GST Full Form: Goods and Services Tax

GST full form is Goods and Services Tax — a unified indirect tax on the supply of goods and services in India, introduced on 1 July 2017.

What is GST?

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a destination-based, multi-stage, comprehensive indirect tax that replaced most central and state indirect taxes (excise, VAT, service tax, etc.) from 1 July 2017. Rates are 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.

Why GST matters

GST unified India into a single common market by eliminating cascading taxes. Input Tax Credit (ITC) lets businesses set off GST paid on purchases against GST collected on sales, so the final consumer bears the actual tax.

Example

Selling a ₹10,000 product at 18% GST: total invoice = ₹11,800 (₹9,000 CGST + ₹9,000 SGST for intra-state, or ₹1,800 IGST for inter-state).

Try it with a calculator

GST Calculator
Add or remove GST at 5%, 12%, 18% or 28% with CGST/SGST split.
Custom Duty Calculator (India)
Calculate BCD, SWS and IGST on imported goods.
Income Tax Calculator (India)
Compare Old vs New tax regime liability for your income.

Frequently asked questions

What is GST full form?

GST stands for Goods and Services Tax, a unified indirect tax on the supply of goods and services across India.

What are the GST slabs in India?

The main GST slabs are 0%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. A cess is levied on select luxury and sin goods (tobacco, aerated drinks, cars).

What is CGST, SGST and IGST?

CGST is charged by the Centre and SGST by the state on intra-state supplies. IGST is charged by the Centre on inter-state supplies and later apportioned between the Centre and the destination state.

Related terms