GST Compliance Rating

This rating can be useful for businesses to showcase their compliance level to potential customers, lenders, and investors. Additionally, it can also help tax authorities to identify businesses that are not compliant and take necessary action. Overall, GST Compliance Rating significantly promotes GST compliance and builds a transparent and efficient tax system in India.

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    What is the GST Compliance Rating?

    The GST Compliance Rating is a score assigned by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authority to assess the level of compliance of a taxpayer with the GST rules and regulations. This rating system evaluates a business’s adherence to GST requirements, such as timely and accurate filing of returns, payment of taxes, and maintaining proper records. The rating ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest compliance rating. A higher rating indicates better compliance and may lead to benefits such as faster processing of refunds and fewer audits.

    What is the purpose of introducing a rating system under GST?

    The introduction of a rating system under GST serves several purposes. First and foremost, it helps to file their returns on time, pay their taxes promptly, and maintain accurate records. A high rating can lead to benefits such as faster processing of refunds and fewer audits.

    Additionally, the rating system helps to increase transparency and accountability in the GST system. It records a business’s compliance with GST regulations, allowing other stakeholders, such as customers and suppliers, to assess its reliability and trustworthiness.

    Finally, the rating system helps the GST authority target its enforcement efforts better. By identifying businesses with low compliance ratings, the GST authority can prioritise its audits and investigations, thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of its enforcement efforts.

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    Steps to Maintain GST Compliance

    Maintaining GST compliance is essential for avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth business operations. Here are key practices every business should follow:

    1. File GST Returns on Time: Ensure timely filing of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9, and any other applicable returns. Late filing results in penalties and a lower compliance score.
    2. Issue GST-Compliant Invoices: Use accurate and complete tax invoices with correct GSTIN, HSN/SAC codes, applicable tax rates, and invoice numbers. This prevents ITC mismatches for your buyers.
    3. Reconcile Input Tax Credit (ITC): Regularly reconcile purchase records with GSTR-2B. Avoid claiming excess or ineligible ITC to prevent notices and ITC reversal.
    4. Make Timely Tax Payments: Pay GST dues on or before the due date to avoid interest and maintain a good compliance record.
    5. Respond to GST Notices Promptly: Address departmental notices, queries, or audit requests within the given timelines with complete documentation.
    6. Maintain Accurate Records: Keep proper records of invoices, returns, e-way bills, and other supporting documents for at least six years as per GST law.
    7. Use GST Software: Adopt GST-compliant software for invoicing, filing, and reconciliation to minimize manual errors and meet deadlines efficiently.

    How to Check Your GST Compliance Rating

    The GST compliance rating system is a mechanism proposed under the GST regime to score taxpayers based on their filing accuracy, timeliness, and overall compliance. However, the compliance rating feature is not publicly available at the moment. The framework has been defined under Section 149 of the CGST Act, but it has not been officially rolled out for public access or taxpayer dashboards.

    Once implemented, businesses can check their compliance rating on the GST portal using their GSTIN. The rating will reflect their return filing history, invoice accuracy, payment timelines, and other factors that influence GST behavior.

    While the system is yet to go live, businesses using tools like BUSY Accounting Software can still ensure strong internal compliance by automating return filing, minimizing errors, and maintaining clean records, paving the way for a high score when the rating becomes active.

    Tools and Tips to Improve Your GST Rating

    Even though the GST compliance rating isn’t live yet, businesses can begin working towards a better rating by strengthening their compliance practices. Here are effective tips and tools to help:

    • Use GST-compliant accounting software like BUSY to automate invoicing, tax calculations, and return filing.
    • File returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9) on time to avoid late fees and maintain a good track record.
    • Reconcile GSTR-2B and purchase records monthly to ensure accurate Input Tax Credit claims.
    • Avoid mismatches in invoices and taxes paid, which may trigger notices or rating downgrades in the future.
    • Maintain digital records for audits and reduce manual errors.
    • Seek professional help from a GST expert or consultant when in doubt.

    BUSY helps you meet all these criteria with built-in compliance dashboards, reconciliation tools, and timely alerts, so you stay GST-ready and positioned for a strong compliance rating when the feature is introduced.

    What Factors Affect GST Rating?

    The GST compliance rating system is designed to reflect the discipline and trustworthiness of registered taxpayers. A higher rating indicates better compliance, which can lead to benefits such as faster refunds and lower scrutiny.

    • Timely Filing of Returns: Consistent and on-time filing of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual returns is a major factor in determining your rating.
    • Regular Payment of GST: Paying the correct amount of GST on time, using a proper mix of cash and Input Tax Credit (ITC), positively affects your rating.
    • Accuracy in Return Data: Fewer mismatches or amendments in returns like GSTR-1 vs GSTR-3B or GSTR-3B vs GSTR-2B indicate strong internal controls.
    • Error Rate in Invoices: High frequency of invoice amendments, mismatches, or ITC mismatches reflects poorly on the business’s compliance practices.
    • Response to GST Notices: Timely and complete responses to any notices or audit observations are important for maintaining a strong rating.
    • E-Way Bill Compliance: Proper generation, updating, and linking of e-way bills with invoices is also factored into the rating.
    • Updated Business Information: Keeping business details like principal place of business, email, contact number, and bank details up to date also contributes to a positive profile.

    How does the GST compliance rating work?

