The government has introduced significant price cuts for consumers just before the festive season. The GST Council, in its meeting on September 3rd, implemented substantial changes in the GST slabs. Specifically, the 12% and 28% slabs have been eliminated, resulting in only 5% and 18% slabs. This reform will reduce the cost of several household items, including Smart TVs and Air Conditioners, which will become more affordable from September 22nd.
Previously, Smart TVs and air conditioners were taxed at a rate of 28% under GST. With the new changes, the GST on these appliances will be 18%. This adjustment means that consumers will now pay less for these products.
Let’s delve into the pricing details. Here’s how the cost savings translate for different products: 43-inch and 55-inch TVs, and air conditioners priced at ₹25,000 and ₹35,000. It’s important to note that the GST rate for 32-inch TVs remains unchanged, and the reduction applies only to larger screen sizes.
**Price Comparison for 43-inch Smart TV**
* Current Price (Flipkart): ₹22,499
* 28% GST: ₹6,299
* Pre-GST Price: ₹16,200
* 18% GST: ₹4,274
* New Price: ₹20,474
* Price Difference: ₹2,025
**Price Comparison for 55-inch TV (₹31,999)**
* Current Price (Flipkart): ₹31,999
* 28% GST: ₹8,959
* Pre-GST Price: ₹23,039
* 18% GST: ₹4,147
* New Price: ₹27,186
* Price Difference: ₹4,813
**Price Comparison for ₹25,000 AC**
* 1.5 Ton Window AC Price (Flipkart): ₹25,990
* 28% GST: ₹7,277
* Pre-GST Price: ₹18,712
* 18% GST: ₹3,368
* New Price: ₹22,080
* Price Difference: ₹3,910
**Price Comparison for ₹35,000 AC**
* 1.5 Ton Split AC Price (Flipkart): ₹35,990
* 28% GST: ₹10,077
* Pre-GST Price: ₹25,912
* 18% GST: ₹4,664
* New Price: ₹30,576
* Price Difference: ₹5,414