New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will consider changes to tax rates only once a year, with decisions taking effect from April 1, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday, marking a shift towards greater predictability in the tax regime for businesses.

Addressing a press conference after the 57th GST Council meeting, Sitharaman said, "GST Council will take it up, take rate changes only once in a year and it will come up for decision from 1st April only."

She clarified that no GST rates were changed at Thursday's meeting, which focused on simplifying compliance, easing tax procedures and reducing disputes.

"As I have briefed you all earlier, this meeting was more on the process reforms," Sit...