    Under this provision, a business and the business holder can enjoy certain benefits. The refunds a taxpayer is entitled to are made on a percentage basis of his GST-compliant rating. E.g., if a taxpayer’s rating is an 8, he is entitled to a refund of Rs. 10,000. Of which, Rs. 8,000 is refunded soon after he applies for a refund, and the remaining Rs. 2,000 is returned after scrutiny. The compliance rating is updated regularly. It is intimated to the vendor or the business.

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    How is someone rated under GST?

    There are no fixed criteria for the rating of a business or an individual, but experts understand that the following factors can play a role:

    • Taxes are filed on time
    • Returns are filed within the prescribed deadline
    • Timely reconciliations
    • Compliance with all GST regulations
    • Cooperation with authorities

    Benefits for businesses and Vendors under GST compliance rating

    As a vendor, there are certain benefits that a person can enjoy. These include:

    • Immediate refunds
    • Immediate Input tax credit
    • More business opportunities
    • The chances of audit from tax authorities are reduced
    • There is a positive impact on the reputation of an individual

    As a business, the higher the compliant rating, the higher the profit margins owing to a better reputation among customers and investors.

    • Effect on buyers- To avail of the benefits of input credit tax, buyers prefer sellers with a higher rating.
    • Effect on sellers- Customers will be drawn to sellers with higher ratings. As a result, the GST rating will encourage healthy competition among businesses. Before entering a deal, a prospective client will inquire about the compliance ratings of suppliers.

    Disadvantages of GST compliance rating

    Compared to bigger businesses that can afford to outsource specific responsibilities, small companies need more resources. Thus, under the rating system, where compliance to remain competitive can be seen as encouraging for a big business, it can strain a small business. It is natural for a company to err when it comes to GST because it is a relatively new implementation. Still, an industry prone to delays and errors cannot build a healthy reputation to attract business.

    Non-compliance Penalties

    Failure to comply with GST rules can result in financial penalties, legal consequences, and disruption to business operations. The GST law outlines specific penalties for different types of non-compliance, including delays, errors, and fraudulent activities.

    Common GST Penalties:

    • Late Filing of GST Returns: Penalty: ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST). For Nil Returns: ₹20 per day (₹10 CGST + ₹10 SGST). Maximum cap: ₹5,000 per return (excluding interest).
    • Incorrect or False Invoicing: Issuing an incorrect invoice or not issuing one at all may attract a penalty of ₹10,000 or the tax amount involved—whichever is higher.
    • Wrong ITC Claim: If input tax credit is claimed fraudulently or without entitlement, the penalty may be 100% of the wrongly availed amount.
    • Non-payment or Short Payment of Tax:
      • Without intent to evade: 10% of tax due or ₹10,000 (whichever is higher)
      • With intent to evade: 100% of the tax due
    • Failure to Register under GST: If a business crosses the threshold but does not register, the penalty is 100% of the tax due or ₹10,000, whichever is higher. Learn how to register for GST.
    • Not Responding to GST Notices: Ignoring or delaying responses to notices or audits can lead to additional scrutiny, penalties, and even prosecution in serious cases.
    • E-Way Bill Violations: Transporting goods without a valid e-way bill can lead to a penalty of ₹10,000 or tax payable—whichever is higher, and detention of goods.

    Note: Penalties may vary based on the nature and severity of the offence. Repeated violations can lead to suspension or cancellation of GST registration.

    Conclusion

    GST compliance rating is a vital tool introduced by the government to encourage compliance with GST regulations. It provides a rating based on a business’s compliance history, which can be used by suppliers, banks, and other stakeholders to assess the credibility of the business. A good compliance rating can also provide various benefits to the business, such as faster refunds, more accessible access to credit, and improved reputation. Businesses need to maintain proper records, file timely returns, and comply with all the provisions of GST to achieve a good compliance rating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • How is the GST Compliance Rating assigned to businesses?
      The GST Compliance Rating is assigned based on a business’s adherence to GST rules, such as timely filing of returns, payment of taxes, and accuracy in reporting. It is calculated by the GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) and reflects a business’s overall compliance behavior.
    • What factors influence a business’s GST Compliance Rating?
      Factors include timely filing of GST returns, accurate tax payments, error-free invoices, responding promptly to departmental queries, and adhering to GST laws. Regular compliance ensures a higher rating, while delays or inaccuracies can lower the score.
    • Is GST Compliance Rating mandatory for all businesses registered under GST?
      Yes, the GST Compliance Rating applies to all businesses registered under GST. It serves as a benchmark for assessing compliance with GST regulations and helps stakeholders evaluate a business’s reliability.
    • How often is the GST Compliance Rating updated?
      The GST Compliance Rating is updated periodically based on a business’s recent compliance activities. Timely updates ensure that the rating reflects the business’s current compliance status.
    • Where can a business check its GST Compliance Rating?
      A business can check its GST Compliance Rating through the GST portal by logging in with its credentials. The rating is displayed in the taxpayer’s profile section for easy access.
    • How does the GST Compliance Rating affect a business’s operations?
      A good GST Compliance Rating can enhance credibility, ease transactions with clients and suppliers, and reduce scrutiny from tax authorities. Conversely, a low rating may lead to operational challenges and increased audits.
    • What are the benefits of maintaining a high GST Compliance Rating?
      Maintaining a high GST Compliance Rating builds trust with clients, suppliers, and authorities. It ensures smoother operations, reduces the risk of penalties, and can offer preferential treatment from stakeholders.
    • Can a low GST Compliance Rating impact a business’s credibility with clients and suppliers?
      Yes, a low GST Compliance Rating can negatively affect a business’s credibility, signaling poor compliance. Clients and suppliers may hesitate to engage, fearing potential legal or operational risks.
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