<h1>GST Council Lowers Tax Rates on 29 Items, 54 Services; E-Way Bill for Goods Over Rs. 50,000 Starts February 1.</h1> The GST Council, led by the Finance Minister and state representatives, discussed simplifying the GST return filing process to reduce the compliance burden for small businesses. In its 25th meeting, the Council decided to lower the tax rate on 29 items and 54 service categories effective January 25. The Council also considered including items like crude oil and real estate under GST. The e-way bill requirement for goods over Rs. 50,000 will be enforced from February 1 to curb tax evasion, with 15 states implementing it for intra-state movements. The new return filing process will be finalized in the next meeting.