The central government is preparing to move towards a simplified tax regime. The Ministry of Finance has said the aim is to have two GST slabs with special rates for a few items. Here are the details.
On 79th Independence Day, the Ministry of Finance announced that the government is planning to move towards a 'simple tax' regime to rationalise the existing goods and services tax (GST) rates. The proposed reforms, announced by the ministry on Friday, 15 August, aim to simplify the tax structure, where goods and services can be classified as 'standard' and 'merit'.
In a social media post on X, the Finance Ministry explained that the plan is to have a simpler indirect tax regime with 'two slabs — standard and merit' — as compared to its current variable GST rates.
The ministry also stated that the 'special rates' would be imposed on only a 'select few items'.
"Essentially move towards simple tax with 2 slabs – standard and merit. Special rates only for select few items," it said, highlighting a reduction in tax slabs.
GST Council to discuss reforms
According to the post, the central government has sent its recommendations on the GST rate rationalisation and reforms to the Group of Ministers (GoM) for further examination.
The GST Council will discuss the recommendations from the GoM in its next meeting and try to implement them 'early', which can help citizens reap the benefits of the GST slab changes in the current financial year.
"The Government reaffirms its commitment to evolving the GST into a simple, stable, and transparent tax system," said the Finance Ministry in its post.
PM Modi's tax vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the central government will launch a 'next-generation GST reform' which aims to reduce the tax burden on people.
"We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country," said PM Modi in his address to the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day.
Mint reported earlier how the merging of tax slabs and the lowering of GST rates were proposed after the government expressed its intention to reduce the number of tax brackets on products in India, along with the overall GST rates.
As of 15 August 2025, the effective GST rate slabs in India are 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% on most goods and services, except for commodities like gold and silver. Other items such as alcohol come under the Excise Department, while the government imposes additional tax rates on cigarettes and luxury cars.