INPUT TAX CREDIT UNDER GST
Input Tax Credit (ITC) is one of the core features of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. It allows registered taxpayers to reduce their tax liability by claiming credit for the GST paid on purchases or expenses used in the course of business. To claim ITC legally and correctly, certain conditions must be met and specific documents must be maintained.
1. Mandatory Conditions to Claim ITC
A registered person, including an Input Service Distributor (ISD), is eligible to claim ITC only when the following four primary conditions are fulfilled:
a) Possession of Valid Tax Invoice or Debit Note
The taxpayer must hold a valid Tax Invoice or Debit Note issued by a registered supplier of goods or services. The invoice should be compliant with GST rules, including:
- Name, address, and GSTIN of the supplier
- Invoice number and date
- Name, address, and GSTIN (if registered) of the recipient
- HSN/SAC code of goods/services
- Description, quantity, and value of goods/services
- Amount of tax charged (CGST/SGST/IGST)
Note: In case of missing or mismatched invoices, ITC may be denied or reversed.
b) Receipt of Goods or Services or Both
The recipient must have actually received the goods or services. In case of goods received in lots or installments, ITC can be claimed only upon receipt of the last lot.
c) Tax Must Be Paid by the Supplier to the Government
The GST charged by the supplier must have been paid to the government, either through:
- Cash payment, or
- Input tax credit available to the supplier under Section 41 of the GST Act.
This ensures the ITC claimed is backed by actual tax remittance.
d) Filing of GST Returns
The claimant must have filed valid GST returns under Section 39 of the GST Act (i.e., GSTR-3B monthly or quarterly, as applicable). ITC can only be claimed after the return for the relevant period has been filed.
2. List of Acceptable Documents for Claiming ITC
As per Rule 36 of the CGST Rules, 2017, the following documents are accepted for claiming ITC:
- Tax Invoice issued by a supplier under Section 31
- Debit Note issued by the supplier
- Bill of Entry or any similar document prescribed under the Customs Act for imported goods
- Invoice issued by Input Service Distributor (ISD)
- Invoice or Credit Note issued by a registered recipient in case of reverse charge transactions
Conclusion
To claim ITC legally and efficiently, businesses must:
- Maintain accurate and GST-compliant documentation
- Ensure suppliers have uploaded the invoices in GSTR-1 and paid the tax
- Reconcile purchase data with auto-generated GSTR-2B
- File returns (GSTR-3B) timely and accurately
Failure to comply with these provisions can result in disallowance or reversal of ITC, along with interest and penalties.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals to obtain advice tailored to their individual circumstances.
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