GST on aerated beverages may be hiked to 35%

The GoM on GST rate rationalisation on Monday decided to hike tax on aerated beverages to 35 per cent from the present 28 per cent, an official said. In addition to this, the government is also planning to increase tax on other sin goods like cigarettes and tobacco.

The GoM report is expected to be discussed by the GST Council -- chaired by Union Finance Minister and comprising her state counterparts on December 21. A final decision on GST rate changes will be taken by the council.

Currently, GST is a four-tier tax structure with slabs at 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent.