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Economy
Exhibit 2: The first rendition of the GST regime that is likely to be implemented in India
Head Description
GST will be applicable on the supply of goods or services.
Alcoholic liquor for human consumption will be exempted from GST.
Scope of GST Initially, GST will not apply to: (a) petroleum crude, (b) high speed diesel, (c) motor spirit (petrol), (d) natural gas, and (e)
aviation turbine fuel. The GST Council will decide when GST will be levied on them.
Tobacco and tobacco products will be subject to GST. The Centre may also impose excise duty on tobacco.
Both, Parliament and state legislatures will have the power to make laws on the taxation of goods and services. A law
made by the Parliament in relation to GST will not override a state law on GST.
Levy of GST
The Central government will have the exclusive power to levy and collect GST in the course of inter-state trade or
commerce, or imports. This will be known as Integrated GST (IGST).
A Central law will prescribe the manner in which the IGST will be shared between the Centre and states, based
on the recommendations of the GST Council.
One of two scenarios are likely with respect to the rate of GST, namely:
GST rate Scenario 1: 18% (with or without 1% additional inter-state tax)
Scenario 2: 25% (with or without 1% additional inter-state tax)
Indirect taxes to be The following major taxes will be subsumed by GST:
subsumed by GST Value added tax (12.5%)
Central sales tax (2%)
Note: Figures in Service tax (14%)
parentheses indicate Excise duty (~12%)
the current rate for Customs duty (ranges from 0% to 150% with the average rate being 12%)
Central taxes Central value added tax (ranges from 8% to 20%)
An additional tax of up to 1% on the supply of goods will be levied by the Centre in the course of inter-state trade or
commerce. The tax will be collected by the Centre and directly assigned to the states from where the supply originates.
This tax will be levied for two years, or for a longer period, as recommended by the GST Council. The Central
Government may exempt certain goods from such additional tax.
Additional tax on
supply of goods The principles for determining the place of origin from where the supply of such goods takes place will be formulated by
a law of Parliament.
This extra tax has been mooted as GST is a “destination” based tax and hence states which are large manufacturers
rather than larger consumers believe that they could be short-changed. This 1% tax on inter-state trade at the source of
supply is meant to compensate such states.
The GST Council will consist of: (a) the Union Finance Minister (as Chairman), (b) the Union Minister of State in charge
of Revenue or Finance, and (c) the Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation or any other Minister, nominated by each
state government. All decisions of the GST Council will be made by three-fourth majority of the votes cast; the Centre
shall have one-third of the votes cast, and the states together shall have two-third of the votes cast.
GST council
The GST Council will make recommendations on: (a) taxes, cesses, and surcharges to be subsumed under the GST; (b)
goods and services which may be subject to, or exempt from GST; (c) the threshold limit of turnover for application of
GST; (d) rates of GST; (e) model GST laws, principles of levy, apportionment of IGST and principles related to place of
supply; (f) special provisions with respect to the eight north eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and
Uttarakhand; and (g) related matters.
The GST Council may decide the mechanism for resolving disputes arising out of its recommendations.
Compensation to
Parliament may, by law, provide for compensation to states for revenue “losses” arising out of the implementation of
GST, based on the recommendations of the GST Council. Such compensation will be paid for five years. These losses will
States
be estimated by taking current indirect tax collections by the States as the base.
Source: PRS legislative research, Media reports, Ambit Capital research
The GST (122nd Constitutional amendment bill) was passed by the Lok Sabha in May
2015 but could not be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha in the recently
concluded Monsoon Session due to disruption by the Opposition parties. Press reports
suggest that the Government is planning to call a Special Session of Parliament to try
to get the GST bill passed. However, such a session will only be called once the
Government is sure that it will be able to secure a two-third majority in the Rajya
Sabha (source: http://goo.gl/z9zdyX). Note that the Rajya Sabha has 245 members,
out of which the NDA accounts for only 64. Note further that given the sheer amount
of logistical work that will have to be done post GST being approved by the
Parliament, it is unlikely that GST will be implemented before April 2017.
The subsequent note is divided into the following sections:
Section 1 focusses on capturing cross-country experience on GST implementation.
