The main difference between GST (Goods and Services Tax) and VAT (Value Added Tax) lies in their scope, structure, and the way they are applied to goods and services in India. Here's a clear and detailed explanation: 1. GST (Goods and Services Tax) GST is a comprehensive, destination-based indirect tax that has replaced multiple indirect taxes like VAT, service tax, excise duty, etc., with effect from 1st July 2017. Key Features: Single unified tax applicable on both goods and services. Levy by both Centre and States (CGST, SGST, IGST). Collected at every stage of the supply chain, but credit is available for tax paid on inputs. Follows a destination-based model (tax goes to the state where goods/services are consumed). Applies uniformly across the country (same tax structure in all states). Governed by the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and related state GST Acts. Example: If a product is sold from Maharashtra to Gujarat, IGST is charged, and the revenue goes to the consuming state (Gujarat). 2. VAT (Value Added Tax) VAT was a state-level tax levied only on goods (not services) and was applicable before the introduction of GST. Key Features: Levied by individual states on the sale of goods within the state. Different VAT rates for different states (lack of uniformity). Input tax credit was available, but only within the same state. Applied only to goods, while services were taxed separately under Service Tax (Central government). It was a origin-based tax, meaning tax revenue went to the state where the sale originated. Example: If a product was sold in Karnataka, VAT was collected by Karnataka even if the product was consumed elsewhere. Key Differences Between GST and VAT 1. Scope of Tax GST: Applies to both goods and services. VAT: Applied only to goods; services were taxed separately. 2. Taxing Authority GST: Collected by both Central and State Governments under a common system. VAT: Collected only by State Governments. 3. Structure GST: Uniform tax structure across India (CGST + SGST or IGST). VAT: Different rates and laws in each state. 4. Input Tax Credit (ITC) GST: Seamless credit across goods and services, even across state borders. VAT: ITC was limited to intra-state purchases only. 5. Cascading Effect GST: Eliminated the cascading (tax-on-tax) effect due to unified structure. VAT: Cascading existed, especially when combining with other taxes like excise, service tax, etc. 6. Destination vs Origin GST: Destination-based (tax collected by the consuming state). VAT: Origin-based (tax collected by the producing/selling state). Conclusion VAT was a state-level tax on goods, part of the older indirect tax regime. GST is a modern, unified tax on both goods and services, replacing VAT and many other taxes. Today, VAT is largely abolished, except for certain items like petroleum products and alcohol, which are still outside GST and taxed under state VAT laws.