GST is been postponed by our Hon’ble Finance Minister, however it is still a constant matter of worry for importers and exporters in Indian continent. Through this article, I try to analyze and present before you a analysis on impact of GST on our imports and exports.

Twofold GST: A dual GST with defined functions and responsibilities of the Centre and the States is recommended. An appropriate mechanism that will be binding on both the Centre and the States should be worked out whereby the harmonious rate structure along with the need for further modification could be upheld, if necessary with a collectively agreed Constitutional Amendment.

1st April 2011 is proposed as new date for its implementation. He recognized several developments in the field of computerization, which are ultimately targeted eventual implementation of GST. He also clearly stated that he is not increasing the service tax rate to 12% in view of convergence with GST in future.

In a landmark decision, the UPA government has resolved to amend the Constitution to enable states to have the same powers as the Centre in administering the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST).

One of the most significant features of GST would be the taxation of financial services. No country in the world has been able to design a model for inclusion of financial services within the VAT/GST framework. India, if successful, will chart a new course, which could well become a model for the rest of the world to emulate.

The Union government on Friday discussed some “pending areas” in the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the empowered committee of state finance ministers, and asked it to resolve the issues at the earliest to meet the April 2011 deadline for the roll out of GST.

The Union finance minister had introduced the Finance Bill, 2010 in the Lok Sabha on February 26, 2010 and proposed to tax 8 new services. On May 8, 2010, the President gave her consent to the Finance Bill and thus the Finance Act, 1994 (14 of 2010) has come into effect from that date. SERVICE TAX IS BEING IMPOSED ON THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIED SERVICES:

(a) In the case of a resident woman below the age of 65 years, the basic exemption limit is INR 190,000. (b) In the case of a resident individual of the age of 65 years or above, the basic exemption limit is INR 240,000 (c) Surcharge is not applicable (d) Education cess is applicable @ 3 percent on income-tax

GST is a tax on goods and services with comprehensive and continuous chain of set-off benefits from the producer’s / service provider’s point up to the retailer’s level i.e. up to the last level in the chain. It is essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage. The whole structure is devised in such a way that only the final consumer should bear the tax.

Addition or reduction of exemptions in various services. Renting Service – Retrospective amendment to supersede decision of Delhi High Court in case of Home Solutions Retail India Ltd. Now activity of ‘Renting’ made taxable. Construction Service – receiving any amount from prospective buyer before completion certificate would be considered as service.