A value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), or general consumption tax (GCT) is a consumption tax that is levied on the value added at each stage of a product's production and distribution. VAT is similar to, and is often compared with, a sales tax. VAT is an indirect tax because individuals do not pay it directly to the government; instead, suppliers act as intermediaries by collecting the tax from customers at the point of sale and remitting it to the government. Specific goods and services are typically exempted in various jurisdictions.