What is GST?

How is GST different from Excise, VAT and Service Tax. Learn what is GST and the advantages and disadvantages of GST.

What is GST?

Goods and Services Tax also known as GST is a single indirect tax which will replace the following taxes with a single and much reduced tax rate:

• Central Excise Duty
• Additional Excise Duty
• Service Tax
• Surcharge, Cess
• VAT/ Sales Tax
• Entertainment Tax
• Luxury tax
• Additional customs duty
• Special Additional duty of customs
• Taxes on lottery and betting
• Entry tax
• State cess and surcharge

What are the benefits of GST Bill?

For the Business

• Reduced Tax rates
• Easier compliance

For the Consumer

• Lower prices

What is the Difference between VAT and GST

VAT or Value added tax will be replaced by GST (State GST) and though very little clarity is present now, this will most probably be managed by the state. Unlike the current situation GST will have a single and much reduced tax rate, prompting more businesses to become transparent. The current VAT authority will continue to manage GST

What is the Difference between Service Tax and GST

Like VAT, Service Tax will also be replaced by GST but might be managed by the Center. The dual tax points currently poses a difficulty in implementing tax in India. It is to be seen how the empowered committee of the state finance ministers will come up with a solution for having a single tax rate. The current central administration will continue to manage GST

How to be prepared for GST?

GST will call for more transparency and increased enforcement of tax revenues. It would be important to track the input taxes and be ready for compliance.

Here is a heads up of what you can think of doing:

• If you are into manual billing systems, move to a computerized billing system
• Automate the system of adjusting input credits
• Get a real time view of your tax liabilities across your business locations

A good online billing software like www.reachaccountant.com can make this transition a lot easier for your business. You can try a demo of the billing software from here

To get a free consultation, Please call a consultant at  044-49272723

Sumathi

I’m a tax expert with over 10 years of professional experience. I’ve gained practical insights on GST and other Taxes during my tenture as a Tax expert and GST Trainer in Reach Accountant.