GST on Cars in India

India's bustling automobile industry, a major contributor to the nation's economy, has undergone a significant shift with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This comprehensive tax reform has streamlined the way cars are taxed, impacting both consumers and industry players. Let's embark on a journey to demystify GST on cars in India.

GST Rates and Factors Affecting Them

Unlike the pre-GST era, where a web of taxes like excise duty, VAT, and octroi burdened car purchases, GST offers a more simplified structure. However, the tax you pay on your dream car depends on several key factors:

• Car Classification: This can be small, medium, luxury, or SUV.
• Fuel Type: Petrol, diesel, or electric.
• Engine Capacity: This plays a crucial role in determining the tax bracket.

GST Rate Structure for Cars

Understanding the different GST rates applicable to various car categories is essential:

• Small Cars (Engine Capacity Below 1200cc): These cars attract a GST rate of 18%, down from the pre-GST regime of 28%. (Examples: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10)
• Mid-Size Cars (Engine Capacity Between 1200cc and 1500cc): These cars also benefit from reduced GST, going from 39% to 18%. (Examples: Maruti Baleno, Tata Nexon)
• Luxury Cars (Engine Capacity Above 1500cc): Luxury cars fall under the 28% GST bracket. (Examples: Land Rover, Lamborghini Aventador)
• SUVs (Engine Capacity Above 1500cc): Similar to luxury cars, SUVs with larger engines attract 28% GST. (Examples: Mahindra TUV, Jeep Compass)
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric vehicles receive a significant benefit with a lower GST rate of 12%, compared to the pre-GST rate of 20.5%. (Examples: Mahindra e20, Mahindra eVerito)

Additional Cess on Cars

While the GST rate forms the core tax structure, some cars might also be subject to an additional levy called cess. This cess ranges from 1% to 22% and depends on the car's category and engine capacity. Think of it as a surcharge imposed by the government.

Impact of GST on the Automobile Industry

The GST regime has had a mixed impact on the automobile industry:

• Consumers: GST has generally reduced the overall tax burden on car buyers. The combined tax rate pre-GST (ranging from 26.5% to 44%) has come down to a more manageable range of 18% to 28%. This translates to potential savings for car buyers.
• Manufacturers: The streamlined tax structure under GST has lowered the overall manufacturing cost for car companies. This is because various pre-GST taxes have been subsumed under GST. Additionally, manufacturers can now avail input tax credit on purchases, leading to cost efficiencies.
• Dealers and Importers: Dealers and importers benefit from the ability to claim input tax credit under GST, which wasn't possible earlier. This improves their cash flow and working capital.

Cars GST Calculation

The final price you pay for a car considers the applicable GST rate based on the car's category, fuel type, and engine capacity. The cess amount is then added to arrive at the final price.

GST on Used Cars

Used car dealers pay GST only on the margin between the buying and selling price of the car. This eliminates the cascading effect of taxes that existed earlier. There's no GST liability if the margin is negative. Furthermore, buying a used car from an unregistered seller is exempt from GST.

Conclusion

Understanding GST on cars is crucial for informed car buying decisions in India. Before purchasing, consider the various factors affecting GST rates. The GST regime has brought about a more transparent and streamlined tax structure for the automobile industry. While some car segments might see price hikes due to GST, others might see attractive offers.