GST Council Rolls Out Two-Slab Tax, Adds 40% ‘Sin’ Tier

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Business Finance

The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved sweeping reforms to India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), effective from 22 September 2025, coinciding with the Navratri festival. New GST Structure Under the new framework, the existing four tax slabs—5%, 12%, 18%,

Business Finance

GST Council to Meet Sept 3–4 on Two-Slab Reform

By BPN News Desk August 23, 2025

The 56th GST Council meeting will be held on September 3 and 4, 2025, in New Delhi. Both sessions will begin at 11 a.m., while a preparatory officers’ meeting is scheduled for September 2. Proposal for Two Main Slabs The Centre is expected to present a proposal to reduce the goods and services tax (GST) […]

Government Policies National

GoM Backs Scrapping 12% and 28% GST Slabs

By BPN News Desk August 21, 2025

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has approved the Centre’s proposal to simplify the goods and services tax system. The panel has recommended scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs and consolidating the structure into just two major rates — 5% for essential and merit goods and 18% for standard items. Shift of […]

Government Policies National

Government Withdraws Income Tax Bill, Planning Fresh Version

By BPN News Desk August 8, 2025

The Indian government has formally withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 13. The decision follows a detailed review and feedback from a parliamentary select committee that identified several provisions needing revision. Why Was the Bill Pulled Back? Key areas flagged for changes include provisions related to […]

Business Finance

Panel Recommends Refund Relief for Late ITR Filers

By BPN News Desk July 21, 2025

A parliamentary panel reviewing the draft Income Tax Bill, 2025 has recommended that small taxpayers should be allowed to claim income tax refunds even if they fail to file their returns by the deadline. The suggestion comes as a relief for individuals earning below the taxable limit who often lose their deducted tax (TDS) due […]

Op-Eds Opinion

GST vs UPI: How Bureaucracy Hijacked Digital India’s Crown Jewel

By BPN News Desk July 21, 2025

India’s digital economy was supposed to be a story of empowerment — of chaiwalas flashing QR codes, fruit vendors skipping change hassles, and small businesses riding the wave of UPI-powered inclusion. But just when the country seemed to be turning the corner on cash, the bureaucracy decided to remind everyone who’s really in charge. The […]

Business Finance

Panel Clears Income Tax Bill With 285 Changes

By BPN News Desk July 17, 2025

The Parliamentary Standing Committee has approved the Income Tax Bill, 2025 with a total of 285 suggested changes, aiming to simplify tax procedures, reduce litigation timelines, and improve overall compliance. The bill is set to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, with implementation targeted for the next financial year. One of the […]