Council meet: Rates, clarifications

GST rate hike from 12-18% on Used car sale; tax on caramelised popcorn raised from 5-18%

- DIPAK MONDAL @ Jaisalmer

EVEN though the GST Council in its 55th meeting in Jaisalmer avoided "thorny" issues such as lowering GST rates on insurance premium and a discussion on rate rationalisation, it did make several changes in the rates of goods and services.

Among the major changes announced, the Council decided to increase the GST rate from 12% to 18% on sale of all old and used vehicles, including EVs.

Currently, 18% GST is levied on sale of old and used petrol vehicles of engine capacity of 1200 cc or more & of length of 4000 mm or more; diesel vehicles of engine capacity of 1500 cc or more & of length of 4000 mm and SUVs.

However, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified the 18% GST would only be levied only on the margin - difference between the purchase price and selling price (depreciated value if depreciation is claimed) and not on the value of the vehicle. The FM also clarified that the GST is not applicable in case of unregistered persons.

The tax rate on caramelised popcorn - that took the social media by a storm on Saturday - has been increased from 5% to 18%.