GST

GST Accounting: Compliance, Invoicing, Credits, Liabilities, Returns & Impact

Feb 6, 2023

India has progressed towards a single indirect tax regime for goods & services across the entire country with uniform law with the implementation of GST on July 1st, 2017. A business's varied functional sectors can be impacted in diverse ways because of the manner in which the majority of taxes will be absorbed.

Therefore, businesses must adjust their accounting systems to comply with the GST Law's standards from a technical accounting perspective. The GST law, which is regarded as a progressive tax reform for the nation, goes beyond the tax system itself. It also includes the full system of accounting and financial reporting.

The Accounting and Reporting processes have been significantly impacted, both before and after GST. The implementation of GST has altered corporate perspectives, beginning with GST-compliant invoicing, recording expenses, monitoring inventory, and finally automatically creating GST-ready tax returns.

Thus, it includes both the structure of accounting and financial reporting as well as the overhaul of all business financial operations. The accounting system in businesses has undergone significant changes in the way tax credits are written off, how incentives for tax holidays are calculated, and how revenue is reported. Hence, companies will need to assess the changes GST has made to financial reporting and indirect tax accounting in order to properly understand the impact.

GST Compliance

GST Compliance refers to the process of complying with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws and regulations. The following are the key components of GST compliance:

  • GST Registration

GST registration is a mandatory requirement for businesses that supply taxable goods and/or services. The registration process involves the submission of an application to the government, along with the required documents and fees. The GSTIN is issued to the taxpayer upon successful completion of the registration process.

  • GST Return Filing

GST returns must be filed on a regular basis by all registered taxpayers. The frequency of return filing depends on the taxpayer's turnover and other criteria specified by the government. GST returns must be filed online through the government's GST portal or through authorized GST Suvidha Providers for the same. Taxpayers must provide details of the supplies made and received, GST collected and paid, and other relevant information in the GST returns.

  • GST Payment

Taxpayers are required to pay the GST liability on the supplies made and claim the GST credit on the inputs purchased. GST payments must be made through the government's GST portal. Taxpayers must keep track of their GST liabilities and ensure timely payment of the same.

It is important for taxpayers to comply with the GST laws and regulations to avoid penalties and legal consequences. Businesses must ensure that they have systems in place to manage their GST obligations effectively and must seek the assistance of professional accountants and tax consultants if required.

GST invoicing

  • Types of Invoices in GST

1. Tax Invoice

A Tax Invoice is issued for supplies that attract GST. It is the most commonly used invoice under GST and is a legal document that acts as proof of transaction between the supplier and the recipient. 

2. Bill of Supply

A Bill of Supply is issued for supplies that are exempt from GST. 

3. Credit/Debit Note

A Credit/Debit Note is issued for changes made in a previously issued tax invoice. For example, if the quantity or value of goods is revised, a credit or debit note must be issued. 

4. Delivery Challan

A Delivery Challan is issued for the removal of goods for job work or for the dispatch of goods for reasons other than sales. 

It is important to ensure that the invoices are issued and maintained in accordance with the GST laws and regulations. Non-compliance can result in penalties and legal consequences.

  • GST Invoice Format and Requirements

  • GSTIN (GST Identification Number)

The GSTIN of both the supplier and the recipient must be mentioned on the invoice. The GSTIN is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to businesses registered under the GST regime.

  • Date of Issue

The date of issue of the invoice is an important component of the invoice. It helps in identifying the date of the transaction and determining the tax liability of the supplier.

  • Invoice Number

The invoice number must be unique and sequential. It helps in tracking the transactions and resolving disputes if any. The invoice number must be in the format specified by the GST laws and regulations.

  • Name, Address and GSTIN of the Recipient

The name, address and GSTIN of the recipient must be clearly mentioned on the invoice. This helps in identifying the recipient and determining the place of supply for tax purposes.

  • Description of Goods or Services: 

The description of goods or services must be clear and precise. It should contain the details such as the name of the product, model number, specifications, etc.

  • HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) Code

HSN code is an internationally accepted system for classifying goods. The HSN code must be mentioned on the invoice for all goods, except for exempt supplies.

  • Quantity and Value of the Supply 

The quantity and value of the supply must be clearly mentioned on the invoice. The value must include the price of the goods or services and any other charges such as taxes, freight, insurance, etc.

  • Rate and Amount of GST Charged

The rate and amount of GST charged on the supply must be clearly mentioned on the invoice. The rate of GST may vary based on the type of goods or services supplied.

  • Place of Supply

The place of supply must be mentioned on the invoice. It is the location where the goods or services are supplied and determines the tax jurisdiction of the transaction.

  • Signature or Digital Signature of the Supplier 

The signature or digital signature of the supplier is a crucial component of the invoice. It acts as proof of the transaction and the authenticity of the invoice.

