST calculator is a tool that helps in calculating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for various products and services. The GST is a consumption tax levied on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution.
Calculation: Base Price: ₹50,000. GST Amount: ₹50,000 × 18% = ₹9,000. Total Amount: ₹50,000 + ₹9,000 = ₹59,000.
How to Avoid GST on Overseas Purchases Legally
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.
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.
Groceries, gas, and rent are getting more expensive, and many Canadians are searching for relief. Good news is, Starting July 2025, the HST/GST credit has increase by 2.7%, helping low- and modest-income households stretch their budgets.