Panel recommends single GST rates at all levels

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) Giving voice to demands of some states, a task force constituted by the 13th Finance Commission has said the proposed Goods and Service Tax (GST) should have single rates at Central and state levels, and suggested postponement of its implementation by six months.

The task force suggested five per cent GST at the Central level and seven per cent at the state level.

The proposed tax will replace excise duty, service tax at the Central level and VAT at states level, besides cess, surcharges and local taxes.

States including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh are demanding deferment of GST implementation, saying there is still no consensus on its various aspects.

Citing lack of preparedness, the task force also said implementation of the GST scheduled for April 1, 2010 should be postponed by six months to October 1, 2010.