Highlights of GST Council Meeting

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced the reduction of GST rates on a slew of items. The revised GST rates would become effective from 1st October. The key sectors which would benefit from GST rate cuts are hotels, gems & jewellery, defence and automobiles.

GST Council Meeting Outcome:

1. Hotel Tariffs Rs. 7,500 and above GST at 18%.
2. Hotel Tariffs Rs. 1,000 upto 7,500 GST at 12%.
3. Hotel Tariffs below Rs. 1,000 GST at Nil rate.
4. Outside Catering GST rate reduced at 5%.
5. Diamond Job-work GST rate reduced at 1.5% and Other Job-work GST rate reduced to 12% from 18%.
6. Council amended rules regarding Refund by Appellate Authority.
7. Council amended rules regarding GST Practitioners and Consumer Welfare Fund.
8. Cups/Plates made from Flowers leaves GST rate Nil from 5%.
9. GST Annual Returns GSTR-9, 9A Optional for those with turnover upto 2cr for FY 17-18 & 18-19. 
10. Those with turnover above 2cr to still file GSTR9. 
11. No relief in case of GSTR-9C as it’s applicable only where turnover exceeds 2crore.
12. GSTR-9 also to be made “Saral”.
13. The GST on caffeinated beverages has been hiked to 28% plus additional cess of 12% as against the current rate of 18%.
14. GST Council recommends lower 12% cess on 1,500 cc diesel, 1,200 cc petrol vehicles with capacity to carry up to 13 people.
15. Supply of goods & services to FIFA & other specified persons also exempted for U17 Women’s World Cup in India.
16. GST rate on slide fasteners has been reduced from 18% to 12%.
17. The tax on almond milk has been set at 18%.
18. GST rate hiked on railway wagon, coaches from 5% to 12%.
19. Marine fuel from 18% to 5%.
20. 12% to 5% on wet grinders consisting of stone as a grinder.