The 2025-2026 GST reforms introduce a simplified two-tier rate structure (5% and 18%) and a 40% "sin/luxury" tax, replacing the 12% and 28% slabs to boost compliance. Key changes include lower rates on daily essentials (0-5%), cheaper cement (28% to 18%), and stricter filing rules, such as a 3-year limit on filing old returns.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The total of lifetime gifts and the estate are eligible for a lifetime exemption, which is set at $13.99 million in 2025. The exemption amount is indexed for inflation, and was scheduled to be reduced by half after 2025. The higher exemption level was made permanent and slightly increased to $15 million in 2026 by P.L.
Automobile sector reforms reduce GST from 28% to 18% on small cars, motorcycles (up to 350cc), buses, trucks, ambulances, and three-wheelers, while maintaining high rates for large luxury vehicles. Housing and infrastructure relief with GST on cement cut from 28% to 18%, easing construction costs.
Most Processed Foods and Snacks at Just 5% GST
- Dairy & bakery: Butter, cheese, ghee, cream, condensed milk, yoghurt (packaged), and dairy spreads all move to 5%. Packaged breads (like loaves and buns) and bakery items (cakes, biscuits, crackers, cookies) are at 5%. In short, most bakery and dairy-based foods are 5%.
Taxable Items:
For a $70,000 income in Canada (using 2025 rates), you'll pay roughly $13,000 to $20,000 in total taxes (federal, provincial, CPP, EI), depending on your province, resulting in a take-home pay around $50,000-$59,000, with federal tax around 14.5% or 20.5% depending on the portion, plus provincial tax and deductions like CPP and EI.
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).
Who Qualifies for the $250 Cheques. Along with the GST break, the government of Canada is also planning on offering cheques in the amount of $250 to qualifying middle-class families. In order to qualify for this, you have to have worked in 2023 and had an income below $150,000.
The GST/HST credit payment period begins in July and ends in June of the following year: January and April payments. Based on your adjusted family net income from your 2024 tax return. July and October payments.
In Canada, a $2,000 tax credit often refers to the Pension Income Amount (Line 31400) for seniors receiving eligible pension/annuity income, creating a $300 federal credit (15% of $2,000), or a provincial Training Tax Credit for Apprentices, like British Columbia's $2,000 for completing specific training levels, while other benefits like the GST/HST Credit or Disability Benefit offer amounts varying based on income and family situation, not a fixed $2,000 for everyone.
Find the GST Amount:
Multiply the base price by 0.1. $500 × 0.1 = $50. The GST is $50.