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India's GST Collection Performance in January 2023

India's GST collections for January 2023 reached a significant Rs.1,55,922 crore, marking the second-highest total since its inception and a 24% increase year-over-year. The revenue breakdown shows substantial contributions from CGST, SGST, and IGST, including imports. This achievement, the third time collections surpassed Rs.1.5 lakh crore this fiscal year, reflects the government's efforts in policy reforms and compliance improvements, leading to higher GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B filing rates.

📖 2 min read read🏷️ GST Collections

In January 2023, Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached a remarkable Rs.1,55,922 crore, marking the second-highest total since GST's introduction and exceeding October 2022 figures. This substantial revenue represents a 24% increase compared to the GST collections from the corresponding period last year.

Breakdown of January 2023 GST Collections

Based on a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the total collections comprised Rs.28,963 crore from Central GST (CGST), Rs.36,730 crore from State GST (SGST), and Rs.79,599 crore from Integrated GST (IGST). Notably, the IGST amount included Rs.37,118 crore derived from imported goods. Additionally, a cess of Rs.10,630 crore was collected, with Rs.768 crore specifically from the import of goods.

From these collections, the government allocated Rs.38,507 crore to CGST and Rs.32,624 crore to SGST as part of regular settlements from the IGST pool. Consequently, after these settlements, the combined revenue for the Central government was Rs.67,470 crore, and for the state governments, it was Rs.69,354 crore in January 2023.

This marks the third instance within the current financial year where GST collections have exceeded the Rs.1.5 lakh crore threshold.

Factors Influencing January 2023 GST Collection

Throughout the preceding year, the government implemented numerous initiatives, including policy adjustments and amendments to GST legislation, aimed at enhancing compliance and broadening the GST taxpayer base. Evidence of these efforts is reflected in the increased filing percentages for both GSTR-1 (outward supplies return) and GSTR-3B (summary return). The period from October to December 2022 demonstrated an upward trend in return submissions, with a total of 2.42 crore GST returns filed, an increase from 2.19 crore in the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

The Ministry of Finance officially announced the January 2023 GST collection figures through a Press Information Bureau release on January 31, 2023.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax used in India on the supply of goods and services. It is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition.
What are the different components of GST?
GST in India is primarily divided into four components: Central GST (CGST) collected by the Central Government, State GST (SGST) collected by State Governments, Integrated GST (IGST) collected by the Central Government on inter-state transactions and imports, and Union Territory GST (UTGST) for Union Territories.
Who is required to register for GST?
Businesses exceeding a specified annual turnover threshold (which varies by state and type of business) are generally required to register for GST. Additionally, certain businesses, regardless of turnover, must compulsorily register, such as those involved in inter-state supply of goods, e-commerce operators, and non-resident taxable persons.
What is the purpose of filing GST returns?
Filing GST returns is essential for taxpayers to report their sales, purchases, input tax credit, and tax liability to the tax authorities. It ensures compliance with GST laws, helps in proper tax calculation, and facilitates the flow of input tax credit across the supply chain.
How are GST collections utilized by the government?
GST collections contribute significantly to the government's revenue. CGST and IGST funds are utilized by the Central Government for various developmental and administrative purposes, while SGST funds are used by respective State Governments to finance public services, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. IGST also includes a settlement mechanism to distribute revenue to states.
What is Integrated GST (IGST)?
Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) is levied on all inter-state supplies of goods and services, as well as on imports and exports. The revenue collected under IGST is then apportioned between the Central and State governments based on recommendations by the GST Council.
What is the importance of GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B?
GSTR-1 is a monthly or quarterly return detailing outward supplies (sales) made by a taxpayer. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return for declaring GSTR-1. GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return for declaring summarized details of outward supplies, inward supplies liable to reverse charge, and input tax credit claimed, along with the payment of tax.
How do policy changes affect GST collections?
Policy changes and amendments to GST law can significantly impact collections by broadening the taxpayer base, improving compliance, streamlining processes, or adjusting tax rates. These changes aim to make the tax system more efficient and increase revenue generation.
What is a 'cess' in the context of GST?
A cess under GST is an additional levy imposed on certain goods and services, over and above the regular GST rates. It is typically collected for specific purposes, such as compensating states for revenue losses due to GST implementation or funding particular projects like the 'Swachh Bharat Cess'.
How does technology aid in GST compliance?
Technology plays a crucial role in GST compliance through digital platforms for registration, return filing, e-invoicing, and e-way bills. It automates processes, reduces errors, enhances transparency, and provides taxpayers with tools to manage their GST obligations efficiently.