GST Rate and Slab Changes in September 2025 GST rate cuts on 200 items happened from 22nd September 2025. 90% of items in the current 28% slab are moved to the 18% slab. Almost 99% of the items in the 12% slab are moved to the 5% slab.
Simplified Structure, Sectoral Relief
The latest reforms mark a major simplification of the GST structure. 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.
A government advisory announces phase-wise changes to Table-12 in GST return forms GSTR-1 and GSTR-1A, effective April 2025. The modifications include separating B2B and B2C supply summaries by HSN code and mandating selection of HSN codes from a predefined dropdown menu, eliminating manual entry options.
Food & household items: Packaged food products, soaps, and juices now attract a 5% rate, easing monthly grocery budgets. Medicines & health products: With lower GST, essential medicines, life insurance premiums, and health insurance will become more affordable.
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%.
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.
If the CRA determines that you are eligible for the GST/HST credit based on your 2024 tax return and that you will receive payments, you will receive a GST/HST credit notice in July 2025. It will show how much you will get and what information was used to calculate the amount.
Essential food items and daily-use goods like Indian breads, UHT milk, paneer, namkeens, chocolates, shampoos, soaps, bicycles, and kitchenware are now cheaper under the new GST rates 2025.
Barring of GST Return on expiry of three years
The GST network issued another advisory on 7th June 2025, implementing the rule of time-barring of GST return filing beyond three years from the due date. By this update, taxpayers will not be able to file GST returns after three years from the due date of such return.
The Government: A Boost in Revenue
From a government standpoint, GST has been a resounding success in terms of revenue generation and increase in tax base. The number of Taxpayers is increasing from year to year and the same thing can be said about the collection of GST.
Effective April 1, 2025, businesses with an Annual Aggregate Turnover (AATO) exceeding ₹10 crore must report B2B e-invoices to the IRP within 30 days from the invoice date. Previously, this rule applied only to taxpayers with AATO above ₹100 crore.
GST Rate on Textile Materials
All sorts of clothes and apparel with a market cost higher than Rs. 1000 are subject to a 12% GST Rate. The standard GST rate for textile products is 12%, while 5% GST is applied if the cost of apparel and footwear is less than ₹1,000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These changes aim to reduce the tax burden, empower MSMEs, and boost economic growth. The government announced three pillars of focus for new-gen GST reforms on 15th August 2025- structural reforms, rate rationalisation and ease of doing business.
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.
Conclusion. In India, HSN codes and GST on clothing affect more than just compliance - they impact product pricing, buying strategies, and stock control. GST 2.0 has brought relief to taxpayers by making readymade garments below ₹2500 cheaper, but the banded garments become a bit more expensive with 18% GST on clothes.
Everyday staples like edible oils, packaged atta, and soaps are also set to get cheaper under revised slabs. Even Rail Neer, bottled water, sold on trains, will cost less. Air conditioners, dishwashers, TVs, computer monitors, etc will get cheaper. Entry level cars, smartphones and bikes will see a sharp cut in prices.
When and How Will I Be Paid? If you are eligible for the 2025 GST Voucher (GSTV) – Cash and/or GSTV – MediSave and have signed up for a previous Government payout (e.g., 2024 GSTV), you will automatically receive your 2025 GSTV – Cash and/or GSTV – MediSave in August 2025.
Canada will implement a faster GST rebate payment system starting January 5, 2026. Eligible individuals and families can receive up to $680 more quickly, reducing previous delays. The new system streamlines income verification and tax processing to speed up payments. and modest-income Canadians.
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.
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