Vat registration and vat return

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

29 September 2012 When is a retail trader of general items liable to get himself register for VAT and when is he liable to file a VAT Return?

Also can anyone let me know about the concept of Composite scheme of VAT in plain english (i.e. not in Act's language)

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

03 September 2013 Seems no one has enough knowledge about VAT nor no willing to comment on VAT topics...

I am talking about West Bengal VAT

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

(Expert)
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03 August 2025 Hey! Let me break this down for you clearly about **VAT registration, VAT returns, and the composite scheme** in West Bengal (and generally applicable concepts):

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### 1. **When should a retail trader register for VAT?**

* In **West Bengal**, a retail trader must **register for VAT** if their **annual turnover exceeds ₹5 lakhs** (this limit can vary slightly by state).
* Registration is **mandatory once the threshold is crossed**. Before that, it is optional.

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### 2. **When should the retail trader file VAT returns?**

* Once registered, the trader is **required to file VAT returns periodically**—usually **monthly or quarterly**, as per the state's rules.
* Returns include details of sales, purchases, tax collected, and tax paid.
* Returns must be filed **even if there is no business activity during the period** (nil return).

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### 3. **What is the Composite Scheme of VAT?**

* **Composite Scheme** is a simplified VAT scheme available to **small dealers** whose turnover is below a specified limit (usually ₹50 lakhs).
* Instead of paying VAT on every sale, dealers under this scheme **pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as tax**, and no input tax credit is available.
* This scheme reduces compliance burden (less frequent returns, no detailed input-output tax matching).
* It's meant to ease the tax process for small traders/manufacturers.

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### In simple words:

| Aspect | Explanation |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Registration threshold | Register if turnover > ₹5 lakhs |
| Return filing | File monthly/quarterly returns after registration |
| Composite scheme | Pay a fixed % tax on turnover instead of detailed VAT, less compliance |

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If you want, I can help you with **West Bengal VAT registration steps, return formats**, or how to opt for the composite scheme.

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Hope this clears your doubts! Feel free to ask more.

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