What Is CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) in India: Explore Full Form and Meaning

Bio

Sandipan Mitra is the CEO and co-founder of Pice. He boasts eight years of experience in the B2B and fintech sector. Sandipan's journey includes significant roles at multiple Indian Unicorns Including Product at PayU, and as founding member / VP, Product at Open Financial Technologies.

16 Sep 24
8 mins

Sandipan Mitra

08 Mins
16-09-24

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Table of Contents

What Is CGST?
CGST Example
Features of the CGST Act, 2017
CGST Slab Rates
Why Are There Three Categories in GST?
Understanding CGST Act
Key Rules for CGST
CGST Features
What is the Formula of Central Goods and Service Tax?
Documents Required for Central Goods and Service Tax Registration
Determination of CGST, SGST or IGST Applicability
Conclusion

CGST is a central tax on intra-state supply of goods and services under India's GST.
The CGST Act of 2017 replaces multiple indirect taxes and allows input tax credits.
CGST rates are categorized into slabs of 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.
Businesses must register, issue valid invoices, and calculate CGST correctly.
CGST and SGST apply to intra-state transactions; IGST applies to inter-state transactions.

The Central Government of India introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) Laws in 2017 with a primary objective to bring together the fragmented taxation system in India. This blog explores the details of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), which is a vital component of GST, its meaning, purpose and how it affects taxpayers.

What Is CGST?

CGST stands for Central Goods and Services Tax. It is part of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented in India on July 1, 2017. It aimed to simplify the tax system by combining central and state taxes like VAT, excise duty, sales tax, service tax, etc. This made taxation easier to understand and more transparent for everyone.

CGST Example

Suppose you are a supplier of electronic goods based out of West Bengal. You sell a laptop worth ₹80,000 to an individual who also resides in West Bengal. This sale transaction is classified as an intrastate sale, meaning both CGST and SGST will be applicable.

The GST rate on laptops is 18%, with 9% allocated to CGST and 9% to SGST. The buyer will need to pay ₹7,200 (₹80,000 * 9%) as CGST and another ₹7,200 as SGST, making the total cost of the laptop ₹94,400 (₹80,000 + ₹14,400). Besides manual calculation, you can use the GST calculator to accurately find your tax burden and applicable tax rates.

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Features of the CGST Act, 2017

The CGST Act of 2017 outlines the framework for the levy, assessment, collection and refund of CGST. Some of its key features are:

Tax levied on every intra-state supply of goods and services
Facilitates self-assessment for registered taxpayers
Imposes a tax collection obligation on e-commerce operators, not exceeding 1% of taxable supplies
Includes provisions for audits to ensure compliance
Grants officers authority to inspect, search, seize and arrest
Provides methods for tax recovery from defaulting taxpayers
Outlines penalties for non-compliance and contraventions
Includes transition provisions for normal taxpayers
Features an anti-profiteering clause to pass on reduced tax benefits to customers
Allows businesses to claim Input Tax Credit on the GST paid on inputs used in the production of goods or services
Requires an e-way bill for the interstate movement of goods worth more than ₹50,000

CGST Slab Rates

The CGST slab rates vary based on the nature of goods or services. As of now, the slab rates are as follows:

0%: Essential goods and services like education services, books, fruits etc.
5%: Basic necessities and services like healthcare services, textiles, etc.
12%: Most standard goods and services like luxury hotels, computers among others
18%: Consumer durables, automobiles, banking services and other luxury items
28%: De-merit goods like tobacco and alcohol

Why Are There Three Categories in GST?

GST in India is divided into three categories:

State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)
Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST)
Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)

This categorisation ensures that tax revenue is fairly distributed between the State and Central Governments. It also provides a clear division of tax collection responsibilities between the centre and states.

The division helps maintain uniformity in tax rates across all states in India and facilitates transparent taxation between states. Lastly, it prevents the double taxation framework by clearly separating intrastate transactions and interstate transactions.

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Understanding CGST Act

The Central Goods and Services Tax Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation introduced on July 1, 2017. It covers various aspects of GST while majorly governing the collection of tax on goods and services in intra-state supplies. The Act was aimed at simplifying taxation in India by bringing various indirect taxes under one bracket. This would improve the ease of doing business across the entire country.

