No change in GST rate on smartphones, TVs in India; viral claim fake

Mobile phones, TV prices are not reducing in India

The Ministry of Finance recently shared a tweet featuring an image displaying a table illustrating the tax rates applicable to electronic goods, such as smartphones, in India.

The “Relief Through GST on Household Goods” table presents two columns. The first column displays the tax rate on a specific gadget prior to the implementation of GST six years ago, while the second column indicates the current GST rate for that gadget.

The image has gone viral, accompanied by a claim that the government will be reducing the GST on electronic devices starting July 1st. It is being suggested that this reduction will lead to a decrease in prices for items such as phones, TVs, refrigerators, and more.

The claim is untrue, and the illustration table, which has been widely shared, may be somewhat perplexing, but it does not contain any factual inaccuracies.

Before the implementation of GST in India, mobile phones were subject to both direct and indirect taxes, resulting in an approximate tax rate of 31 percent. Currently, a GST of 18 percent is applicable. The same applies to the other gadgets mentioned in the table.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted

As per Twitter users, there was a widespread belief that the government was planning to decrease the GST rate, specifically on mobile phones, from 31 percent to 18 percent. Several users have shared and reposted a message that claims electronic gadget prices in India will decrease starting from July 1st.

That is entirely incorrect because the GST rate for gadgets has not been changed. A mobile phone currently has an 18 percent GST tax rate. This rate will stay the same unless the government decides to change it.