Answer By law4u team
In India, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a unified indirect tax system with four components to facilitate tax collection across the country. These are CGST, SGST, IGST, and UTGST. Each has a specific purpose based on the nature of transactions. CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax): Levied by the Central Government on intra-state supplies of goods and services (within the same state). The revenue collected is shared with the Central Government. Example: If goods are sold in Maharashtra and consumed in Maharashtra, CGST is applicable. SGST (State Goods and Services Tax): Levied by the State Government on intra-state supplies of goods and services. The revenue is shared with the State Government where the supply takes place. Example: In the same intra-state transaction in Maharashtra, SGST is collected alongside CGST. IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax): Levied by the Central Government on inter-state supplies of goods and services (between two states or union territories) and imports/exports. The tax collected is apportioned between the Centre and the destination state/union territory where the goods or services are consumed. Example: If goods are sold from Maharashtra to Gujarat, IGST is charged instead of CGST and SGST. UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax): Levied by the Union Territory Government on intra-union territory supplies of goods and services. Applicable in Union Territories without their own legislature, such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. UTGST is charged alongside CGST, similar to the CGST-SGST structure. Key points to note: Intra-state transactions: CGST + SGST/UTGST are levied. Inter-state transactions: IGST is levied. This structure ensures seamless tax collection and compliance across the country while avoiding cascading taxes.