The key differences between regular and composite tax schemes under GST include the tax rates, compliance requirements, eligibility criteria, and input tax credit availability. Choosing the appropriate scheme is essential for businesses, as it can impact their tax liability and compliance burden.
The Regular GST Scheme is for businesses with a turnover above the prescribed limit. Under this scheme, businesses collect GST from customers and can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on their purchases, reducing their tax liability. Regular taxpayers must file monthly or quarterly GST returns, such as GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B . This scheme allows the seamless flow of ITC across the supply chain, ensuring transparency and compliance. It is suitable for businesses that deal with taxable goods or services and have significant expenses, as ITC helps lower their overall tax burden. However, it requires detailed record-keeping and regular tax filings.
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The Composition GST Scheme is designed for small businesses with limited turnover, generally up to ₹1.5 crore (₹75 lakh for some states). Under this scheme, businesses pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as GST and cannot collect GST from customers or claim ITC. They only need to file quarterly returns, making compliance easier. This scheme is ideal for small businesses like retailers, manufacturers, and service providers with minimal expenses or those dealing with exempt goods. However, it restricts interstate trade and excludes certain businesses, such as those selling taxable goods via e-commerce platforms.
Choosing the right GST scheme depends on business size, turnover, and operational needs. The Regular Scheme under GST suits larger businesses with significant expenses and interstate trade, as it allows ITC claims and seamless tax flow. The Composition Scheme is better for small businesses, as it prioritizes simplified compliance and lower tax rates. Businesses must evaluate their turnover, the nature of operations, and the trade-off between compliance requirements and tax savings. Consulting a tax professional can help decide the most suitable scheme to ensure compliance and optimize tax efficiency.
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Below is a table comparing the two of them to highlight the differences.
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Particulars | Regular GST Scheme | Composite GST Scheme |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Registered taxpayer collects & pays GST | For small taxpayers (turnover ≤ ₹1.5 Cr) with lower tax & quarterly returns |
Filing Of Returns | GSTR-9/9C (Annual), GSTR-3B (Monthly), GSTR-1 (Monthly/Quarterly) | GSTR-4 (Annual), GST-9A (Annual), CMP-08 (Quarterly) |
Supply | Interstate & intrastate allowed | Only intrastate allowed |
Tax Collection | GST at regular rates | GST at lower fixed rate |
Supply Services | All services allowed | Only specific services allowed |
Not Eligible To Opt | No restriction | Interstate suppliers, e-commerce sellers, tobacco/ice cream/pan masala makers, turnover > limit |
Specified Condition | No PAN entity can be both regular & composite | No ITC, no exempt supply, services ≤10% or ₹5L, must show “composition taxable person,” RCM applies |
What To Issue | Tax Invoice | Bill of Supply |
GST Payment | Output GST – Input GST + RCM | GST on supplies + RCM (out of pocket) |
Merits | Unlimited territory, ITC available, e-commerce allowed | Less compliance, small tax, no ledger, better liquidity |
Demerits | More compliance, less liquidity, dependent on supplier filing | Limited territory, no ITC, no exempt supply, no e-commerce |
Restriction on SEZ | No restriction | Not allowed to supply to SEZ |
Condition To Opt-Out | Can opt out anytime | Can opt out only at year end |
Both the regular and composite GST schemes have their respective advantages and disadvantages. While the regular scheme offers flexibility and allows businesses to claim input tax credits , it also involves more compliance requirements and higher tax liability. Whereas, the composite scheme offers easy compliance procedures, lower tax rates, and is suitable for small businesses with lower turnovers. However, it has limitations against input tax credits and restricts businesses from supplying goods and services outside the state. Businesses must assess their specific needs and circumstances before choosing between regular and composite GST schemes.