Note: GST laws are subject to change and different states may have different requirements. It is advisable to check the latest laws and regulations in your jurisdiction and comply with the same. Non-compliance with the GST invoice format and requirements can result in penalties and legal consequences.

GST Credits

1. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Calculation

  • Determining the GST paid on inputs

The first step in calculating the ITC is to determine the GST paid on the inputs. This can be done by reviewing the invoices received for the purchases of inputs.

Verifying the GST paid on inputs with invoices received: The next step is to verify the GST paid on the inputs with the invoices received. This involves checking the GST invoices to ensure that they are valid and comply with the GST laws and regulations.

  • Ensure that inputs have been used for making taxable supplies

It is essential to ensure that the information have been used for making them. ITC is only available for information used in the production of taxable supplies.

  • Calculation of eligible ITC

Once the above steps have been completed, the eligible ITC can be calculated. The eligible ITC is the GST paid on inputs that can be claimed as a credit towards the output GST liability.

2. Utilization of GST Credit

  • Determining the GST liability on output supplies

The first step in utilizing the GST credit is to determine the GST liability on the output supplies. This can be done by reviewing the invoices issued for the supply of goods or services.

  • Using the GST credit to pay the GST liability

Once the GST liability on the output supplies has been determined, the GST credit can be used to pay the GST liability. The GST credit can be used to offset the GST liability on the output supplies.

  • Carrying forward unutilized GST credit

If there is any unutilized GST credit, it can be carried forward to the next tax period. The unutilized GST credit can be used to offset the GST liability in future tax periods.

It is important to maintain proper records and documentation of the GST credits to ensure that the ITC is calculated and utilized correctly. The GST laws and regulations specify the conditions for availing and utilizing ITC. Non-compliance with the same can result in penalties and legal consequences.

GST Liabilities

GST Liabilities refer to the amount of GST that a taxpayer is required to pay to the government for the supplies made by the taxpayer. 

The following are the main components of GST liabilities

  • Output GST Liability

This is the GST that is payable on the taxable supplies made by the taxpayer. The output GST liability is calculated based on the value of taxable supplies and the applicable GST rate.

  • Late fee

If the taxpayer fails to pay the GST liability on time, a late fee may be levied. The late fee is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding GST liability.

  • Interest

If the taxpayer continues to default on the payment of the GST liability, interest may be charged on the outstanding amount. The interest is calculated based on the amount of GST liability and the duration of the default.

  • Penalty

In case of non-compliance with the GST laws and regulations, a penalty may be imposed on the taxpayer. The penalty may be a fixed amount or a percentage of the outstanding GST liability.

GST Return Filing

GST Return Filing refers to the process of submitting regular reports to the government regarding the GST liability of a taxpayer. 

The following are the key components of GST return filing

Frequency

GST returns are usually required to be filed on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the taxpayer's turnover and other criteria specified by the government.

Information required

GST returns typically require the taxpayer to provide information about the supplies made and received, GST collected and paid, and other relevant details.

Due date

The due date for filing GST returns is typically specified by the government. Taxpayers are required to file their GST returns by the due date to avoid penalties and legal consequences.

Types of returns

There are several types of GST returns, including GSTR-1, GSTR-2, GSTR-3, and others. Each type of return requires the taxpayer to provide specific information.

Online filing

GST returns can typically be filed online through the government's GST portal. Taxpayers can also use authorized GST Suvidha Providers to file their returns.

GST Impact on Accounting

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has had a significant impact on accounting practices in India. GST has replaced multiple indirect taxes with a single, unified tax, which has brought about several changes in the way businesses maintain their accounts and record transactions.

One major impact of this tax on accounting is the need to maintain separate records for transactions. Taxpayers are required to maintain records of all GST invoices received and issued, which include details such as the GST rate, the amount of GST paid or collected, and the GSTIN of the supplier or recipient. This requires businesses to have systems in place to track and manage GST transactions effectively.

Another impact of GST on accounting is the need to determine the GST liability on output supplies and the GST credit available on inputs. Taxpayers are required to calculate the GST liability on the supplies made and the GST credit available on the inputs purchased, which must be declared in the GST returns. This requires businesses to have a good understanding of the GST laws and regulations and the GST treatment of different supplies.

GST has also brought about changes in the way businesses make payments. Taxpayers are required to pay the GST liability on the supplies made and claim the GST credit on the inputs purchased through the GST portal. This is why it’s high time businesses must have a legitimate system in place for making GST payments and tracking the GST credit available.

Takeaway

In conclusion, the introduction of GST has had a significant impact on accounting practices in India. Businesses need to adapt to these changes to ensure compliance with the GST laws and regulations and to take advantage of the benefits offered by GST. 

With GenieBooks Cloud GST-compliant Accounting and Inventory Management Software you can receive 100% compliance in all invoicing and accounting documentation at a professional level and manage your GST obligations effectively.