Given the unique contours of the first rendition of the GST that India will implement,
in Section 2, we quantify the likely impact of GST implementation in India. Section 3
finally focusses on investment implications of the ushering in of the GST regime in
India.
Exhibit 4: New Zealand - GDP growth in New Zealand Exhibit 5: Canada – However, GDP growth slowed down in
increased post GST administration… Canada post GST implementation
CY06
(YoY change, in %)
Real GDP growth rate
3%
2% GST introduced GST further
in CY86 lowered in CY08
2%
1%
1%
0% 0%
Pre GST (CY81-85) CY86-89 Post GST (CY90- Pre GST CY91-06 CY06-08 Post GST
95) (CY86-90) (CY08-13)
Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research
Exhibit 6: Australia – GDP growth slowed down in Australia Exhibit 7: Thailand – GDP growth slowed down in Thailand
as well also
10%
8%
8%
3.5% 6%
3.4%
4%
2%
3.0% 0%
Pre GST (CY95-00) Post GST (2001-05) Pre GST (CY87-91) Post GST (CY92-96)
Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research
A survey of available research also suggests that the impact of indirect tax reforms on
GDP growth is ambiguous (see the exhibit below).
Exhibit 8: Research suggests that the impact of indirect tax reforms on GDP growth is ambiguous
Title of the paper Key relevant finding Source and Year
Consumption taxes should not in theory affect savings and investment decisions since future and
current consumption are treated equally, and they remain neutral with respect to various sources
The tax system in India: of income. Empirical evidence is mixed; however, some studies suggest that such taxes indeed IMF working paper,
Could reform spur growth? have no impact on employment and growth, but others find that – like income taxes, although to April, 2006
a lesser extent – they have a negative impact on growth by distorting the choice between labour
and leisure and also could depress savings.
Moving to Goods and
Services Tax in India: Impact Implementation of a comprehensive GST across goods and services is expected, ceteris paribus, NCAER,
on India’s Growth and to provide gains to India’s GDP somewhere within a range of 0.9-1.7%. December, 2009
International Trade
Source: Various academic publications, Ambit Capital research
In the Indian context, of particular relevance is the oft quoted 2009 NCAER study
titled “Moving to Goods and Services Tax in India: Impact on India’s Growth and
International Trade” where the authors claim that the implementation of GST will
provide gains to India’s GDP somewhere between 0.9% and 1.7%. However, the
study assumes a flawless GST with no exemptions and no extra inter-state taxes. The
GST which has been planned is far from ideal, with exemptions and inter-state taxes.
Therefore, it is difficult to comment upon the impact of GST on GDP growth unless we
have a clear picture on the structure of rates and other distortions such as the
exemptions and the inter-state tax.
Exhibit 9: New Zealand - Inflation rates were lower in New Exhibit 10: Canada – Inflation rates were lower in Canada
Zealand post GST implementation… as well
(YoY change, in %)
4%
(YoY change, in %)
CPI
8%
CPI
2%
4% 3% 1%
0% 0%
Pre GST (CY81- CY86-89 Post GST (CY90- Pre GST CY91-06 CY06-08 Post GST
85) 95) (CY86-90) (CY08-13)
Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research
Exhibit 11: Australia - Adjusting for domestic supply Exhibit 12: Thailand - Adjusting for domestic supply
constraints, inflation rates were lower in Australia post GST constraints, inflation rates were lower in Thailand post GST
implementation implementation
4% 6%
3%
(YoY change, in %)
(YoY change, in %)
3% 5% 5%
5%
CPI inflation
2%
CPI
2% 4%
1% 3%
0% 2%
Pre GST (CY95-00) Post GST (2001-05) Pre GST (CY87-91) Post GST (CY92-96)
Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research Source: IMF, Ambit Capital research
Exhibit 13: New Zealand - GST increased the tax-to-GDP Exhibit 14: Canada – The tax-to-GDP ratio first increased
ratio in New Zealand and then decreased in Canada when rates were raised
34%
Tax-to-GDP ratio
34%
(in %)
32%
(in %)
32% 32%
31% 31%
30%
28% 28%
Pre GST (CY81- CY86-89 Post GST Pre GST CY91-06 CY06-08 Post GST
85) (CY90-95) (CY86-90) (CY08-13)
Source: OECD, Ambit Capital research Source: OECD, Ambit Capital research
Exhibit 15: Australia - The tax-to-GDP ratio in Australia Exhibit 16: Thailand – The tax-to-GDP ratio also increased
also increased after implementing GST… in Thailand
30% 11%
30% 11%
Tax to GDP ratio
10%
(in %)
(in %)
29% 29%
9%
9%
28% 8%
Pre GST (CY95-00) Post GST (2001-05) Pre GST (CY87-91) Post GST (CY92-96)
Source: OECD, Ambit Capital research Source: CEIC, Ambit Capital research
A GST of 25%: At this rate, the Government’s tax-to-GDP ratio will receive a 1-
2% point boost (see the exhibit below). Assuming that the incremental tax
revenue is expended on capex, this will have a positive impact on GDP growth.
