GST Council cuts rates on hotels, hikes on caffeinated beverages

Small taxpayer given relief from filing annual tax returns

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Friday more than doubled the GST rate for caffeinated beverages such as Thums Up Charged and Red Bull from 18 per cent to 40 per cent while giving relief for hotels and outdoor catering services.

Despite the strong demand from industry to cut the rates for automobiles, the only reduction announced was for 11- to 13-seater mini bus and the cess component at that.

Besides, simplified returns, which are to kick in next month in a phased manner, were postponed to April 1 next year. Those with an annual turnover of up to Rs