The GST Composition Scheme is designed to simplify tax compliance for small businesses, but certain exclusions exist based on health concerns, tax policy, and fairness. Understanding these exclusions helps businesses determine if they qualify. This blog explores which goods and services are not eligible for the same.
The GST Composition Scheme is a simplified tax option for small taxpayers with a turnover of up to Rs. 1.5 Cr (Rs. 75 lakhs in the case of Uttarakhand and 7 Northeastern States). It aims to reduce compliance costs and simplify tax payments for small businesses.
Under the scheme, eligible taxpayers pay tax at a prescribed rate on their turnover every quarter instead of the applicable GST rate. The scheme is optional and provides a simpler tax structure.
The rate of tax under the GST Composition Scheme rules depends on the type of business –
Some goods and services are not subject to the GST Composition Scheme to protect the tax system’s integrity and prevent its exploitation. Such exclusions apply to products that have shown a higher possibility of tax evasion or to goods and services that require additional regulation due to public health or safety concerns.
The government’s move to exclude these goods and services is essential for retaining the scheme’s focus on small businesses. Indeed, such businesses generally handle less complex operations and are the most exposed to potential revenue loss. Thus, the tax system becomes fairer through the exclusion of certain goods and services from the GST Composition Scheme.
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A registered person whose aggregate turnover in the preceding financial year is not more than Rs. 1.5 crore (in the case of supply of goods) and Rs. 50 lakh (dismissal of services or mixed supply of goods and services) can opt to pay tax under the composition scheme.
But in a few states, the turnover limit is only Rs. 75 lakh. The states where the lower limit applies are:
This scheme is designed to help small businesses by simplifying the tax payment process and reducing compliance costs.
Some goods are not eligible for this scheme. These exclusions are based on health concerns, tax policy objectives, and the need to prevent unfair advantages. These certain goods are:
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Taxpayers providing services, except for restaurant services, are not eligible for the composition scheme. The composition scheme does not cover the service sector as a whole, meaning businesses offering taxable services cannot benefit from this simplified tax option. The following services precisely are not eligible:
The implications of ineligibility for the GST Composition Scheme can significantly impact businesses, including loss of input tax credit and sales restrictions. Let’s discuss this further –
Buyers from composition scheme taxpayers cannot claim input tax credits on taxes paid, leading to price distortion and cascading effects. This results in higher costs for customers and businesses.
Taxpayers opting for the composition scheme GST cannot engage in inter-state sales or exports. They are restricted to intra-state transactions only, limiting their market reach.
Taxpayers under the composition scheme are not allowed to collect taxes from buyers. They also cannot issue tax invoices; instead, they pay the tax themselves.
Due to the lack of input tax credit, registered businesses generally avoid purchasing from composition scheme dealers, resulting in price distortion and higher costs.
Suppliers of exempt goods cannot opt for the composition scheme as they fall outside its scope.
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Taxpayers supplying goods through e-commerce platforms cannot use the composition scheme, restricting their ability to sell on these platforms.
The following are the steps to begin this process:
Understanding the exclusions under the GST Composition Scheme is vital for businesses to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. BUSY simplifies tracking eligible goods, turnover, and compliance, ensuring businesses can focus on operations while adhering to GST regulations.
Additionally, understanding the difference between composition and regular GST helps businesses choose the most suitable scheme based on their needs. BUSY ensures businesses comply with the scheme.