GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption. It is a comprehensive indirect tax implemented in India on 1st July 2017, replacing multiple taxes levied by the central and state governments. GST is designed to simplify the tax structure, eliminate the cascading effect of taxes, and create a single, unified market across the country.
GST works by replacing multiple indirect taxes with a single, comprehensive tax levied on the supply of goods and services. Under the GST system, businesses are required to register and collect GST from their customers on behalf of the government. They can also claim credit for the GST paid on their purchases, which helps in reducing the overall tax burden.
GST is a destination-based tax, meaning that it is levied at the point of consumption rather than the point of origin. This helps in creating a seamless and unified market across India, as goods and services can move freely across state borders without being subject to multiple taxes. GST rates are categorized into different slabs based on the type of goods or services, with the aim of ensuring that the tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably.