As part of an attempt to make life simpler for small businesses, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided on Thursday to double the registration limit for manufacturing units, kirana and garment stores to an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh, while opening a window for service providers such as beauty parlours to pay tax at a flat rate without having to file detailed returns.
Coming weeks before general elections are announced, the move is seen as an attempt to assuage small traders and businessmen, who have been complaining about high compliance burden. Last month, the Council, headed by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, had reduced levies on several items as part of the tax rationalisation drive meant to benefit consumers.
 

As part of an attempt to make life simpler for small businesses, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided on Thursday to double the registration limit for manufacturing units, kirana and garment stores to an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh, while opening a window for service providers such as beauty parlours to pay tax at a flat rate without having to file detailed returns.
Coming weeks before general elections are announced, the move is seen as an attempt to assuage small traders and businessmen, who have been complaining about high compliance burden. Last month, the Council, headed by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, had reduced levies on several items as part of the tax rationalisation drive meant to benefit consumers.