No GST on railway services including platform tickets

The first meeting of the GST Council was held on Saturday in the third term of the BJP-led PM Modi government at the Centre. In which some important decisions were taken.

It was decided to introduce an all-India biometrics authentication system, especially to check fake challans. For this, Aadhaar cards will be linked to the biometrics authentication system. Various services provided by the Indian Railways were exempted from GST, due to which railway platform tickets will be exempted from GST. Retiring rooms, waiting rooms, cloakrooms, battery-operated car services will be exempted from GST. Interest and penalty on tax demand notices have been waived for a few years. It has been decided to impose 12 per cent GST on all solar cookers and milk cans as well as sprinklers. A proposal to reduce GST on fertilizers has been sent to the Group of Ministers for consideration. At present, 5 per cent GST is levied on fertilizers. Addressing the press after the 53rd meeting of the GST Council, Nirmala Sitharaman announced important decisions. It was decided that the next meeting of the Council will be held on October 7.

The Finance Minister has assured that the Finance Commission grants and arrears for GST compensation will be given to the states.

Aadhaar biometrics authentication has been made mandatory for new registrations.

It has been decided to waive off interest and penalty on tax demand notices for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. However, for this, the tax has to be paid by March 31.

For availing input tax credit in respect of any invoice or debit note, if the invoice or debit note is filed by 30-11-2021, it shall be considered for the financial year 2011 to 2021.

12% GST will be levied on milk cartons

12% GST will be levied on all types of sprinklers.

All types of carton boxes and carton cases will attract 12 per cent GST. This includes corrugated boxes and non-corrugated boxes.

For hostel accommodation if it is outside the educational institution, Rs 20,000 per person per month will be waived.

To reduce legal claims, monetary limits for GST Appellate Tribunal have been recommended at Rs. 20 lakh, for HCs at Rs. 1 crore and for GSTAT at Rs. 2 crore.

The deadline for filing GSTR 4 for taxpayers for FY 24-25 has been extended to June 30.