What is GST in Accounting? (Goods and Services Tax Explained)

What is goods and services tax (GST)?

Goods and services tax (GST) is a value-added tax (VAT) on the supply of goods and services. Registered businesses include the GST in the prices of their goods and services, effectively acting as tax collectors on behalf of the government. The standard rate of GST varies from country to country and can be different for different types of goods and services. For instance, in some countries, the standard rate might be 5%, while in others, it could be higher.

When customers purchase goods or services from businesses, they pay the GST in addition to the cost of the product or service. This tax is then collected by the business. The businesses are then responsible for remitting the collected GST to the government. The funds collected through GST contribute to funding public services and government operations.

It is important to not confuse the goods and services tax with the generation-skipping trust (also abbreviated GST).

What are the two components of GST?

The implementation of GST requires the central and state governments to work together. In many countries, including India, GST is divided into two components: Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST). CGST is collected by the central government, while SGST is collected by the state governments. Additionally, there is an Integrated GST (IGST) on inter-state transactions to ensure that the tax revenue is distributed between the centre and the states.

How does a dual goods and services tax system work?

A dual goods and services tax (GST) structure refers to a system where two components of GST are levied simultaneously by two different levels of government. This typically involves a combination of a central-level GST (CGST) and a state-level GST (SGST). This structure is commonly adopted by countries to distribute the tax revenue between the central government and the state governments, while also ensuring uniformity in the taxation process.

Here’s how the dual GST structure works:

• Central goods and services tax (CGST): CGST is the component of GST that is levied by the central government on intra-state transactions. It applies when goods or services are supplied within the same state. The revenue collected from CGST goes to the central government’s treasury.
• State goods and services tax (SGST): SGST is the component of GST that is levied by the state government on intra-state transactions. Like CGST, it applies to goods or services supplied within the same state. The revenue collected from SGST goes to the respective state government’s treasury.

In a dual GST structure, both CGST and SGST are levied on the same transaction. The total GST paid by the consumer is the sum of CGST and SGST. The rate of CGST and SGST are usually the same and are determined by the respective governments.

Dual GST example

If the GST rate is 18%, and you purchase a product worth $100 within the same state:

• CGST at 9% (assuming a 9% CGST rate) would amount to $9
• SGST at 9% (assuming a 9% SGST rate) would also amount to $9

The total GST paid would be $18, with $9 going to the central government as CGST and $9 going to the state government as SGST.

The dual GST structure ensures that both the central and state governments have a share in the tax revenue generated from intra-state transactions. It also promotes cooperative federalism, as it involves collaboration and coordination between the central and state governments in designing and implementing the GST system.

It’s worth noting that while many countries adopt a dual GST structure, the exact details and implementation can vary based on the specific laws and regulations of each country.

Criticisms of goods and services tax

The implementation of goods and services tax (GST) has brought about significant changes in taxation systems across various countries. While the overall objective of GST is to simplify the tax structure, reduce tax evasion, and promote economic growth, there have been several critiques and challenges associated with its adoption:

• Complexity in understanding: Despite being designed to simplify the tax system, GST can still be complex due to difficult compliance requirements and multiple tax rates. Businesses might find it challenging to navigate the various categories and rates.
• Burden of compliance: Transitioning to GST can place a heavy compliance burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Filing multiple GST returns and maintaining accurate records can be time-consuming and costly.
• New technology: The implementation of GST relies on new and robust technology. Some countries may struggle with the adoption of digital platforms for GST filing and payments.
• Impact on prices: Introducing GST can lead to short-term price increases as businesses adjust to the new tax rates and pass on the tax burden to consumers. This can impact inflation and consumer purchasing power.
• Impact on industries and sectors: Different industries may experience varying effects due to GST implementation. Some sectors may face increased costs or reduced demand, which could impact employment and economic growth.
• Burden on small businesses: Small businesses with limited resources might face challenges in understanding and implementing the complex GST regulations. This can lead to non-compliance issues and potential financial strain.
• Unintended consequences: The restructuring of taxes can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as changes in consumer behavior or market dynamics that were not initially anticipated.
• Different rates for different products: The application of different tax rates for various goods and services can be perceived as inequitable and might lead to debates about the fairness of taxation.
• Political and administrative challenges: The implementation of GST often requires consensus among various levels of government and political parties, which can sometimes delay or complicate the process.

It’s important to note that these critiques are not universally applicable and may vary based on the specific context of each country’s GST implementation. Governments often address these challenges through policy adjustments, education campaigns, and continuous refinement of the tax system.

7 ways locality affects GST

Locality can have several impacts on goods and services tax (GST) depending on the specific context and the GST structure of a particular country. The influence of locality on GST can be observed in terms of tax rates, compliance procedures, inter-state transactions, and the distribution of tax revenue. Here are some ways in which locality affects GST:

1. Tax rates: Different localities or states within a country may have the authority to set their own State GST (SGST) rates. This can lead to variations in tax rates across regions, affecting the cost of goods and services for consumers and businesses in different parts of the country.
2. Inter-state transactions: When goods or services are supplied between different states or localities, Integrated GST (IGST) is applicable. IGST is designed to ensure a uniform tax structure and prevent tax evasion in inter-state trade. This can impact the pricing across state borders.
3. Local exemptions: Some localities or states might grant exemptions or reduced tax rates on specific goods or services to support local industries or address regional concerns.
4. Tax revenue distribution: In countries with a dual GST structure (CGST and SGST), the distribution of tax revenue between the central government and state governments is influenced by the consumption patterns in different localities. States with higher consumption might generate more revenue through SGST.
5. Special economic zones (SEZs): Localities designated as SEZs might have specific GST provisions to promote exports and economic development. These provisions can affect tax treatment within these zones.
6. Local considerations: Local preferences, socio-economic factors, and political considerations can influence decisions related to GST rates and policies within specific localities or states.
7. Cross-border trade: In countries with international borders, the locality of the border can impact cross-border trade and the collection of IGST on exports and imports.

It’s important to note that the impact of locality on GST can vary based on the specific design of the GST system in each country. Countries with a federal structure often provide a degree of autonomy to states or provinces in setting their GST rates and policies, which can result in variations in taxation across regions.

• Recommended Reading for US Citizens: What is a Section 179 Deduction?

Tips for businesses to navigate GST

Navigating Goods and Services Tax (GST) requires businesses to be well-informed, organized, and compliant with the new taxation structure. Here are some valuable tips to help businesses successfully navigate the challenges of GST:

• Educate yourself on, and understand, GST rules and changes.
• Register for GST as required.
• Accurately classify and categorize goods and services.
• Implement or adjust accounting systems for GST.
• Input tax, track, and claim eligible credits.
• Maintain organized records
• File GST returns on time.
• Update technology and use GST-compliant software.
• Seek expert guidance if needed.
• Train your team on GST implications.
• Keep up with GST updates and stay informed.
• Understand inter-state GST rules.
• Communicate and inform customers about price changes.
• Be flexible with GST changes.

Moving forward with GST

In conclusion, GST stands as a monumental transformation in the world of taxation, reshaping the way economies collect revenue and businesses operate. It represents a significant stride towards efficiency and transparency. From its inception as a unified taxation system to working across diverse sectors, GST’s impact reverberates through industries, businesses, and the everyday lives of consumers.

While GST brings remarkable benefits, it is not without its challenges. The complexities have posed hurdles for businesses, particularly in financial planning for small businesses. The journey towards GST implementation has been characterized by both positive outcomes and valuable lessons. As countries grapple with implementation, it is clear that GST’s success is reliant upon continuous refinement, adaptability, and education.