The incremental Government expenditure will be magnified through the fiscal
multiplier for capital expenditure which in India’s case is roughly 2.45 (source:
NIPFP), implying that every additional rupee spent by the Government will have a
2.45x multiplier effect on spurring further spending.
Exhibit 17: At GST of 25%, the total tax-to-GDP ratio could jump by 2% points
In ` trillion
Total indirect tax Total direct tax Total tax to GDP Change in
collections (Centre collections (Centre ratio (Centre total tax to
+ States) + States) + States) GDP ratio
Current 13.5 6.8 17.8% Not applicable
At RNR of 18% 13.5 6.8 17.8% 0%
At 25% 16.4 6.8 19.7% 1.9%
Source: Indian Public Finance Statistics, NIPFP, Ambit Capital research; Note: The data pertains to FY14
Note that demand for Services will suffer under both the scenarios, given that the
current Service Tax rate of 14% is lower than the GST rate in both the scenarios.
Inflation
Inflation in India could be lowered if the GST rate is lower than the effective tax rate
Inflation in India could be lowered
payable currently on Goods.
if the GST rate is lower than the
Currently, the effective tax rate for goods in India works out to be ~24% after effective tax rate payable currently
accounting for all the indirect taxes taken cumulatively (see the exhibit below). The on goods
effective tax rate for services currently stands at 14%.
Exhibit 18: Currently, the effective tax rate for most goods comes to ~24%
Sector CENVAT VAT CST Effective tax rate
Automobiles 8-20% 12.5% 2% 24 - 38%
Cement 8% 12.5% 2% 24%
FMCG 8% 12.5% 2% 24%
Source: Ambit Capital research
A GST rate of 18% (with or without the 1% additional inter-state tax) is therefore likely However, a GST rate of 25% will
to help bring down overall inflation, as most goods pay an effective tax rate of 24% in be inflationary
the current set-up. However, a GST rate of 25% (with or without the 1% additional
inter-state tax) will increase the cost of most goods in India and therefore will be
inflationary.
Tax-to-GDP ratio
India’s tax-to-GDP ratio has been rangebound between 8% and 12% over the past
two decades (see the exhibit below). Furthermore, a comparison with peers as well as
with developed countries like the UK points to the vast tax-revenue-generating
potential in India.
Exhibit 19: India’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains abysmally low Exhibit 20: India’s tax-to-GDP ratio is lower than that of
at 11% as per FY15 Budget Estimates most its emerging market peers
14% 30%
India's tax revenue
12%
(as a % of GDP)
25%
10%
(as % of GDP)
Brazil
Tax revenue
8% 20%
India
6%
15% Russia
4%
2% 10% South Africa
0% 5% Thailand
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015
Malaysia
0%
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: CEIC, Ambit Capital research, Note: Data is presented on financial Source: World Bank, Ambit Capital research, Note: Data is presented on
year basis calendar year basis.
The Central tax-to-GDP ratio looks likely to rise by 1-2% points (if the GST rate is
higher than the revenue neutral rate):
1) India’s current indirect tax-to-GDP ratio (Centre + States) and the likely GST will boost the Government’s
boost due to GST: GST will boost the Government’s revenue by increasing the revenue by increasing the tax base,
tax base, as the Indian unorganised sector will come under the purview of the as the Indian unorganised sector
GST. Given that 59% of the total output in India is produced in the unorganised will come under the purview of the
sector, this can boost the Government’s revenue to a considerable extent if GST is GST
able to bring even a part of the unorganised sector under its ambit.
