24/01/2026
The Three Components of GST
GST is a destination-based tax on the consumption of goods and services. It is divided into three parts to ensure both the Central and State governments receive their share of revenue.
1. CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax)
• What it is: The component of GST collected by the Central Government.
• When it applies: It applies to Intra-state supplies (transactions happening within the same state).
• Revenue goes to: The Central Government.
• Note: It is always charged simultaneously with SGST.
2. SGST (State Goods and Services Tax)
• What it is: The component of GST collected by the State Government.
• When it applies: It applies to Intra-state supplies (transactions happening within the same state).
• Revenue goes to: The State Government where the consumption takes place.
• Note: If the transaction happens in a Union Territory (like Chandigarh or Andaman & Nicobar), it is called UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax) instead of SGST.
3. IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax)
• What it is: A tax levied on all Inter-state supplies (transactions happening between two different states).
• When it applies: It applies when goods move from one state to another, and also on imports/exports.
• Revenue goes to: Collected by the Central Government, but subsequently divided between the Centre and the Destination State based on mutually agreed rates.
• Note: IGST replaces the old Central Sales Tax (CST).
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How it Works: Intra-state vs. Inter-state
To understand which tax to apply, you simply need to look at the location of the Supplier and the Place of Supply (Buyer).
Transaction Type Location of Supplier vs. Buyer Applicable Taxes
Intra-State Same State (e.g., Mumbai to Pune) CGST + SGST (Split 50/50)
Inter-State Different States (e.g., Mumbai to Bangalore) IGST (100% of the rate)
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Real-World Examples
Let's assume the GST rate for a specific electronic item is 18%.
Scenario A: Intra-State Sale (Within the same state)
• Situation: A dealer in Maharashtra sells goods worth ₹10,000 to a consumer in Maharashtra.
• Tax Calculation: Since the location is the same, both CGST and SGST apply. The 18% rate is split equally.
o CGST (9%): ₹900 (Goes to Central Govt)
o SGST (9%): ₹900 (Goes to Maharashtra Govt)
• Total Tax: ₹1,800
Scenario B: Inter-State Sale (Between two states)
• Situation: A dealer in Maharashtra sells goods worth ₹10,000 to a consumer in Karnataka.
• Tax Calculation: Since the goods are moving across state lines, only IGST applies.
o IGST (18%): ₹1,800 (Collected by Central Govt, then shared with Karnataka)
• Total Tax: ₹1,800
Key Takeaway: The total tax amount paid by the consumer remains the same (₹1,800) in both cases; only the administrative division of that tax changes based on the location.
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