Forbes India
Gross Goods & Services Tax (GST) collection rose by 8.7 percent year-on-year in April to an all-time high of Rs2.43 lakh crore, marking a steady start to the new financial year despite continued global uncertainty.The growth was driven in large part by a sharp jump in collections from imported goods, which surged 25.8 percent to Rs57,580 crore. Domestic GST collections, however, grew at a more measured 4.3 percent to Rs1.85 lakh crore, according to official data released on Friday.April collections cap off a resilient FY26 for the GST regime, said Mahesh Jaising, partner & indirect tax leader, Deloitte India. “The nearly-26 percent year‑on‑year growth in import‑linked GST reflects sustained trade flows even in a volatile external environment.”Also Read: Demand compression in Indian economy a serious concern: Finance Ministry"Equally important is the steady performance of domestic GST revenues, which suggests that GST 2.0‑led rate rationalisation and simplification measures are beginning to support consumption and demand without materially eroding the tax base," he said.Net GST receipts, which account for refunds, stood at Rs2.11 lakh crore, up 7.3 percent from a year earlier.Gross central GST (CGST) collection stood at Rs52,140 crore, while state GST (SGST) receipts came in at Rs61,331 crore. Gross integrated GST (IGST) collection touched Rs1.29 lakh crore.Total refunds climbed 19.3 percent to Rs31,793 crore. Domestic refunds rose sharply by 54.6 percent to Rs19,996 crore, though export refunds through ICEGATE dipped 14 percent to Rs11,797 crore.“Higher domestic refunds point to faster, system‑driven processing and improved liquidity flows back to businesses,” said Jaising.At Rs22,929 crore, Maharashtra accounted for the highest GST revenue among states.On a post-settlement basis—which factors in SGST portion of IGST settled to states—SGST receipts jumped 40 percent to Rs1,17,496 crore, compared to Rs84,152 crore in April 2025, reflecting strong transfers to state governments.The April 2026 figures come on an already high base of Rs2.23 lakh crore seen in April 2025.“Taken together, the FY26 collections underscore a maturing GST framework—where policy adjustments, technology‑led administration and economic resilience are working in tandem to deliver stable revenue outcomes,” said Jaising.
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