Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and top-end luxury cars are expected to cost more with states and the Centre seeking to increase the tax on these vehicles to correct a so-called “anomaly” that crept in when goods and services tax (GST) rates were decided.
The plan is to increase the cess from 15% to 25%. Currently, the levy on these vehicles, including the 28% GST, adds up to 43%, which will rise to 53% once the law is amended.
There are also plans to reduce rates on a number of products ranging from custard powder and idli and dosa batter to idols and prayer beads.
UP has been leading the charge for lower levies on many products.
There are several other items on which the fitment committee, comprising officers, is reviewing the rates.
They are likely to be decided when the GST Council meets in Hyderabad next month.
A higher cess will leave the Centre with more resources in the compensation fund that will be tapped to make good possible losses incurred by states due to GST rollout.
Small vehicles face 28% tax and a 1% cess, which will remain unchanged, along with the 3% cess on bikes with engine capacity of 350-500 cc.
The GST Council was reviewing the levy on high-end vehicles. While the Centre had pushed for the 15% levy, several states led by Tamil Nadu have argued that the tax incidence on SUVs and high-end cars such as those from BMW, Audi and Mercedes has come down.
The GST Council will discuss the issue and is likely to raise the compensation cess on luxury cars, through an amendment in the Act
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