Whether to prepare Debit Note with GST or without GST

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This discussion clarifies whether to include GST on a debit note when you've paid wages directly on behalf of a subcontractor. Generally, if the subcontractor is GST-registered and the debit note represents an increase in taxable value or tax, it should include GST as per Section 34(3) of the CGST Act, 2017. This allows for Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. A debit note without GST is typically for internal accounting purposes and doesn't affect GST liabilities or ITC.

Francis George

Francis George (Querist)

30 May 2024 Hello could anyone please help me with the below query?

We collaborated with a subcontractor for a job, and on their behalf, we directly paid wages to their workers. Now, in light of this advance payment, we're considering issuing a debit note to the subcontractor. They will eventually invoice us for the full job work including GST. As of now, they've only invoiced us partially, with the rest to follow upon completion of the job. When preparing the debit note, should we include GST or not?

RAJA P M

RAJA P M (Expert)

30 May 2024 The Subcontractor will pay GST on advance. You just prepare payment voucher as Advance.

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma

(Expert)

15 August 2025 Under GST law, the issuance of a debit note with GST is required when a GST-registered supplier needs to increase the taxable value or tax from an already issued invoice—this may arise due to under-charging, additional goods/services, or incorrect GST rate application. This is governed by Section 34(3) of the CGST Act, 2017, and must be reflected in GSTR-1, which enables the recipient to claim additional ITC.
A recipient’s debit note without GST may be used for internal accounting or when no GST change is intended—such notes do not modify the supplier’s tax liability or allow the recipient to claim ITC. Only the supplier’s issuance of a GST-embedded debit note has reconciliatory impact.
Best Practice:
If additional GST is warranted, ensure the supplier issues a proper debit note with GST referencing the original invoice.
If correction pertains only to accounting terms, a GST-free recipient note suffices—but doesn’t affect GST records.

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