GST 2.0 may be reality by 2019, with changes in tax rates, clarity on cess

The GST Council is also grappling with the issue of imposing a sugar cess at the rate of Rs 3 per kg to address the plight of farmers

Goods and services tax (GST), which is turning one on Sunday, is likely to usher in significant reforms by 2019, experts and consultants believe. The changes could be in terms of tax rates, expansion of ambit, system of advance rulings, clarity on cess and procedural issues. But, some tweaking is possible much sooner. For instance, minor rate cuts in the range of 1-2 percentage points may be announced to incentivise digitalisation, anti-profiteering authority is likely to start imposing fine on companies and the refunds process is expected to be more streamlined.
 
Some of the major changes, including single return