<h1>August GST rises 6.5% to Rs 1.86 lakh crore; net GST up 10.7% as domestic sales lift collections</h1> GST collections in August rose 6.5% year-on-year to Rs 1.86 lakh crore, driven by higher domestic sales, with net GST at Rs 1.67 lakh crore (10.7% YOY). Gross domestic tax rose while import-derived IGST fell and refunds declined 20% YOY. Commentators from tax and consulting firms and a ratings agency noted export refund reductions, tepid IGST and cess growth, and alignment with recent GDP data. The data precedes a GST Council meeting where rate rationalisation and slab reduction are to be discussed; anticipated rate cuts could moderate near-term receipts, prompting close monitoring of collections going forward.