GST cuts likely soon, rationalising of rates possible: FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha

GST cuts likely soon, rationalising of rates possible: FM Nirmala Sitharaman in Rajya Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that a reduction in goods and services tax (GST) can be expected. She stated that the GST Council is currently working on streamlining the rate slabs for Goods and Services Tax. Additionally, the finance minister highlighted that there has been a significant decrease in GST … Read more

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

‘Paid Rs 5,467 GST…’: Finfluencer questions high tariffs on insurance premium renewals

There is a growing demand to reduce or eliminate the current 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on life and health insurance policies. The high GST rate on insurance premiums poses a significant obstacle, especially for individuals with limited incomes. The combination of high premiums and GST makes insurance products inaccessible to many. Ajit … Read more

‘This is silly…’: Mohandas Pai says GST complexity will hold Indians hostage to ‘rent-seeking officials’

‘This is silly…’: Mohandas Pai says GST complexity will hold Indians hostage to ‘rent-seeking officials’

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has come under sharp criticism, with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai taking aim at its ambiguities. “This is silly and complex. It will lead to tax terrorism,” Pai wrote on X, adding that it is making citizens “hostages to rent-seeking officials” and creating endless disputes.  His message to … Read more

‘A national tragedy…’: Former CEA Arvind Subramanian slams GST moves amid popcorn tax fury

‘A national tragedy…’: Former CEA Arvind Subramanian slams GST moves amid popcorn tax fury

Minutes after the 55th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council concluded in Jaisalmer on Saturday, former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian raised sharp concerns over the trajectory of the GST framework.  Labeling the decisions as a “national tragedy,” Subramanian accused policymakers of violating the foundational principles of the “Good & Simple Tax” … Read more

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’: Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

‘Cost of health, life insurance…’:  Nirmala Sitharaman shares crucial update on GST in Parliament

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the cost of insurance for policyholders is expected to decrease if the GST Council recommends reducing the GST rate on health and life insurance policies.  In a written response in the Lok Sabha on December 2, Sitharaman mentioned that during its meeting on September 9, the GST Council had … Read more

GST on educational services: Govt earned Rs 4,792 cr GST from commercial training, coaching centres 

GST on educational services: Govt earned Rs 4,792 cr GST from commercial training, coaching centres 

GST charges: Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state in the Ministry of Finance, disclosed that the government garnered Rs 4,792.4 crores from Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to education services during the financial year 2023-24. These services are non-exempt under GST, with a 18% tax rate levied on them under Service Accounting Code (SAC) 9992. Answering … Read more

GST on healthcare and life insurance services raised over Rs 16,000 crore in FY24

GST on healthcare and life insurance services raised over Rs 16,000 crore in FY24

Revenue from goods and services tax (GST) levied on healthcare and life insurance services fetched over Rs 16,000 crore last fiscal, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. In all, Rs 16,398 crore was collected as GST from healthcare and life insurance services in FY24, including Rs 8,135 crore … Read more

GST Council Meet today: Insurance tax to online gaming review—what to expect

GST Council Meet today: Insurance tax to online gaming review—what to expect

The 54th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and featuring state finance ministers and tax officials, is set to take place today (September 9). The session will address several critical topics, including the taxation of insurance premiums, proposed rate rationalisations, and a review of online gaming revenues. Taxation on health and … Read more

GST Council to discuss insurance premium tax cuts on Monday, but will consumers see any relief?

GST Council to discuss insurance premium tax cuts on Monday, but will consumers see any relief?

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to meet on Monday to tackle several pressing issues, with the spotlight on reducing the 18% GST on health and life insurance premiums.  While there is growing support for lowering the tax burden, concerns remain over whether the benefits will actually reach policyholders or … Read more

GST on health and life insurance premiums may come down, issue sent to rate rationalisation panel: Report

GST on health and life insurance premiums may come down, issue sent to rate rationalisation panel: Report

GST rates: The Goods and Services Tax on health and life insurance premiums has been making headlines for quite some time. According to a report by CNBC-Awaaz on August 8, sources familiar with the matter have suggested that a reduction in the GST rate on the premium paid for health and life insurance might be … Read more