Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services across the country. It was introduced on July 1, 2017, replacing various indirect taxes like the Value Added Tax (VAT), Service Tax, Central Excise Duty, etc. GST is administered by the Goods and Services Tax Council, which is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India and comprises representatives from the central and state governments.
GST in India is structured into four tax slabs: 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, with certain essential items attracting no tax or falling under the exempted category. Additionally, there are special rates for gold, rough diamonds, and certain other goods. Some items like petroleum products, alcohol for human consumption, and electricity are kept outside the purview of GST and are subject to separate taxation by the respective state governments.