No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2,000: Government Dispels Rumors
Clarification from the Ministry of Finance
Recently, several reports and social media posts have claimed that the Government of India is planning to impose Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions above ₹2,000. These claims have sparked confusion among digital payment users across the country. However, the Ministry of Finance has issued an official clarification, stating that no such proposal is under consideration and that these claims are completely baseless and misleading.
The government has confirmed that there is no GST levied on UPI transactions, and users can continue to use digital payment platforms without any additional tax burden.
What Led to the Confusion?
The misinformation likely stems from a misunderstanding related to Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) such as mobile wallets. In April 2023, an interchange fee of 1.1% was introduced on certain merchant transactions above ₹2,000 that are conducted through PPIs—not standard UPI.
To be clear:
🔸 Regular bank-to-bank UPI transactions remain completely free of charge.
🔸 This fee applies only to wallet-based transactions, not direct UPI payments.
This distinction is crucial, but many users assumed it applied to all UPI payments, leading to the spread of false information.
What Is the Current Tax Structure on UPI Payments?
As it stands:
There is no Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions for Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments.
Since January 2020, the government eliminated MDR on UPI and RuPay debit card payments to promote digital transactions.
Consequently, no GST is applicable, because GST can only be charged on applicable fees—of which there are currently none for UPI.
This policy, implemented via a notification by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), was a significant move to encourage the adoption of cashless payments across India.
Government’s Push for Digital Payments
The government remains strongly committed to building a robust digital economy. Here’s how:
🔹 Incentives for Small-Value UPI Transactions
To encourage low-value payments through BHIM-UPI, especially in the Person-to-Merchant (P2M) category, the government introduced incentive schemes for merchants. In the Union Budget 2024-25, an outlay of ₹1,500 crore was allocated for this initiative.
🔹 Ease of Use and Accessibility
The UPI ecosystem has made digital payments easier, faster, and more secure. With zero charges, even small vendors and consumers in rural areas now actively use UPI for day-to-day transactions.
Why GST Doesn't Apply to UPI
To understand it simply:
- GST is applicable only on services that are charged.
- Since UPI payments do not involve any service fee or MDR, there is no taxable amount, and hence no GST is levied.
If a fee were ever introduced, GST might apply—but as of now, UPI transactions are free for consumers and merchants alike.
Final Word: Don’t Believe the Hype
The Government of India has made it clear that there is no plan to impose GST on UPI transactions over ₹2,000—or any other UPI payments, for that matter. These rumors are completely false and must not be taken seriously.
As India continues its journey towards becoming a digitally empowered economy, the focus remains on ease of access, low transaction costs, and inclusive growth.
👉 Claims that Government is considering levying Goods and Services Tax #GST on #UPI transactions over ₹2,000 are completely false, misleading, and without any basis. Currently, there is no such proposal before the Government.
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 18, 2025
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