GST Rate Revision on Sale of Old and Used Vehicles
(Updates from the 55th GST Council Meeting)

August 04, 2025

On December 21, 2024, the 55th GST Council Meeting introduced key amendments affecting the taxation of old and used vehicles. This amendment aims to streamline taxation in the automobile resale market while ensuring clarity in compliance.

Press Release Highlights

GST Rate Revision on Sale of Old and Used Vehicles
  • The GST rate has been increased from 12% to 18% on the sale of all old and used vehicles, other than those specified at 18%.
  • GST is applicable only on the margin of the supplier (difference between purchase price and selling price or depreciated value).
  • The tax is not applicable if the sale is made by an unregistered person.

Revised GST Rates

S. No. Chapter / Heading Description of Goods Previous GST Rate* Revised GST Rate**
1 8703 Old and used petrol/LPG/CNG vehicles of engine capacity 1200cc or more and length 4000mm or more 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST) 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST)
2 8703 Old and used diesel vehicles of engine capacity 1500cc or more and length 4000mm or more 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST) 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST)
3 8703 Old and used SUVs of engine capacity exceeding 1500cc, length exceeding 4000mm, and ground clearance ≥ 170mm 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST) 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST)
4 87 All other old and used vehicles 6% (CGST) + 6% (SGST) 9% (CGST) + 9% (SGST)

* As per Notification No. 8/2018-Central Tax (Rate) dated 25th January 2018
** Notification No. 04/2025-Central Tax (Rate) dated 16th January 2025

Margin-Based GST Computation

GST is applicable only on the difference between purchase price and selling price (or depreciated value, if applicable). Negative margins are ignored. No margin-based exemption is allowed if ITC was claimed earlier.

Scenario Purchase Price (₹) Selling Price (₹) Depreciated Value (₹) Margin (₹) GST Basis GST Amount (₹)
Registered Dealer (Depreciation Claimed)10,00,0007,00,0006,00,0001,00,000Margin18,000
Registered Dealer (No Depreciation)7,00,00010,00,000-3,00,000Margin54,000
Negative Margin (No GST)7,00,0006,50,000--50,000Not Applicable0
ITC not claimed5,00,0006,00,000-1,00,000Margin18,000
ITC claimed*7,00,0009,00,000-9,00,000Full Sale Value1,62,000

GST Applicability Based on Seller Type

Seller’s Usage Type Seller Registered? Buyer Registered? GST Applicability
BusinessNoNoNo
BusinessNoYesYes (reverse charge)
BusinessYesNoYes
PersonalNoNoNo
Car DealerYesNoYes
GST Rate Revision on Sale of Old and Used Vehicles

With the new 18% tax rate, the cost of used cars may increase, especially for those resold by dealers who are likely to pass on the tax to buyers.

If you’re buying or selling a used car privately between two individuals, GST does not apply, as the rules focus on dealers.

Implementation Date:

Recommendations made on 21 Dec 2024, notification issued 16 Jan 2025, effective immediately.

GST Rate Revision on Sale of Old and Used Vehicles

Author:
Meghana

Prepared On:
04.08.2025



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