The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax that is applied to most goods and services in India. This tax system was implemented to simplify the previous complex tax structure and bring about a uniform tax regime across the country. Bed mattresses, being a common household item, also fall under the purview of GST. The GST rate on bed mattresses is determined by the GST Council, and it has undergone several changes since its introduction in 2017.What is the GST rate on bed mattresses?
The GST rate on bed mattresses in India is currently fixed at 12%. This rate is applicable to all types of bed mattresses, including spring, foam, coir, and latex mattresses. However, there are some exceptions to this rate, which we will discuss in the later sections. It is essential to note that the GST rate is calculated on the transaction value of the mattress, which includes the cost of the mattress, any discounts, and other charges like shipping and handling.Understanding the GST rate on bed mattresses in India
To calculate the GST on bed mattresses, you first need to determine the transaction value of the mattress. Then, you need to multiply this value by the applicable GST rate of 12%. For example, if the transaction value of a bed mattress is ₹10,000, the GST amount would be ₹1,200 (10,000 x 12%). The total cost of the mattress including GST would be ₹11,200.How to calculate GST on bed mattresses?
The GST rate of 12% is applicable to all bed mattresses, regardless of their size. This means that the GST amount for a single mattress and a king-size mattress would be the same, as long as their transaction values are the same. However, there are some variations in the GST rate for different sizes of mattresses when it comes to input tax credit, which we will discuss in the next section.GST rate on bed mattresses for different sizes
The introduction of GST has had a significant impact on the prices of bed mattresses. Before GST, different types of taxes like VAT, excise duty, and service tax were applied, leading to a higher tax burden on the end consumer. With the implementation of GST, the overall tax burden has reduced, resulting in a decrease in prices. However, some manufacturers have also increased their prices to compensate for the loss of input tax credit, which they could claim under the previous tax regime.Impact of GST on bed mattress prices
The GST rate on bed mattresses in India is relatively low compared to many other countries. In countries like the US and Canada, bed mattresses are subject to sales tax, which can range from 5% to 15%. In Australia, a 10% Goods and Services Tax is applied to bed mattresses. However, in countries like the UK and Germany, bed mattresses are exempt from GST.Comparison of GST rates on bed mattresses in different countries
With the rise of e-commerce, many people prefer to buy bed mattresses online. The GST rate for online purchases of bed mattresses is the same as that for offline purchases, which is 12%. However, in some cases, e-commerce platforms may offer discounts and cashback, which can reduce the effective GST rate for the consumer.GST rate on bed mattresses for online purchases
There are some exemptions and concessions on GST for bed mattresses, which vary depending on the type and size of the mattress. As mentioned earlier, there is no GST on bed mattresses in the UK and Germany. In India, GST is not applicable to mattresses made of cotton, silk, wool, or jute. Additionally, mattresses with a transaction value of less than ₹1,000 are exempt from GST. For mattresses used in hospitals, hotels, and educational institutions, the GST rate is 5% with no input tax credit.Exemptions and concessions on GST for bed mattresses
Under the GST system, businesses can claim input tax credit, which allows them to offset the GST paid on their purchases against the GST collected on their sales. In the case of bed mattresses, manufacturers can claim input tax credit on the raw materials and other inputs used in the manufacturing process. However, retailers and consumers cannot claim input tax credit on the purchase of bed mattresses.How to claim GST input tax credit on bed mattresses?
The GST rate on bed mattresses has undergone some changes in recent years. In 2017, when GST was first implemented, the rate was 28%. It was then reduced to 18% in November 2017, and further reduced to 12% in November 2018. The most recent change was in March 2020, when the GST rate for mattresses used in hospitals, hotels, and educational institutions was reduced from 12% to 5%.Recent changes in GST rates for bed mattresses