What is GST(Goods & Services Tax)?

Starting April 1, 2017, Goods & Services Tax (GST) is applicable to all Indian service providers (including freelancers), traders and manufacturers. As per the GST Council, entities in the Northeaster and hill states with an annual turnover of Rs.10 lakhs and above would be required to obtain GST registration. For all other entities in rest of India would be required to obtain GST registration, if annual turnover exceeds Rs.20 lakhs. Entities required to obtain GST registration as per regulations must file for GST registration within 30 days from the date on which the entity became liable for obtaining GST registration. The GST is an all-in-one tax that subsumes a variety of state (VAT, Entertainment Tax, Luxury Tax, Octroi) and central taxes (CST, Service Tax, Excise Duty). GST is to be charged at every step of the supply chain, with complete set-off benefits available. The procedure for GST is completely online and requires no manual intervention. There will also be a composition scheme under GST for businesses with a supply turnover of less than Rs. 50 lakh.