GST Council reduces tax rate on electric vehicles to 5% from 12%

29 Jul 2019 Evaluate

With an aim to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly mobility solutions, the high-powered Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has decided to reduce the tax rate on electric vehicles (EVs) to 5% from the existing 12%. The finance ministry, in its 36th meeting of the GST Council, said that the new GST rate on EVs will be effective from August 1. Additionally, the tax rate on chargers or charging stations for EVs has been slashed to 5% from 18%. The council also approved GST exemption for hiring of electric buses (of carrying capacity of more than 12 passengers) by local authorities from August 1.

The GST Council also took certain decisions regarding changes in GST law. The last date for filing of intimation, in Form GST CMP-02, for availing the option of payment of tax (by exclusive supplier of services) has been extended from July 31 to September 30. Further, the last date for furnishing statement containing the details of the self-assessed tax in Form GST CMP-08 for the June quarter (by taxpayers under composition scheme) has been extended to August 31. The earlier deadline was July 31.

The government has been taking initiative to popularise environment friendly EVs. In the Union Buget 2019-20, the government provided additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase EVs. Besides, customs duty has been exempted on certain parts of EVs to further incentivise e-mobility in the country. The Centre has also approved Rs 10,000 crore to encourage faster adoption of EVs in the country under the FAME II scheme, which aims to encourage faster adoption of such vehicles by right incentives and charging infrastructure.

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