Received a Tax Notice? Respond and Resolve with our Tax Experts.

Simplify Your GST Compliance with Expert Guidance!

GST Registration

GST Return

  • TrustedQuick & Easy Process
  • User RatingProfessional Guidance
  • SecureLegal and Tax Benefits

Have queries? Talk to an expert

linkedin
whatsapp

All About GST Compensation Cess

Updated on: 03 Feb, 2025 07:25 PM

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax merging different central and state taxes and levies on the supply of goods and services in India. It was implemented on 1st July 2017 to establish an efficient and simplified tax structure, reducing the spill effect of taxes and promoting a more business-friendly environment. Nevertheless, the GST rollout led to a decline in revenue for certain states, particularly those heavily reliant on taxes from the production of goods. In response, the GST (Compensation to States) Act 2017 was imposed, and the GST Compensation Cess was introduced to compensate for the revenue loss for these states.

Who needs to collect GST Compensation Cess?

All the taxpayer needs to collect GST compensation cess and remit it to the central government, then the central government distributes the remitted compensation cess to the respective state governments. However, taxpayers who export particular notified goods and opt for composition scheme are exempt from collecting GST compensation cess.


GST Compensation Cess Rates for Goods and Services

The GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, which has been amended over time, specifies the cess rates for different goods. The following table shows some of the goods and their cess rates:

Goods GST Compensation Cess
Cut Tobacco 0.14R per unit
Unmanufactured tobacco (with lime tube) 0.36R per unit
Unmanufactured tobacco (without lime tube) 0.36R per unit
Branded tobacco refuse 0.32R per unit
Tobacco extracts and essences bearing a brand name 0.36R per unit
Tobacco extracts and essences without a brand name 0.36R per unit
Jarda scented tobacco 0.56R per unit
Filter khaini 0.56R per unit
Cigarillos 21% or Rs. 4170 per thousand, whichever is higher
Cheroots and Cigar 21% or 4170 per thousand, whichever higher
Cigarettes containing tobacco, except filter cigarettes, of length not more than 65mm 5% + 2076 per thousand
Cigarettes that include tobacco, excluding filtered ones, with a length ranging from over 65mm to 75mm. 5% + 3668 per thousand
Filtered cigarettes with a total length, including the filter (which is either 11 millimeters or its actual length, whichever is greater), that does not surpass 65 millimeters. 5% + Rs.2076 per thousand
Filter cigarettes with a total length, inclusive of the filter (which has a minimum length of 11 millimeters or its actual length, whichever is greater), that surpasses 65 millimeters but does not exceed 70 millimeters. 5% + Rs.2747 per thousand
Filter cigarettes with a combined length, encompassing the filter (with a minimum length of 11 millimeters or its actual length, whichever is greater) within the bracket of 70 to 75 millimeters. 5% + Rs.3668 per thousand
Cigarillos of tobacco substitutes 12.5% or Rs. 4,006 per thousand, whichever is higher
Cigarettes of tobacco substitutes Rs.4006 per thousand
Branded ‘hookah’ or ‘gudaku’ tobacco 0.36R per unit
Smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes 290%
Tobacco used for smoking ‘Chillum’ or ‘Hookah’, commonly known as ‘hookah’ tobacco or ‘gudaku’, without a brand name 0.12R per unit
Other water pipe smoking tobacco without a brand name 0.08R per unit
Other smoking tobacco having a brand name 0.28R per unit
Other smoking tobacco without a brand name 0.08R per unit
Homogenized or reconstituted tobacco bearing a brand name 0.36R per unit
Chewing tobacco (with or without lime tube) 0.56R per unit
Preparations having chewing tobacco 0.36R per unit
Pan masala (gutkha) having tobacco 0.61R per unit
All goods, except pan masala having tobacco ‘gutkha’, with or without a brand name 0.43R per unit
Snuff, Preparations containing snuff 0.36R per unit
Solid fuels derived from lignite or coal, such as ovoids and briquettes, whether agglomerated or not, excluding jet and peat (including peat litter), whether or not agglomerated. Rs.400 per tonne
Lemonade, Aerated Waters, and Others 12%
Motorcycles with engine capacity exceeding 350 cc 3%
Aircraft (including helicopters, etc.) for personal use 3%
Yachts and other vessels for amusement or sports 3%
Motor vehicles for transport not having a capacity of more than 13 passengers, including the driver. 15%

GST Compensation Cess and Input Tax Credit

As a producer, you can use input tax credit (ITC) to reduce your GST liability. You only pay the difference between the tax already paid on raw materials and the tax on the final product. Essentially, you subtract the input tax (tax paid on purchases) from the output tax (tax paid on the final product) to lower your final GST liability.

