Bengaluru: Karnataka has recorded the highest growth rate in GST (goods and services tax) collections among major states for till date during 2025-26, but lags Maharashtra in overall revenue, state revenue minister Krishna Byregowda informed the legislative assembly Monday.Following a meeting with tax officials, the minister said Karnataka has logged a growth rate of 11.7% between April 2025 and Feb 2026 in a clear reflection of its robust economy. Byregowda, who represents CM Siddaramaiah in the GST Council, said Bihar posted a growth rate of 11.4% and Maharashtra 8%.The minister clarified that the figures were based on pre-settlement GST data.“Prior to settling the IGST, we are at the top with the collection growth rate,” he said. IGST is Integrated Goods and Services Tax levied on all inter-state supplies of goods and services, imports, and exports.Despite leading in growth rate, Karnataka’s total GST collections stood at Rs 1.44 lakh crore during the 11-month period, significantly lower than Maharashtra’s Rs 3.28 lakh crore. Bihar collected Rs 17,488 crore.Karnataka topped state GST collections, registering a 13.6% growth compared to the same period in 2024-25. Data for March 2026 is yet to be compiled.According to Byregowda, the growth rate could have been higher if not for the rate rationalisation which bogged the state to 11% average growth rate during the fiscal 2025-26.Intervening during a debate on the state budget 2026-27, BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar criticised the govt’s guarantee schemes, arguing that increased spending was straining the state’s economy. Responding to this, Byregowda said there was no direct link between the schemes and the state’s economic performance.In his 2026-27 state budget, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka is the second highest GST revenue collecting state in the country.
