Is GST Worse than Income Tax?

SIBY JEYYA
The question of whether GST (Goods and services Tax) is worse than income tax depends on the perspective and the context in which these taxes are evaluated.

GST is an indirect tax levied on the consumption of goods and services, affecting all individuals who purchase products, regardless of their income level. It is included in the price of goods, which means that everyone pays the same percentage, making it regressive in nature. Low-income individuals may feel a heavier burden as they spend a larger portion of their income on essential goods and services.
Income tax, on the other hand, is a direct tax imposed on individuals and businesses based on their earnings. It is progressive, meaning those who earn more are taxed at a higher rate, which makes it a more equitable form of taxation. High-income earners contribute more to the government’s revenue, while low-income individuals pay a lower or no tax, easing their financial burden.
However, GST is transparent, easy to collect, and reduces tax evasion, while income tax systems are often more complex, with numerous deductions and loopholes. Neither tax is inherently worse; rather, they serve different purposes in generating revenue, and the impact depends on income levels and consumption patterns.
For compliance, tax optimization, and making educated financial decisions, it is essential to comprehend the distinction between income tax and GST. The multi-tiered rate structure of the indirect tax known as GST modifies the dynamics of the supply chain, whereas the progressive system of the direct tax known as income tax is based on different income levels. Making sense of these differences promotes a healthy and just economic environment.
Understanding the fundamentals of direct and indirect taxes is advantageous for taxpayers since it makes them eligible for input tax credits, exemptions, and deductions. Paying taxes on time and honestly helps the government keep track of the income and expenditures of both people and corporations, and it also promotes responsible citizenship. With this understanding, people may rigorously fulfill their tax obligations.

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