How to know the old GST Rates of Goods and Services

Introduction to GST Rates:

GST was implemented on 1St July, 2017 where four tax slabs were prescribed. Over period of two years, rationalization of rates have happened and GST rates have been changed several times. The all powered GST Council has continuously worked toward simplification and reduction of GST rates. Till date 35th GST Council meetings have taken place and has also recommended various relief measures regarding GST rates on goods and services.

Amendments/ changes brought by the GST Council:

It has become a tedious task to have a good handholding on all the changes/ amendments made in the GST, and it becomes practically impossible to keep a track of all such notifications, circulars, orders, press releases and directions as issued by the CBIC. Under all these burdensome situation, charging correct rate of tax on the goods or services so supplied by a taxpayer would be really difficult. Looking at this Taxmann.com has developed a tool by which any taxpayer can keep a track of the changes brought in the GST rates applicable on the goods or services so supplied by him. This will not only help him to discharge his Government dues correctly but also buy him a peace of mind. 

For instance, pipes which are used for the construction of buildings were earlier taxed at 28% and later GST rate was reduced to 18%. Since, rates are continuously revised and in order to ensure that correct rate of tax is charged, it becomes necessary for the revenue, tax advisors and taxpayers to know about the exact tax rate as applicable at the relevant time when goods or services are actually supplied. 

How you can use this GST tool?

Step 1: In GST module of taxmann.com, visit the tab of GST Tariff. 

Step 2: In the search bar (given on the left panel of GST tariff page), when you enter either the HSN/SAC code or description of goods or services you get the current rate for such goods or services. 

Step 3: If you wish to view the previous GST rates, click on ‘see old GST Rates’ link from the left panel and enter the specific date. 

Step 4: After this step, you would get the chapter wise list of goods or services along with their respective rates. 

In case you want to access the database for any previous period then click on the ‘Previous Version’ tab and select the period from the dropdown. In this ways, you shall have the access to the applicable rates of GST of every single commodity or service. To address such situation, you can visit gst.taxmann.com> GST tariff. In the left panel, just enter the word ‘footwear’ in the search bar and click ‘Apply’. On this keyword, you would get 19 suggestive chapters with Chapter 64 on top, which is the most relevant result. Just click on this document to see the current rates and to see the old GST rates select a relevant date from the link of ‘Previous Versions’ given in the third panel. For instance, if you want to know about the GST rate on footwear as on July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2019. You just need to search the keyword ‘footwear’ and enter the relevant date. This tool shall display results as: GST rate on July 1, 2017 on footwear having a retail sale price not exceeding Rs. 500 per pair was 5% (Central GST + Respective State GST). However, GST rate on July 1, 2019 on footwear having sale value not exceeding Rs. 1,000 per pair was 5%(Central GST + Respective State GST).   It is also pertinent to note that assessments under the GST Act have not been started yet but in the forthcoming years, assessments shall commence. During such proceedings, there will be requirement of applying correct GST rate during the period under review.   This tool would be of great help for various taxpayers and tax advisors especially at the time of litigations.