GST Council Meet: Major Tax Cuts and Slab Changes Expected
Key Points Expected from the Meeting:
Tax Cuts for Electronics and Essentials:Experts are hoping for a reduction in taxes on electronics and daily essentials, making these products more affordable for the common consumer. These changes would offer relief to households and boost demand in the consumer electronics sector.Slab Reductions:
A major expectation is that the GST slabs could be simplified. The government has proposed moving towards a two-tier system consisting of 5% and 18%, eliminating the existing 12% and 28% slabs that were introduced at the launch of GST in July 2017. This change would create a streamlined tax structure, potentially making life easier for businesses and consumers alike.Impact on Luxury Items:
While common consumer goods might benefit from tax cuts, some luxury items could data-face higher taxes. This would be part of a broader strategy to make goods that are considered essential more affordable, while taxing high-end products more.Next-Gen GST Reform:
The meeting is also expected to focus on 'Next-Gen' GST reform aimed at simplifying the existing tax structure. This could be a game-changer, with the goal of making the system more efficient and consumer-friendly, reducing compliance burdens on businesses.