The Indian tax system has changed a lot in recent years. Before GST was introduced, we had to face a confusing mix of indirect taxes such as VAT, or excise duty. The introduction of GST was a major change, aiming to create a simpler tax structure. As a result, a GST calculator also came onto the scene. It has rather become an important tool for everyone.
Just like GST makes it easier to pay taxes on goods and services, a GST interest calculator can quickly help you find out the GST amount.
So, how do you actually use the GST tax calculator?
Let’s find out!
What is GST?
The full form of GST is Goods and Services Tax. It is a comprehensive tax charged on the supply of goods and services in India. The Indian Parliament passed the GST law on March 29, 2017. However, it officially came into effect on July 1, 2017. The primary aim of GST is to simplify the tax structure in India.
It is charged based on the consumption of goods and services, which means it is applied at the point of consumption rather than at the point of origin.
Components of GST
You can use the GST calculator online to find pre-GST and post-GST amounts based on specific GST rates.
- CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax): This applies to transactions within a single state.
- SGST (State Goods and Services Tax): Similar to CGST, this tax also applies to intra-state transactions. Both CGST and SGST are collected by the central and state governments, respectively
- IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax): This is applicable for transactions that occur between different states.
When goods or services are sold within a state, both CGST and SGST are collected. Additionally, the revenue is shared between the central and state governments. Conversely, IGST from interstate transactions is collected by the central government and allocated based on the destination of the goods.
Why is GST Important?
The GST tax system has a lot of advantages:
- Before GST, consumers faced a complex web of taxes. GST combines all these into a single tax.
- GST helps reduce tax evasion as businesses must maintain proper records. This makes the tax system more transparent.
- By streamlining taxes, GST can lower the final price of goods and services, benefiting consumers.
But what is the importance of a GST calculator in all of this?
Let us see!
GST and GST Calculators
As GST becomes a key part of our daily transactions, knowing how to calculate it is crucial. That is why GST calculator is a must-use tool.
This tool is helpful for everyone—buyers and sellers alike. A GST interest calculator makes it easy to find out net or gross prices. It provides a clear breakdown of the GST rates based on the amount specified.
How is GST Calculated?
To calculate GST, it’s essential to know the applicable GST rates in India.
Different GST Rates
GST is categorised into different slabs based on the nature of goods or services. These are used for GST calculations:
Here are the main GST rates for 2024:
- 0%
- 3%
- 5%
- 12%
- 18%
- 28%
However, there are certain goods and services, such as petroleum products and alcoholic beverages, that are exempt from GST. These are taxed according to the individual state governments’ regulations.
GST Calculation Formulas
Here are some GST calculation formulas:
To Add GST to the Base Amount:
- Calculate the GST Amount: GST Amount = (Original Cost × GST%) / 100
- Calculate the Total Price: Net Price = Original Cost + GST Amount
To Remove GST from the Base Amount:
- Calculate the GST Amount: GST Amount = Original Cost – (Original Cost × (100 / (100 + GST%)))
- Calculate the Base Price: Net Price = Original Cost – GST Amount
Let’s say you want to buy a new laptop priced at ₹50,000, and the GST rate for electronics is 18%.
What will you do?
You will probably follow the GST calculator formula and calculate as below:
Here’s how to calculate it:
- Price of the Laptop: ₹50,000
- GST Rate: 18%
- GST Amount Calculation:
- GST Amount = Price × (GST Rate / 100)
- GST Amount = ₹50,000 × (18 / 100) = ₹9,000
- Total Amount to Pay:
- Total Amount = Price + GST Amount
- Total Amount = ₹50,000 + ₹9,000 = ₹59,000
However, why not save your time?
You can use a GST interest calculator online to quickly see that you will pay ₹59,000 for the laptop, which includes ₹9,000 in GST.
How to Use a GST Calculator
Using a GST calculator is simple.
Here are the steps:
- You must decide whether you want to calculate GST based on the total price that includes tax (inclusive) or the original price without tax (exclusive).
- Next, you must fill in the original cost of the product or service.
- Choose the applicable GST rate (for example, 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%).
- Click the calculate button to find out the GST amount and the total price including GST.
What is GST Inclusive Amount?
The GST inclusive amount is the total price of a product that includes the GST added to its original value. In this case, the tax is not shown separately on the bill; it’s already part of the total price that the customer pays.
What is GST Exclusive Amount?
The GST exclusive amount is the price of a product before adding the GST. It is calculated by taking the GST inclusive amount and subtracting the GST from it. This value will represent the actual price of the product without any tax included.
Benefits of Using a GST Calculator
Here are some benefits of using an online GST calculator:
- It helps you calculate GST correctly, reducing mistakes.
- It quickly shows you the GST amount, which is especially helpful for businesses with many sales.
- The GST interest rate calculator is easy to use.
- They help you budget by showing clear tax amounts you need to pay.
Conclusion
GST calculators are essential for anyone dealing with goods and services in India. GST has transformed the way we pay taxes in India. The taxation system is now simpler. However, to make understanding GST rates easy, the GST calculator is a must-use tool.
And yes, whether you are a business owner, accountant, or an individual, using a GST calculator can make managing your finances much easier.
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FAQs: GST Calculator Online
To find out how much GST is in a total amount, you can use this formula: GST Amount = Total Amount – (Total Amount / (1 + GST Rate/100)).
GST is added to the price of goods and services at each step of the supply chain. The seller collects the tax and sends it to the government.
No, GST has taken the place of VAT in India. While both are taxes on consumption, GST applies to both goods and services and is a bit broader.
No, VAT is not added after GST. In most cases, GST has replaced VAT for goods and services in India.
No, since GST has replaced VAT and other indirect taxes in India, only GST is applied to goods and services now.
GST was introduced in India on July 1, 2017. It aims to simplify the indirect tax structure by combining multiple taxes into one.
GST is known to have made the tax paying structure a little complex, especially for small businesses. Additionally, there are certain goods that may face higher tax rates under GST.
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