GST Composition Scheme

 

Composition Scheme is a simple and easy scheme under GST for taxpayers. Small taxpayers can get rid of tedious GST formalities and pay GST at a fixed rate of turnover. This scheme can be opted by any taxpayer whose turnover is less than Rs. 1.5 crore*.

In case of North-Eastern states and Himachal Pradesh, the limit is now Rs 75* lakh. As per the CGST (Amendment) Act, 2018, a composition dealer can also supply services to an extent of ten percent of turnover, or Rs.5 lakhs, whichever is higher. This amendment will be applicable from the 1st of Feb, 2019. Further, GST Council in its 32nd meeting proposed an increase to this limit for service providers on 10th Jan 2019*. Turnover of all businesses registered with the same PAN should be taken into consideration to calculate turnover.

The following people cannot opt for the scheme-

·        Manufacturer of ice cream, pan masala, or tobacco

·        A person making inter-state supplies

·        A casual taxable person or a non-resident taxable person

·        Businesses which supply goods through an e-commerce operator

What are the conditions for availing Composition Scheme?

The following conditions must be satisfied in order to opt for composition scheme:

·        No Input Tax Credit can be claimed by a dealer opting for composition scheme

·        The dealer cannot supply goods not taxable under GST such as alcohol.

·        The taxpayer has to pay tax at normal rates for transactions under the Reverse Charge Mechanism

·        If a taxable person has different segments of businesses (such as textile, electronic accessories, groceries, etc.) under the same PAN, they must register all such businesses under the scheme collectively or opt out of the scheme.

·        The taxpayer has to mention the words ‘composition taxable person’ on every notice or signboard displayed prominently at their place of business.

·        The taxpayer has to mention the words ‘composition taxable person’ on every bill of supply issued by him.

·        As per the CGST (Amendment) Act, 2018, a manufacturer or trader can now also supply services to an extent of ten percent of turnover, or Rs.5 lakhs, whichever is higher. This amendment will be applicable from the 1st of Feb, 2019.

What are the advantages of Composition Scheme?

The following are the advantages of registering under composition scheme:

·        Lesser compliance (returns, maintaining books of record, issuance of invoices)

·        Limited tax liability

·        High liquidity as taxes are at a lower rate

What are the disadvantages of Composition Scheme?

Let us now see the disadvantages of registering under GST composition scheme:

·        A limited territory of business. The dealer is barred from carrying out inter-state transactions

·        No Input Tax Credit available to composition dealers

·        The taxpayer will not be eligible to supply non-taxable goods under GST such as alcohol and goods through an e-commerce portal.