02 August 2025
Got it! You want clarity on whether **VAT input credit can be utilized against CST liability on SEZ sales**, specifically for these states: **Delhi, Bangalore (Karnataka), Maharashtra, Hyderabad (Telangana/Andhra Pradesh), and Chennai (Tamil Nadu).**
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### General Principle:
* **VAT input credit** is allowed **only to set off VAT liability** on local sales within the same state. * **CST (Central Sales Tax)** is a tax on inter-state sales, collected by the central government. * **Typically, VAT input credit cannot be used to adjust CST liability**, as VAT and CST are different taxes under different jurisdictions. * **SEZ sales are zero-rated under GST but under VAT/CST regime, SEZ sales were treated differently.**
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### State-wise Brief:
| State | VAT Input Credit Against CST (including SEZ sales) | | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Delhi** | VAT input credit **cannot be adjusted against CST** liability. SEZ sales treated as interstate sales, so CST applies but VAT credit cannot offset CST. | | **Karnataka** | Same principle: VAT input credit **cannot be used against CST**. SEZ sales attract CST, so no VAT credit adjustment. | | **Maharashtra** | VAT input credit **cannot be used to offset CST** on SEZ or other interstate sales. SEZ sales are interstate, so CST applicable separately. | | **Telangana/Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad)** | VAT input credit cannot be adjusted against CST liability, including SEZ sales. | | **Tamil Nadu (Chennai)** | VAT input credit only for VAT liability. CST on SEZ/interstate sales cannot be adjusted against VAT input credit. |
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### Important Notes:
* **Input VAT credit can be claimed only against VAT liability** on intra-state sales. * For **interstate sales including SEZ sales**, CST is applicable but **input VAT credit cannot be used to reduce CST liability**. * SEZ sales are usually zero-rated under GST regime, but under old VAT/CST system, treated as interstate sales attracting CST. * Some states might allow refund of VAT credit on inputs used for making interstate sales (including SEZ), but this is a refund, **not an adjustment against CST liability**. * Always consult the respective state VAT Act or circulars for specific clarifications.
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If you want, I can help you get the specific relevant notifications or circulars for any one of these states. Would you like me to do that?