GST

Goods & Service Tax (GST) was launched with much fanfare by the Central Govt along with all State govts on 1st July 2017. There was indication given by govt that few things will become cheaper and some of the things will become slightly expensive. But till date, ie almost 40 days after the introduction of GST, some of the things are still not clear in the consumer’s mind and there are many instances where traders are taking consumers for ride by charging them extra tax.

I would like to share few of my experiences on this issue:

1. Generally I buy my medicine on monthly basis.  I ordered my medicine during 1st week of July 2017, when I saw the invoice GST was charged at 18%( 9% SGST+9%CGST). Although all the medicines were having manufactured date of pre July 2017 where MRP was printed , which means all the taxes were inclusive in the MRP. That time I thought the things may not be clear to medicine supplier, therefore on MRP GST was charged.
2. But this month also when I received my medicines it was again same  thing. All the medicines were having pre July manufacturing date and again GST was charged at 18%, it only means that there is still no clarity on this issue and consumer is paying double taxes.
3. We generally go to one restaurant  for having snacks or meals some times. I remember  their menu , and when we went recently to the same restaurant we were charged GST at 18%(9%+9%). The menu was the same old one, the earlier rate used be inclusive of all taxes, but the restaurant management without reducing the  rates of the items ( by reducing the the amount of earlier taxes) charged the GST, which is unfair to customer.
4. This type of things are happening to so many other establishments. So when you ask for bill they generally charged the GST  on the printed price without checking  whether the printed MRP price is with or without GST paid.
5. Same thing happened when this month  I purchased my monthly grocery and toiletry from a famous store in the mall, there also on the items manufactured pre July 2017 GST was charged.

I do not understand when this is going to end and what is the solution to this problem. As govt is getting double taxes they are least bothered. Everybody was knowing that GST was going to be introduced in July 2017, then why there is so much stock of items manufactured before July 2017 in the market. Secondly why the manufacturers’ and traders  are not declaring their new prices  in the market. If the traders or manufacturers are having stock of some items where taxes have been paid already why they are not approaching govt for allowing them to put a new label on the items, which should clearly says that item rate so much + taxes paid so much. So afterwards when GST is charged to consumer than already paid taxes should be deducted from GST value and  invoice should be raised accordingly. But every body has found easier way out by charging GST on the Printed MRP and let the customer suffer.

So what you say my friends.Please share your experiences on this matter.

Awaiting for your feed backs and comments