5 jaw-dropping facts about Sin Tax
Before we start with the facts about Sin Tax, let us ask you a question. Are you sinning? Aren't you sure? Fine, let us then ask you a few more questions. Do you smoke, consume alcohols, eat tobacco or paan masala, take drugs, etc.? If yes, then you are unquestionably sinning. You might be thinking how these could be sins. And the answer is because such products affect human health and aren't safe to consume.
To your surprise, the Government of India has imposed the highest tax on sinning products because of certain reasons described later in this blog.
Therefore, in this blog, we aim to make you aware of the various aspects of Sin Tax in India. Here, we have discussed five facts that we are sure a very few of us know. So, let's get started without making any more delays-
What is meant by Sin Tax?
Sin tax is an excise or sales tax levied on the purchase of certain goods that are harmful to society and individuals. For instance, items such as drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and tobacco, soft drinks, fast foods, beverages, pornography, and gambling are injurious to health as well as for society.
Sin Tax is also applicable to luxury cars since they contribute to emitting pollution in excess. Everything that damages the environment and affects the people and society whether directly or indirectly comes in the category of sin.
5 Unknown facts about Sin Tax in India
Until now, we have understood what Sin Tax is and why the government has imposed this tax. But there are a few things that we aren't still aware of, and that's what we will learn in this blog. So, let's have a look below at some surprising facts on Sin Tax-
- The Government has imposed the highest tax rates on Sin goods
Yes, it's true. Currently, in India, the GST council has proposed a 4-tier rate structure with two standard rates 12% and 18%, a lower rate of 5% for the essentials and a higher rate of 28% for sin items and luxury goods.
- The reason for the highest tax is to lower the consumption of sin items
Well, it could be somewhat shocking to all, but yes that's the reason. In fact, there are two main reasons why the government of India has imposed the highest tax rates on sinning items. They are as follows:
- To discourage the consumption of undesirable goods;
- To force industries producing these goods to pay higher taxes so that they can be used to fund other welfare expenditure.
- Panels suggest higher sin tax of 40% on tobacco and alcohol
Based on the article published in Times of India, the Niti Aayog has proposed and suggested a higher Sin tax of 40% on the items such as tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages and soda, etc.
Such items contribute to air pollution, malnutrition, and dietary risks which are the biggest contributors to disease burden in India. The reason behind the tough measure is to upgrade the country's public and preventive health system.
- WHO recommends countries to impose at least 75% or more on Sinning goods
WHO, known as the World Health Organization, prescribes countries to impose the tax of at least 75% or more of the retail price to achieve the dual objective of reducing the use or consumption of tobacco and alcohol and for increasing government revenue?
- Sin Tax in India is very low as compared to other countries
Despite imposing the highest tax on sinning items, India is still known to have imposed the lowest tax rates on tobacco and alcohols as compared to other middle-income countries, including those in South Asia.
Conclusion
Whatever tax percentage has been imposed on sinning items, it's clear that the prime purpose of imposing Sin Tax is to achieve the dual objective of lessening the use of tobacco and increasing the government revenue to be used for other welfare associations. If you are still in doubts, for GST Registration then contact Enterslice. Our team of experts will help you with your queries.
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