Thinking of buying or selling a used car? Whether you’re purchasing from a dealership or selling your old vehicle, understanding the GST (Goods and Services Tax) implications is crucial. The GST rules for used or second-hand vehicles are different from those on new cars. This article covers the tax rates, exemptions, HSN codes, and how GST affects pricing for pre-owned vehicles in India.
Yes, GST is applicable on the sale of used cars, but the tax structure is different from that of new vehicles. The government introduced special rates in 2018 to ease the burden on buyers and promote the resale market.
The GST rate depends on the engine size and fuel type of the car being sold. Here’s a breakdown:
Type of Vehicle | GST Rate | Conditions |
---|---|---|
Petrol cars (engine <1200cc) | 12% | No ITC on purchase of the car |
Diesel cars (engine <1500cc) | 12% | No ITC |
Other vehicles (including SUVs) | 18% | No ITC |
Electric vehicles (EVs) | 5% | Applicable from 2019 onwards |
Note: These rates apply only if the seller is a GST-registered dealer and hasn’t claimed an input tax credit (ITC) on the car when it was purchased.
Used cars are categorized under HSN Code 8703, same as new motor vehicles.
Vehicle Type | HSN Code | GST Rate |
---|---|---|
Used Petrol Cars | 8703 | 12% |
Diesel cars (engine <1500cc) | 8703 | 12% |
SUVs & Others | 8703 | 18% |
Get a Free Trial – Best Accounting Software For Small Business
When a private individual sells a car to another private person, no GST is applicable. GST is only charged when the sale is made by:
So, if you sell your personal car to a friend, you don’t need to pay any GST.
Registered dealers selling used cars without claiming ITC can opt for the margin scheme:
This scheme benefits dealers and makes used cars more affordable for buyers.
Get a Free Trial – Best GST Accounting Software For Small Business
Let’s say a dealer bought a used car for ₹4,00,000 and sold it for ₹4,50,000.
This is much lower than paying GST on the entire ₹4.5 lakh value.
Hence, no ITC = lower GST, which encourages better pricing in the resale market.
GST on used cars is designed to keep resale prices reasonable by applying tax only on margins and disallowing ITC-based double taxation. As a buyer or seller, understanding these rules helps you negotiate better and stay compliant. Whether you’re a private owner or a dealer, knowing how GST applies to second-hand cars can save you money and avoid tax-related surprises.