Key Rules for CGST

Now that you are familiar with the CGST Act of 2017, let us explore some key rules that registered suppliers must follow:

Businesses with annual turnovers below ₹40 lakh (goods) and ₹20 lakh (services) are exempt from GST registration
Registered businesses must issue a valid GST invoice for every sale
Small businesses with turnovers under ₹75 lakhs can opt for the GST composition scheme with lower taxes but must issue a bill of supply instead of a GST invoice
Invoices or bills of supply must have unique serial numbers in sequential order
CGST on intrastate sales is half of the total GST rate, while the other half is SGST (e.g., 14% CGST on a 28% GST rate for electronic goods).

The CGST Rules are subject to changes and updates. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to central government resources for the latest rules and regulations.

CGST Features

The central government levies CGST to replace various existing indirect taxes like central excise duty, value-added tax and service tax. This destination-based tax is applicable only within the state. CGST credit can be used against IGST and CGST.

Moreover, there is a composition scheme for small businesses that provides benefits up to a turnover of ₹75 lakh. A ₹20 lakh exemption limit is also in place. This makes it easier for smaller businesses to manage their tax liabilities.

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What is the Formula of Central Goods and Service Tax?

The formula for calculating CGST is:

CGST = (CGST Rate / 100) * Taxable Value

For instance, the CGST rate of a product = 18%

Taxable value = ₹100

CGST = (18/100) * 100 = ₹18.

Documents Required for Central Goods and Service Tax Registration

The documents required for CGST registration depend on the nature of the business and its legal structure. Some common GST registration documents are as follows:

PAN card
Aadhaar card
Address proof
Bank account details via cancelled cheque leaf
Partnership deed (for partnerships)
Memorandum of Association (for companies)
Recent passport-size photograph

Determination of CGST, SGST or IGST Applicability

The applicability of tax components, that is CGST, SGST, or IGST, depends on the place of the supplier and the recipient.

The GST collected in a transaction between two states is shared between the central government and the state where the goods are consumed. This is IGST applicable for inter-state transactions.

Whereas for transactions within a single state, the GST is divided between the central government and the state where the sale occurs. CGST and SGST are applicable for such intra-state transactions within a state.

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Conclusion

The Central Goods and Service Tax is an integral component of the complex tax structure in India. It has simplified the taxation process and promoted efficiency in the economy. Understand the features and rules of CGST and ensure compliance with tax laws and your GST liabilities. This will avoid confusion among taxpayers for vendor payments, improving clarity in taxation.

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FAQs

What is CGST and how does it function within the GST framework?

CGST, or Central Goods and Services Tax, is a tax levied by the central government on intra-state supplies of goods and services. It replaces previous central taxes like excise duty and service tax. In an intra-state transaction, both CGST and SGST (State GST) are applied concurrently, each typically constituting half of the total GST rate. This system ensures a uniform tax structure across the country and allows the central and state governments to share tax revenues equitably.

How are CGST rates determined, and what are the current slab rates?

CGST rates are categorized into different slabs based on the type of goods or services to simplify taxation. The current slab rates are 0% for essential items like unprocessed food, 5% for basic necessities, 12% and 18% for standard goods and services, and 28% for luxury and de-merit goods like tobacco and luxury cars. These rates are designed to make taxation fair by taxing luxury items at higher rates while keeping essentials tax-free or at minimal rates.

Who needs to register for CGST, and what documents are required for registration?

Businesses dealing in goods with an annual turnover exceeding ₹40 lakh and services exceeding ₹20 lakh must register for CGST. Required documents include the PAN card, Aadhaar card, proof of business registration or incorporation certificate, address proof of the place of business, bank account details, and photographs of the proprietor or authorized signatories. Registration is mandatory to legally collect GST from customers and claim input tax credits.

How does the Input Tax Credit (ITC) mechanism work under CGST?

Under CGST, the Input Tax Credit mechanism allows businesses to deduct the tax they've already paid on purchases (inputs) from the tax they owe on sales (outputs). For example, if a business pays CGST on raw materials, it can subtract that amount from the CGST due on the finished product sold. This prevents the cascading effect of taxes, reduces overall tax liability, and encourages businesses to maintain transparent records of transactions.

What are the key compliance rules businesses must follow under the CGST Act?

Businesses must comply with several rules under the CGST Act, including timely registration, issuing GST-compliant invoices with unique serial numbers, and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. They must calculate and remit the correct amount of CGST, file regular GST returns, and generate e-way bills for interstate movement of goods worth over ₹50,000. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or legal action, so adherence to these regulations is crucial.