2) India’s current direct-tax-to-GDP ratio (Centre only) and the likely boost
due to GST: One of the leading GST experts in India highlights that GST
implementation is likely to result in lifting direct tax collections, as: (1) GST
payments by tax-payers will be linked to their respective Permanent Account
Number (PAN); and (2) the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) which
maintains the Tax information System (TIN) will also look after the GST database.
This integration of the indirect tax system with the direct tax system will enable
authorities to triangulate information, thereby automatically leading to improved
tax buoyancy.
As explained in the previous section, a GST rate of 25% (which is substantially higher
than the revenue neutral rate) will boost the Government’s tax-to-GDP ratio and if
this amount is spent on capex, this is likely to have a positive impact on GDP growth.
Automobiles
Currently, majority of inputs used for manufacturing auto components are subject to Under GST, increased taxes on
4% VAT, whereas auto components and automobiles are subject to 12.5% VAT
these inputs will be available as set
(except 4% applicable to tractors). Under GST, increased taxes on these inputs will be
off, which is not the case currently.
available as set off, which is not the case currently.
The effective tax rate applicable on small cars (engine capacity of less than or equal
to 1999 cc) is ~24%, whilst for luxury cars (engine capacity of more than 1999 cc) it is
~38%. Post GST implementation, the sector seems likely to have lower effective taxes
which should help reduce the sticker price for consumers.
Cement
The major inputs for the sector include limestone, gypsum, coal, and fly ash. The
facilities are usually located near limestone mines; gypsum/coal is purchased either
locally or through inter-state transactions. As per the prevalent tax structure, inputs
are subject to ~4% VAT; however, cement bags are taxed at 12.5% VAT. Under GST,
increased taxes on these inputs will be available as set off, which is not the case
currently.
The aggregate effective indirect tax in the industry is ~24%. With GST in place, the
effective rate will be lowered, thus lowering the price of cement for the end
consumer.
FMCG
The main inputs for this sector, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, are edibles (wheat,
flour, and sugar), palm oil, caustic soda, flavours and fragrances, amongst others.
Inputs in the sector are levied with an excise of ~4%, except edibles, whilst VAT on
products ranges from 4.0% to 12.5%. Under GST, increased taxes on these inputs will
be available as set off, which is not the case currently.
In aggregate, the effective tax rate on these products comes to ~24%. With a low-
rate GST, the sector will benefit from reduced price of the final product.
GST is likely to increase market share gain of the organised segment, as the
unorganised segment stands to lose under the new world of GST. This will happen,
as:
GST will bring scale economies in distribution logistics and help players with
greater financial strength.
The unorganised sector will become less competitive under the GST, as input
taxes will be available for set off and the price differential between organised and
unorganised will decrease (see the exhibit below).
Exhibit 22: Product pricing divergence between organised/unorganized
*Price
Market Organised Organised difference
Home Price difference explained by
size share market size (organised vs
building
unorganised)
segments
Productio Labour A&P/
(` bn) (%) (` bn) (%) **Taxes
n costs payments others
Light
379 67% 254 30% 9% 8% 6% 7%
Electricals
Paints 314 65% 204 13% 1% 3% 1% 8%
Tiles 210 40% 84 30% 8% 6% 5% 11%
Pipes 120 65% 78 25% 12% 10% 0% 3%
Plyboards 150 30% 45 25% 5% 12% 4% 4%
Sanitaryware 30 48% 14 20% 4% 9% 3% 4%
Source: Ambit Capital research, management meetings, Note: * As a percentage of market prices of organised
players, ** Most important component of the price difference is excise duties
Services
The service sector will be negatively impacted by the increase in the effective tax rate
from the current 14%. The tax base for Services is also likely to increase
significantly, as GST will be levied on a much larger base of goods and services
(against the current practice of levying tax only on the Services explicitly specified).
The extent of levy of service tax on the Banking & Financial Services sector however is
restricted to fee income and charges. Fees and charges collected account for 1-
1.5%% of the assets of listed lenders and GST will have a negative impact on the
sector by eating into this. Other services such as aviation, media and telecom too will
be negatively affected by GST.
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