You can also claim ITC on GST Cess paid when purchasing notified goods. However, this ITC can only be used to pay GST Cess, not CGST, SGST, or IGST.


How is the GST Compensation Cess Allocated to States?

State compensation is calculated as follows:

  • Base Revenue: The state's tax revenue from FY 2016-17 is used as the base.
  • Projected Revenue: This base revenue is projected forward for five years, assuming a 14% annual growth rate. This projected revenue represents the estimated revenue the state would have earned without GST. The five-year projection aligns with the five-year duration of the compensation cess.
  • Compensation Calculation: For each financial year, the compensation payable is calculated as the difference between the projected revenue and the state's actual revenue:
    Projected Revenue - Actual Revenue = Compensation Payable

These calculations are performed provisionally, and payments are made to states every two months. Any surplus remaining in the compensation fund at the end of the five-year transition period will be distributed between the central government and the states according to a pre-determined formula.


Benefits, Impact, And Effects Of The Cess On The States And The Consumers

The cess links the expected revenue and the actual collections of states post-GST implementation. The GST Council initially projected a 14% annual growth rate in state revenues based on the 2015-16 collection figures. However, factors like economic slowdown, compliance issues, rate adjustments, and technical glitches have led to GST collections falling short of the projected rate. This revenue shortfall particularly affects states with a significant manufacturing sector.

To address this gap, the cess acts as a compensatory mechanism, providing financial relief to states for a duration of five years or until they achieve the predicted growth rate. This interpretation positively impacts states' fiscal stability and economic development, especially those with a substantial manufacturing presence. By preventing fiscal strain during the GST transition, the cess ensures that states can continue investing in essential public services like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

Moreover, the cess upholds the fiscal autonomy of states, allowing them to allocate compensation funds based on their unique priorities and requirements. This flexibility authorizes states to make informed decisions, enhancing their ability to implement development policies effectively.

The cess also influences consumer behavior by affecting the demand for goods and services subject to it. Typically applied to items like luxury, sin, or demerit goods, as well as those with adverse environmental or health impacts, the cess aims to discourage consumption of such products. Examples include tobacco products, aerated beverages, motor vehicles, and coal. By increasing the prices of these items, the cess reduces their demand, thereby promoting social welfare and environmental sustainability. This strategy encourages consumers to opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.


Recent Changes in the Cess and its Implications

The government has officially announced the extension of the GST compensation cess until March 31, 2026. Originally scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2022, marking five years since the introduction of GST on July 1, 2017, this extension aims to offer continued financial assistance to states grappling with revenue losses resulting from the GST implementation.

In the Budget 2023-24, the government has also made adjustments to the cess rates for specific products, including motor vehicles, tobacco, and liquor. In particular, the cess on mid-sized cars has risen by 2% to reach 17%, large cars face a 5% increase to 22%, and SUVs experience a 7% hike to reach 25%. Further, the cess on tobacco and tobacco products has seen a 10% increase, now standing at 20%, while the cess on liquor has been raised by 5% to reach 15%. The government anticipates generating an additional revenue of ₹50,000 crore through these revised cess rates.

If you need help calculating compensation cess for your business, contact our Online CAs Now!


Frequently Asked Questions

Q- Who collects GST Compensation Cess?

The central government collects the GST Compensation Cess. The revenue collected is then used to compensate the states for any shortfall in their GST revenue.


Q- How are the rates of GST Compensation Cess determined?

The rates of GST Compensation Cess are determined by the GST Council, which consists of representatives from the central and state governments. The Council reviews the revenue position and recommends changes in cess rates if necessary.


Q- Is GST Compensation Cess applicable on all goods and services?

No, GST Compensation Cess is not applicable to all goods and services. It is levied on specific items that are considered demerit goods or luxury items, such as tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks.


CA Abhishek Soni

CA Abhishek Soni
Founder & CEO at Tax2win

Abhishek Soni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and an entrepreneur by passion. He has wide industry experience in telecom, retail, manufacturing, and entertainment and has handled various national and international assignments. He is the co-founder and CEO of Tax2win.in. Tax2win, an online tax filing platform, provides the easiest way to e-file your Income Tax Return in India. Through Tax2win.in, Abhishek endeavors to revolutionize how individuals file their income tax returns, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.