Lesser GST Slabs After ‘Revenue Neutral Plus’ Tax Level: Jaitley

An overwhelming 81 percent of items under the GST regime attract tax slab of 18 percent.

File photo of Arun Jaitley.

(Photo: Reuters)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 1 October said Goods and Services Tax (GST) slabs may be reduced in the future if a "revenue neutral plus" tax level is reached.

Jaitley made the remark at the ‘Foundation Day’ event of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN).

According to the Minister, reduction in tax slabs under the current GST regime can happen but only after the regime reaches a "revenue neutral plus" level.

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Since 1 July, GST has replaced around a dozen central and state taxes into a single national tax.

At present, there are four tax slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent, plus a levy on cesses on luxury items like cars, aerated drinks and tobacco products to compensate states for any revenue losses in the first five years.

An overwhelming 81 percent of items under the GST regime attract tax of 18 percent or below, and only about 19 percent of items are taxed at the highest rate of 28 percent.