India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 14.8 per cent year-on-year to INR 1,99,853 crore in August 2026, driven by a sharp increase in tax revenues from imports, according to provisional government data released on Tuesday.
NEW DELHI — India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 14.8 per cent year-on-year to INR 1,99,853 crore in August 2026, driven by a sharp increase in tax revenues from imports, according to provisional government data released on Tuesday.
The August collections were higher than the INR 1,74,116 crore recorded in the same month last year, although they were lower than July 2026's collection of Rs 2.11 lakh crore.
The growth in GST receipts was largely led by import-related taxes, with gross GST revenue from imports surging 29 per cent to Rs 62,604 crore.
Domestic GST collections also remained on a firm footing, rising 9.3 per cent to Rs 1,37,249 crore from Rs 1,25,570 crore in August 2025.
The government also witnessed a sharp increase in GST refund payouts during the month. Total refunds jumped 67.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 31,795 crore, compared with Rs 18,935 crore a year earlier.
Domestic GST refunds rose 72.6 per cent to Rs 18,490 crore, while export refunds processed through the ICEGATE system increased 61.8 per cent to Rs 13,305 crore.
After accounting for the higher refund outgo, net GST revenue stood at Rs 1,68,057 crore in August, reflecting an 8.3 per cent increase from Rs 1,55,181 crore in the corresponding month last year.
Within net collections, customs GST revenue recorded stronger momentum, climbing 22.3 per cent to Rs 49,299 crore. Net domestic GST revenue grew at a more moderate pace of 3.4 per cent, reaching Rs 1,18,759 crore.
The latest revenue figures come ahead of the 57th meeting of the GST Council, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12, 2026.
According to an office memorandum issued by the GST Council Secretariat, the Council meeting will begin at 11:00 am, while an Officers' Meeting will take place a day earlier on September 11 at the same venue.