Set Off under MAVT Act, 2002

This query is : Resolved

vijay g. nalawade (Querist)
Follow

19 September 2010 Company engaged in Transmission of Electricity purchases consumables and Plant & Machinery with tax invoice. Company does not indulg in trading hence credit for input VAT is not claimed as set-off in MVAT Returns.

The company pays MVAT on sale of scrap.

Whether input credit of MVAT paid on consumables (R&M Items) can be availed as set-off while paying MVAT on scrap sale ?

Whether input credit of MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery can be availed as set-off while paying MVAT on scrap sale ?

Whether the Co. can claim refund of MVAT paid on consumables (R&M Items) which is not claimed as set-off ?

Whether the Co. can claim refund of MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery which is not claimed as set-off ?

vijay g. nalawade

vijay g. nalawade (Querist)
Follow

19 September 2010 a

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma (Expert)
Follow

25 July 2025 Under the **Maharashtra Value Added Tax (MVAT) Act, 2002**, the rules for claiming **input tax credit** and **set-off** for purchases are governed by several provisions, particularly **Section 48** and **Rule 53**. The scenario you’ve presented involves a company engaged in the transmission of electricity, which purchases consumables (R\&M items) and plant & machinery but does not claim input credit on those items, as it does not indulge in trading. The company is also selling scrap and paying **MVAT** on scrap sales.

Let's break down your questions one by one:

---

### **1. Can the company avail input credit of MVAT paid on consumables (R\&M items) while paying MVAT on scrap sale?**

**Answer:**
No, the company cannot **avail input credit** on **R\&M items** used for **consumption in the transmission of electricity** unless those items are used in a process where the output is taxable under the MVAT Act.

Under the **MVAT Act**, input tax credit is typically available on purchases made for **taxable sales**. However, since the company is not engaged in trading or selling the consumables (R\&M items) but only uses them for **transmission of electricity**, **input tax credit** on consumables or materials used in transmission activities is generally **not allowed** unless the sale is taxable under the Act.

**Key Points:**

* If these **consumables (R\&M items)** are used in **capital goods** or in processes involved in taxable goods/services (i.e., output is taxable), the company can claim a set-off, but this is not applicable to consumables used in transmission activities alone.
* However, if any taxable scrap is sold, the **input tax** paid on **scrap** may be eligible for set-off against the MVAT payable on scrap sales.

---

### **2. Can the company avail input credit of MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery while paying MVAT on scrap sale?**

**Answer:**
The **input tax credit on Plant & Machinery** can be availed, but only under specific conditions outlined in the MVAT Act. Typically, if the **Plant & Machinery** purchased is used for the **manufacture of taxable goods or providing taxable services**, input credit can be claimed.

Since the company is in the **transmission of electricity** business, which is generally a **non-taxable service** under the MVAT Act (i.e., electricity transmission services are not subject to VAT), the **input credit on Plant & Machinery** is **not eligible** unless the machinery is used for activities that are subject to VAT.

In your case, as the company is **not involved in trading or any other taxable activity** that would generate VAT-able output, the credit on **Plant & Machinery** is **not allowed** for set-off against MVAT on scrap sales. The sale of scrap is typically **treated as an exempted transaction** in the context of **electricity transmission**, and MVAT may not apply in the same manner as it would for taxable goods.

---

### **3. Can the company claim a refund of MVAT paid on consumables (R\&M items) which are not claimed as set-off?**

**Answer:**
Yes, the company can **claim a refund** of the **MVAT paid on consumables** (R\&M items), but this is subject to certain conditions:

* If the company has **paid VAT on consumables (R\&M items)** and has not claimed **input credit** in the MVAT returns, it can claim a **refund** only if:

* The goods are used in **exempt activities** (i.e., **transmission of electricity**, which is not taxable under MVAT).
* The refund request should be filed **within the prescribed time limits** and should be supported by proper documentation to justify the claim.
* The company will need to file a **refund application** in the prescribed format under the MVAT Act (typically **Form 501** for refund of tax) along with evidence of tax paid on consumables and the **nature of their use** in the transmission business.

---

### **4. Can the company claim a refund of MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery which is not claimed as set-off?**

**Answer:**
Similar to consumables, the company may be eligible for a **refund** of **MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery** under the following conditions:

* If the **plant and machinery** purchased is used for a **non-taxable activity** (such as electricity transmission), the company may be eligible to claim a refund for the input tax paid, **provided** that the machinery is not being used in **taxable activities** (i.e., sale of taxable goods or provision of taxable services).
* The company can claim a refund under the **MVAT refund provisions**, again using **Form 501**, as long as the tax paid on such plant & machinery was not claimed as input credit.

However, **refund of input tax** paid on **capital goods** used in **non-taxable business activities** (like electricity transmission) may **not be permissible** under the MVAT Act, as the tax credit for capital goods is generally **not allowed for non-taxable activities** unless used in a taxable capacity.

---

### **Conclusion:**

* **Input credit on consumables (R\&M items):** Not available, as the company does not engage in taxable activities like trading or manufacturing.
* **Input credit on Plant & Machinery:** Not available, as it is used in a non-taxable business activity (electricity transmission).
* **Refund of MVAT paid on consumables:** Yes, the company can apply for a refund, but the claim must meet the required conditions under the MVAT Act.
* **Refund of MVAT paid on Plant & Machinery:** Refund is possible but is subject to strict criteria. If the machinery is used in non-taxable activities (like transmission of electricity), it may not be refunded.

You should review the **Maharashtra VAT Act** (especially **Section 48** on refunds and **Rule 53** on input tax credit) and consult with a local tax consultant to ensure proper filing of refunds.

You need to be the querist or approved CAclub expert to take part in this query .
Click here to login now