Next GST Council meet to discuss simplification, rate rationalisation and cess: Govt Sources

The GoMs, constituted by the Council to examine these complex areas, are discussing these, which are likely to form the basis of the discussions.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is expected to deliberate on rate rationalisation, cess, and procedural simplification in its upcoming meeting, according to government sources.

“In 3-4 aspects of GST to make it simpler, the Group of Ministers (GoM) have given their reports. The GST Council will take up issues of rate rationalisation, cess, and simplification in the next meeting. There will be a discussion on these, even if they are not concluded,” the sources said on May 23.

While the government has been aiming for a more streamlined GST structure, some of the rate slabs and classifications have remained under review. The GoMs, constituted by the Council to examine these complex areas, are discussing these, which are likely to form the basis of the discussions.

The agenda for rationalisation includes addressing the anomalies across tax slabs and removing the inversion of duty structure where applicable. Additionally, simplification measures could involve easing compliance for small businesses and enhancing the efficiency of GST processes through digitisation.

The Council is also expected to take stock of the compensation cess, which is currently levied on certain luxury and sin goods to make up for states’ revenue losses. Though the cess is slated to continue till March 2026 for loan repayments, its way forward is likely to come up for discussion.

The next GST Council meeting is likely to be held in June-end or early July.