GST Council Meeting Shifted to October 7, Focus Likely on Simplifying GST System

GST Council Meeting Shifted to October 7, Focus Likely on Simplifying GST System

New Delhi, Sep 7: The 57th meeting of the GST Council has been rescheduled from September 12 to October 7 as the earlier date coincides with the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The meeting will be preceded by discussions among senior GST officials on October 5 and 6. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will chair the meeting, which will bring together representatives from the Centre and state governments.

The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on making the GST system simpler and more business-friendly. Improving compliance procedures, resolving pending issues and providing greater clarity on GST rules are likely to remain important areas of discussion.

Another key objective will be to improve GST administration and reduce difficulties faced by businesses and taxpayers. The Council may also look at ways to streamline procedures related to tax payments, refunds and input tax credit.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the Centre and states to review the functioning of the GST framework and discuss measures that can improve revenue collection while keeping compliance manageable for businesses.

The GST Council last met in September 2025, when major changes were approved in the GST rate structure. The revised system introduced 5 per cent and 18 per cent as the main tax rates, while a 40 per cent rate was retained for selected luxury and demerit goods.

The October 7 meeting is expected to be closely watched by businesses, consumers and state governments. Any decision aimed at simplifying procedures and improving the GST framework could make compliance easier and provide greater certainty for businesses.