constitutional amendment

In spite of the optimism shown by Asim Dasgupta, chairman of the empowered committee of state finance ministers, the much-anticipated goods and services tax (GST) is unlikely to be introduced on April 1, 2010. The process of Constitutional amendment to bring the new indirect tax legislation may take another five months. “It will take 5-6 months for the amendment and everything else to fall in place. Besides, wecannot start work on things like IT infrastructure as long.. Full Article

The Constitutional amendment will be the basis for the new tax regime and will be followed by adoption of separate state and Central GST laws. The last amendment to the Constitution dealing with a financial matter was in 2000, when the Centre was given the power to tax services. The Ministry of Finance was in consultation with the law ministry on drafting of the amendment Bill. Full Article

The GST shall have two components: one levied by the Centre (hereinafter referred to as Central GST), and the other levied by the States (hereinafter referred to as State GST). Rates for Central GST and State GST would be prescribed appropriately, reflecting revenue considerations and acceptability. This dual GST model would be implemented through multiple statutes (one for CGST and SGST statute for every State). Full Article

States have finally reached a consensus on having two basic rates under the Goods and Services Tax, slated to be rolled out on April 1, 2010. There will be one standard rate of taxation and another low rate of taxation for essential commodities. Full Article