Cash flow to be hit further as GST Council lowers eligible credit

Source: Economic Times

An analysis done by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department revealed as much as 39% or ₹2.5 lakh crore of input tax credit (ITC) availed by taxpayers in FY2018 remained unmatched with the invoices uploaded by their suppliers. Although the gap had come down to 13% or ₹1.7 lakh crore in FY19, it was still very significant and unacceptable to the department and highlighted the need for ways to curb tax evasion.

The GST Council, at its 38^th meeting, decided to further restrict ITC to 10% of the amount shown in the Form GSTR-2A by the suppliers. According to the Council, if there is a mismatch or details have not been uploaded by the suppliers, availing of the tax credit will not exceed 10% of the eligible credit available with respect to invoices or debit notes uploaded by the suppliers.

For instance, consider that in the month of November, the ITC available (as per books) is ₹1500. Out of this, say invoices amounting to ₹500, wherein input tax credit is involved, are not uploaded by certain vendors. Now, due to amendment, the buyer will only be able to avail ITC to the extent of ₹1100 (i.e. 110% of ₹1000) and not 1500. In fact, before October, the amount claimed as ITC in GSTR-3B was released by the authorities. Then, in October, the government restricted this to 20% of the eligible credit, which has now been set to 10%.

Industry, especially small businesses, has long been demanding a reduction in monthly compliances, but the Council’s move to lower the rate might have a bigger impact, especially on cash flow. With the implementation of the new return filing process from 1^st April 2020, there could be a further reduction in credit. The new return system will introduce the concept of invoice matching wherein ITC cannot be claimed on invoices not reconciled.