India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for May 2026 rose by 3.2% year-on-year, reaching over Rs 1.94 lakh crore. This increase, while a moderation from April's record Rs 2.42 lakh crore, still marks a significant rise from the Rs 1.88 lakh crore collected in May of the previous year.
Import-Driven Growth
The growth in GST collections was largely driven by imports, with gross GST revenue from imports increasing by 19.1% year-on-year to Rs 59,654 crore. In contrast, gross domestic revenue saw a decline of 2.6% to Rs 1.35 lakh crore. On a net basis, customs GST collections rose by 19.7% to Rs 49,403 crore, while net domestic revenue fell by 2.3% to Rs 1.18 lakh crore.
"The continued rise in import-linked taxes highlights the shifting dynamics in India's revenue generation," noted a senior analyst.
State-Wise Performance
State-wise data presented mixed trends:
- Karnataka: 11% rise in pre-settlement SGST
- Andhra Pradesh: 11% growth
- Kerala: 19% increase
- Maharashtra: 8% growth
- Uttar Pradesh: 9% increase
- Gujarat: 3% rise
Delhi was a notable outlier, recording a sharp 36% decline in pre-settlement SGST collections. Post-IGST settlement figures showed:
- Haryana: 22% increase
- Karnataka: 17% rise
- Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh: 16% growth each
- Kerala: 15% increase
- Telangana: 14% growth
- Delhi: 26% decline
Comparative Data
| State | Pre-Settlement Growth | Post-Settlement Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 11% | 17% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 11% | 16% |
| Kerala | 19% | 15% |
| Maharashtra | 8% | - |
| Uttar Pradesh | 9% | - |
| Gujarat | 3% | 16% |
| Delhi | -36% | -26% |
Refunds and Future Outlook
Total refunds in May stood at Rs 27,281 crore, up 2.6% from the previous year. Cumulative refunds for the financial year rose by 10.9% to Rs 59,063 crore.
Looking ahead, the next milestone for India's GST collections will be the release of June's figures, expected in early July.
