Input Tax Credit

Quick Contact

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Documents Required

Input Tax Credit

Input Tax Credit (ITC) is a mechanism under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that allows businesses to reduce the tax they have paid on inputs (goods or services purchased) from the tax they owe on their output (goods or services sold). This system ensures that the tax is only paid on the value added at each stage of the supply chain, preventing the cascading effect of taxes.

Key Features of Input Tax Credit

Eligibility:

Businesses registered under GST can claim ITC on the purchase of goods and services used for business purposes.

ITC can be claimed only on inputs used to produce taxable supplies. If the inputs are used for exempt or non-GST supplies, ITC cannot be claimed.

Utilization of ITC:

ITC can be used to pay the GST liability on outward supplies. The credit is first applied against the output tax liability in a specific order:

IGST (Integrated GST) is first set off against IGST, then CGST (Central GST), and SGST/UTGST (State/Union Territory GST).

CGST is set off against CGST and IGST.

SGST/UTGST is set off against SGST/UTGST and IGST.

CGST and SGST/UTGST cannot be set off against each other.

Reversal of ITC:

If the goods or services for which ITC was claimed are used for personal purposes or non-business activities, the ITC must be reversed.

ITC is also reversed in cases where the recipient fails to make payment to the supplier within 180 days from the invoice date.

Documents Required for Claiming ITC:

Invoice issued by the supplier of goods or services.

Debit note issued by the supplier.

Bill of entry or similar documents in case of imports.

ISD (Input Service Distributor) invoice if applicable.

Eligibility Criteria for ITC

Possession of Tax Invoice:

The claimant must have a tax invoice or debit note issued by the supplier.

Receipt of Goods or Services:

The goods or services for which ITC is claimed must have been received by the claimant.

Tax Payment by Supplier:

The supplier must have paid the tax to the government, either in cash or through the utilization of ITC.

Filing of GST Returns:

The claimant must have filed the necessary GST returns, including GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B.

Use for Business Purposes:

The goods or services should be used in the course or furtherance of business.

Documents Required

Tax Invoice:

A tax invoice issued by the supplier of goods or services. This is the primary document for claiming ITC.

Debit Note:

A debit note issued by the supplier in case of an upward revision of prices or additional charges after the original invoice has been issued.

Bill of Entry:

Required for imported goods, this document provides proof of payment of customs duty and IGST (Integrated GST) on imports.

ISD Invoice:

If you receive services through an Input Service Distributor (ISD), you will need an ISD invoice or ISD credit note.

Credit Note:

A credit note issued by the supplier, which may be required in case of returned goods or a downward revision of prices.

Receipt Voucher:

For advance payments made for goods or services, a receipt voucher issued by the supplier.

Payment Proof:

Proof that the payment for the goods or services has been made to the supplier within 180 days from the date of the invoice.

GST Returns:

Properly filed GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) which reflect the transactions and claim of ITC.

Process for Claiming Input Tax Credit

Ensure GST Registration:

The business must be registered under GST and possess a valid GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).

Obtain Required Documents:

Collect all necessary documents, including tax invoices, debit notes, and bills of entry, as mentioned above.

Verify Eligibility:

Confirm that the goods or services purchased are eligible for ITC. Ensure that they are used for business purposes and that no ITC restrictions apply (e.g., on motor vehicles, food, and beverages).

Receipt of Goods/Services:

ITC can only be claimed after the receipt of goods or services. Ensure that the goods or services have been received before claiming the credit.

Supplier Compliance:

Verify that the supplier has filed their GST returns and paid the tax to the government. This is crucial because ITC can only be claimed if the supplier has fulfilled their tax obligations.

Match Invoices in GSTR-2B:

Reconcile your purchase invoices with GSTR-2B (the auto-populated return showing eligible ITC) to ensure that all the ITC reflected matches your records.

File Monthly Return (GSTR-3B):

Claim the ITC while filing the monthly GSTR-3B return. Input the eligible ITC details in the appropriate section of the return.

Maintain Records:

Keep all records of invoices, payments, and GST returns for at least 6 years from the due date of filing the annual return for that financial year. This is essential for audit purposes.

Monitor ITC Ledger:

Regularly check the Electronic Credit Ledger on the GST portal to monitor the available ITC and its utilization against your tax liability.

Reversal of ITC:

If the payment for the goods or services is not made within 180 days, reverse the ITC claimed and pay the applicable interest. The ITC can be reclaimed once payment is made.

Adjust ITC Against Tax Liability:

Utilize the available ITC to offset the tax liability on outward supplies (sales) when filing the monthly or quarterly returns.

Claim Refunds (if applicable):

If the ITC cannot be fully utilized, such as in cases of zero-rated exports or inverted duty structures, apply for a refund through the GST portal.