The correct answer is: Value Added Tax (VAT).
VAT is a consumption tax that is levied on the value added to goods and services at each stage of the production and distribution process. It is a destination-based tax, which means that the tax is levied in the state where the goods or services are consumed, not in the state where they are produced.
VAT was introduced in Gujarat in 2005. It replaced the Central Sales Tax (CST) and the State Sales Tax (SST). VAT is a more efficient and equitable tax than CST and SST. It is also a more transparent tax, as it is levied on the value added at each stage of the production and distribution process.
CST was a tax on the sale of goods between states. It was levied by the central government. SST was a tax on the sale of goods within a state. It was levied by the state government.
Excise duty is a tax on goods produced in India. It is levied by the central government. Service tax is a tax on services provided in India. It is levied by the central government.
VAT is a more efficient tax than CST and SST because it is levied on the value added at each stage of the production and distribution process. This means that the tax is only levied on the increase in value of the goods or services, not on the original cost of the goods or services. This makes VAT a more equitable tax, as it does not place a disproportionate burden on businesses that are involved in the production and distribution of goods and services.
VAT is also a more transparent tax than CST and SST because it is levied on the value added at each stage of the production and distribution process. This means that businesses are able to see exactly how much tax they owe and are able to claim input tax credits for the taxes that they have paid on their inputs. This makes VAT a more efficient tax, as it reduces the compliance costs for businesses.