TDS Under GST
Are you a business owner operating in India? If so, you’re likely familiar with the complicated structure of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. However, there’s a critical aspect of Tax Deducted at Source or TDS under GST that you can’t afford to ignore.
Understanding TDS under GST is not just an option; it’s an imperative for any business owner. It ensures your business remains compliant with the applicable GST law, steering clear of penalties and legal hassles. In this article, we will unravel the complexities of TDS under GST, covering everything from the basics to factors influencing the TDS rate, how to calculate it accurately, staying compliant, dealing with penalties, and pro tips for efficient TDS management.
Demystifying TDS on GST
Meaning of Tax Deductible at Source (TDS)
TDS, in essence, is a form of tax that’s deducted at the source of payment. In the context of GST, it’s the amount taken out by the payer when making payments to suppliers of goods or services. The deduction hinges on the prescribed TDS rate on GST. Its importance cannot be overstated – it aids the government in monitoring business transactions, ensuring tax compliance, curbing tax evasion, promoting transparency in transactions, and facilitating tax collection. As a responsible business owner, it’s crucial to deduct and deposit the GST TDS amount within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to adhere to TDS regulations can lead to punitive measures and legal repercussions.
Who is liable to deduct TDS under GST law?
TDS provisions were made applicable w.e.f. 1st October 2018.
Sec 51 of The CGST Act provides for applicability of TDS as below-
- A department or an establishment of the Central Government or State Government; or
- Local authority; or
- Governmental agencies; or
- Such persons or categories of persons as may be notified by the Government.
Following persons are notified under this clause-
- An authority or a board or any other body which has been set up by Parliament or a ate Legislature or by a government, with 51% equity (control) owned by the government.
- A society established by the Central or any State Government or a Local Authority and the society is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Public sector undertakings.
Getting Down to basics & applicability
Threshold Limit
GST TDS provisions apply where total value of such supply, under a contract exceeds Rs. 2.50 lakhs (excluding GST)- Sec 51(1) of the CGST Act
The limit of Rs. 2.50 lakh is per contract. Thus, if contract value exceeds Rs. 2.50 lakhs; TDS is required to be deducted even if individual invoice amount is less than Rs. 2.50 lakhs.
TDS on GST is not applicable in following cases:
1.Contact value does not exceed of Rs-2.5 Lakhs.
2.If Supplier is unregistered under GST.
- Where the location of the supplier and place of supply is in a State/UT which is differentfrom the State/UT where the deductor is registered
- Where goods or services are received which are exempt under the GST laws
- Where the tax is to be paid on reverse charge by the recipient i.e. the deductee
Rate of TDS
The GST law provides that the deductor would be required to deduct TDS at the rate of 1% of CGST and 1% of SGST/UTGST or 2% of IGST.
GSTR –7 Return Compliance and Penalties
To steer clear of any legal quagmires, it’s imperative to comply with TDS regulations under GST. Here’s a concise breakdown of the compliance requirements:
Return:
GSTR-7 is a monthly return filed by individuals who deduct tax at source. Every GST Registered individual who deducts TDS under GST must file in form. GSTR-7 by the 10th of next month.
Consequences of non-filing:
If the GST Return is not filed on time, then a penalty of Rs-100 under CGST and Rs-100 under SGST Shall be levied, and the total will be RS-200 per Day. However, the maximum late fees should not exceed Rs-10,000.
Furthermore, where any TDS deductor fails to pay the amount deducted as tax, he would be liable to pay interest in addition to the amount of tax deducted.
Claiming TDS credit under GST by Supplier
The details furnished by the TDS deductor in Form GSTR-7 would be made available to each of the deductees on the GSTN portal for claiming the amount of tax deducted in his electronic cash ledger after validation. Such details would be made available through a certificate in Form GSTR-7A.
The deductee can accept or reject (including the amendments) the TDS credit received by him over the GSTN portal. The accepted amount would be directly credited to his Electronic Cash Ledger.
Refund of excess balance in Electronic Cash Ledger relating to TDS credit
The CBIC has clarified[38] that the amount deducted as TDS under the GST law and credited to the electronic cash ledger, would be considered equivalent to cash deposited in the electronic cash ledger. Therefore, the procedure to claim a refund in such a case is similar to the manner of claiming a refund of excess balance in Electronic Cash Ledger.
Conclusion
Comprehending the TDS rate on GST is indispensable for businesses navigating India’s tax landscape. Staying updated on TDS slab rates and regulations is instrumental in streamlining operations and mitigating the complexities of TDS deduction and payment. We encourage you to be vigilant, stay informed about the latest developments in TDS and GST.
For further technical guidance on TDS Under GST, reach out to us.