A consumption tax levied on the value added at each stage of the supply chain, used in many countries worldwide including Ireland, UK, Australia, and the EU.
VAT is similar in concept to GST but is the terminology used in most countries outside India. Each business in the supply chain charges VAT on its sales and reclaims VAT paid on its purchases — only remitting the difference to the tax authority. VAT rates vary by country (Ireland: 23% standard, UK: 20%, Australia GST: 10%). Businesses must register for VAT when turnover exceeds the threshold in their country.
An Irish retailer sells goods for €1,000 + 23% VAT (€230) = €1,230. They paid €100 VAT on purchases. VAT payable to Revenue = €230 − €100 = €130.
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They are conceptually the same tax — both are multi-stage value-added taxes. India calls it GST, while most other countries (Ireland, UK, EU) call it VAT. Australia also uses 'GST' for their 10% consumption tax.
Standard rate: 23%. Reduced rate: 13.5% (fuel, building services). Second reduced rate: 9% (newspapers, sports facilities). Livestock rate: 4.8%. Zero rate: 0% (food, children's clothing, books).
A comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India, replacing multiple earlier taxes like VAT, excise duty, and service tax.
The GST paid on business purchases that can be claimed as a credit against the GST collected on sales, reducing the net tax payable.
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