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What is GST on Car: Tax Rate, Calculation & Exemptions

GST on Car refers to the Goods and Services Tax levied on vehicle purchases in India. Introduced in 2017, GST replaced multiple indirect taxes, streamlining the taxation system. For cars, GST is charged at rates between 5% and 28%, depending on vehicle type, engine capacity, and fuel category.

Additionally, a compensation cess ranging from 1% to 22% is added, making the effective tax on some vehicles upto 50%. This tax directly affects the car’s on-road price. Understanding GST meaning, applicable tax slabs, and exemptions helps buyers make informed decisions and calculate costs using a reliable GST calculator.

Understanding GST on Car

It is a uniform tax charged on car purchases across India under the GST regime. Before GST, cars attracted excise duty, VAT, and other local taxes, leading to price variation. With GST, taxation is standardised.

Cars now fall under the 28% GST slab. However, an additional compensation cess, based on engine size, vehicle type, and fuel source, increases the total tax burden. The final tax differs for petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid cars.

GST Tax Rates on Vehicles in India

GST on Car varies by vehicle classification, with the base GST rate between 5% and 28%.

Car Segment

Example Model

Engine Capacity

GST Rate (Before)

GST Rate (After)

Small Cars

Tata Tiago

Up to 1200cc

39%

19%

Mid-Size Cars

Nissan Kicks

Between 1200cc and 1500cc

40%

19%

Premium/Luxury Cars

Land Rover

Above 1500cc

43%

30%

SUVs (High Engine Capacity Vehicles)

Renault Duster

1500cc or above (SUV segment)

46%

29%

Understanding this breakdown enables better planning and the use of a GST calculator for actual price calculation. These rates are central to how GST on Car affects vehicle affordability.

GST Rates on Cars Based on Fuel Type

GST on Car changes depending on the fuel used. Here's how it varies across fuel types:

Type of Vehicle

Fuel Tank Capacity

Example Model

GST Rate (Before)

GST Rate (After)

Petrol Vehicles

Below 1.2 Litre

Hyundai i10

31.6%

28%

Diesel Vehicles

More than 1.5 litres

Hyundai i20

34.25%

32%

Petrol-Diesel Vehicles

Petrol over 1.2 L & Diesel over 1.5 litres

Sedans and SUVs

45.7%

44%

Petrol-Diesel Vehicles (Length above 4 meters)

Any type

Mahindra Scorpio

56%

44%

Electric Vehicles

Not Applicable (NIL)

Mahindra eVerito

21.5%

13%

Fuel type impacts tax rates significantly. Electric vehicles enjoy the lowest GST, encouraging cleaner transport. In contrast, petrol and diesel vehicles attract a higher cess.

Impact of GST on the Auto Industry

The introduction of GST on Car reshaped the auto industry. Before GST, car prices varied across states due to different tax laws. With GST, tax became uniform, improving pricing transparency and reducing logistical challenges.

While mid-range cars saw price drops post-GST, larger cars and SUVs faced increased prices due to high cess rates. For electric vehicles, GST at just 5% boosted demand and aligned with green mobility goals.

Manufacturers benefited from input tax credit, which helped reduce cascading tax effects. However, high taxes for luxury vehicles kept their overall price high, impacting sales.

On the whole, GST on Car has streamlined operations for automakers but has had a mixed effect on buyers depending on the car segment. Buyers can now estimate prices better using a GST calculator, helping them plan their budget efficiently and understand the real GST meaning as applied to automobiles.

GST Calculation on Cars

Here's how to calculate GST on Car:

  • Step 1: Identify the car type (hatchback, SUV, electric, etc.)

  • Step 2: Check the base price of the car (ex-showroom)

  • Step 3: Apply GST rate (typically 28%)

  • Step 4: Add applicable compensation cess (1% to 22%)

  • Step 5: Total the tax to get the final tax value

  • Step 6: Use a GST calculator to confirm the tax breakup

  • Step 7: Add other charges like registration, insurance, etc., for on-road price

Exemptions for GST on Cars

Some categories of vehicles are exempt from GST or enjoy lower rates. Electric vehicles (EVs) are taxed at just 5% with no cess, promoting clean transport.

Cars for use by physically disabled individuals may be eligible for GST concessions. Certain ambulance and government-use vehicles are also taxed at concessional rates. These exemptions apply only when the vehicle meets specific criteria.

Understanding these exemptions is important for correct budgeting. It also shows how policy supports select vehicle segments. Using a GST calculator after factoring in exemptions helps get the actual price. Knowing the GST meaning is essential to determine if benefits apply.

Indemnity for GST Tax Rates on Vehicles 

Indemnity in the context of GST on Car refers to protection or assurance provided to dealers or manufacturers against losses due to tax changes. Sometimes, tax structures or rates may change after invoicing but before registration.

In such cases, indemnity clauses help the seller manage unexpected cost differences. Manufacturers may indemnify dealers or vice versa.

For consumers, it’s important to know if the price is fixed or subject to change due to tax revisions. Checking this protects the buyer from surprises post-booking. Clarity on GST meaning and its implications ensures no confusion in vehicle pricing.

Is This the Right Time to Invest in a Car?

While this article doesn’t provide financial advice, understanding GST on Car helps evaluate timing. GST rates on the majority of cars remain steady, but promotions or policy changes can influence final costs.

For example, electric vehicles are taxed at only 5%, and any future subsidy announcements could offer further savings. However, compensation cess on ICE vehicles remains high, especially on SUVs and luxury models.

Using a GST calculator can help compare prices across variants and timelines. Knowing the GST meaning also helps buyers decide if tax policies favour their preferred car segment at a given time.

Conclusion

The GST on Car varies from 5% to 28%, depending on the vehicle’s fuel type and size. While many passenger vehicles attract a base GST of 28% along with an additional compensation cess, electric vehicles are taxed at the lowest slab of just 5%, promoting cleaner mobility. Exemptions are also available for certain special-use and EV vehicles. Using a GST calculator can help car buyers estimate accurate on-road prices. Additionally, indemnity provisions protect against changes in price due to post-booking tax revisions. Understanding the GST meaning and how tax slabs apply enables better financial planning. GST rates may influence vehicle purchase decisions, especially if government policies or fuel prices change. Overall, GST has streamlined vehicle pricing across states, bringing more consistency to the auto sector. Being informed about these factors helps consumers plan their budgets more accurately and avoid surprises during the vehicle buying process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not offer tax or financial advice.

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Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

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