SP & SC — Legal and Taxation Service

GST

Registration, returns, e-invoicing, ITC, rate notifications, and compliance strategy.

Cover for "GST TCS for E-commerce Operators": illustration of a smartphone online shop, a shopping cart and a rupee coin
GST

GST TCS for E-commerce Operators Under Section 52

E-commerce operators collect GST TCS on sellers' net taxable supplies and report it in GSTR-8. The rate, how sellers claim the credit, and fixing mismatches.

6 min read
Cover for "ASMT-10 Notice: How to Reply to GST Return Discrepancies": illustration of an official notice, a magnifying glass and a sealed reply envelope
GST

ASMT-10 Notice: How to Reply to GST Return Discrepancies

An ASMT-10 notice flags mismatches in your GST returns. What it means, how to reply in ASMT-11 within 30 days, and how to avoid escalation to a demand notice.

6 min read
Cover for "Multiple GST Registrations": illustration of an India map with pins linking a shop, an office and a warehouse
GST

Multiple GST Registrations: Branches, Warehouses and Additional Places

GST registration is state-wise. When a new branch needs a separate GSTIN, when to add an additional place of business, and how inter-branch supplies are taxed.

7 min read
Cover for "How Discounts Are Treated Under GST": illustration of a percentage price tag, a receipt and a rupee coin
GST

How Discounts Are Treated Under GST

Discounts on the invoice reduce GST value. Post-sale discounts do so only if agreed in advance and linked to invoices. Section 15(3), credit notes and a worked example.

4 min read
Cover for "GST Reverse Charge on Security and Manpower Services": illustration of a security guard cap, reverse arrows and an invoice
GST

GST Reverse Charge on Security and Manpower Services

If your business hires a security agency that isn't a company, you must pay the GST under RCM. Our guide explains the rules and how to comply correctly.

6 min read
Cover for "GST Show Cause Notice Under Section 73 and 74": illustration of a sealed official envelope, a gavel and a deadline clock
GST

GST Show Cause Notice Under Section 73 and 74

A GST show cause notice (SCN) under Section 73 or 74 alleges unpaid tax. Section 73 is for non-fraud cases; Section 74 is for fraud. Responding correctly is key.

7 min read
Cover for "Blocked Input Tax Credit under Section 17(5)": illustration of a car, a meal and a construction crane beside an invoice stamped blocked
GST

Blocked Input Tax Credit under Section 17(5): Cars, Food, Construction and More

The GST credits you can never claim — motor vehicles, food and beverages, club memberships, construction of immovable property — with the exceptions that matter.

6 min read
Cover for "ITC on Capital Goods Under GST": illustration of an industrial machine, a purchase invoice and a credit arrow with a rupee coin
GST

ITC on Capital Goods Under GST

Businesses can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on capital goods like machinery and computers under GST. This guide explains the rules, conditions, and how to claim it in your GSTR-3B.

7 min read
Cover for "GST Checklist for Startups": illustration of a clipboard checklist with ticks, a laptop and a plant
GST

GST Checklist for Startups in Their First Year

Our essential GST checklist for first-year startups covers when to register, how to issue correct invoices, which returns to file, and how to claim ITC.

8 min read
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GST

GST on Advances Received: Goods vs Services and Refunds

GST applies on advances for services at the time of receipt, but not on advances for goods since 2017. Receipt vouchers, adjustments and what to do if the deal is cancelled.

6 min read
Cover for "GST on Free Samples and Gifts": illustration of wrapped gift boxes, product samples and a FREE tag
GST

GST on Free Samples, Gifts and Promotional Items

Learn the GST treatment for free samples, gifts, and 'Buy One, Get One' offers. If you claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on goods given for free, you must reverse it.

7 min read
Cover: GST physical verification and Aadhaar authentication, officer visiting a shop with a fingerprint icon
GST

GST Physical Verification and Aadhaar Authentication

Learn why GST officers conduct physical verification of your business premises and how Aadhaar authentication can speed up your GSTIN allotment in 2026.

7 min read
Cover: GSTR-2B reconciliation of input tax credit, two invoice stacks being matched
GST

GSTR-2B Reconciliation: How to Match Your Input Tax Credit

Since Rule 36(4), you can claim ITC only if it shows in GSTR-2B. A step-by-step reconciliation process, common mismatches and how to fix them.

6 min read
Cover: GST on under-construction flats, apartment tower with crane beside a finished home
GST

GST on Flats: 1% Affordable, 5% Others — and Why Ready-to-Move Homes Have No GST

GST on residential property explained: 1% and 5% rates without ITC, the affordable-housing test, the one-third land deduction, and when no GST applies at all.

6 min read
Cover: GST on residential rent paid by businesses, house with rent receipt and briefcase
GST

GST on Residential Rent Paid by Registered Businesses

If your GST-registered business rents a residential property for an employee, you must pay 18% GST under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM).

7 min read
Cover: ITC reversal under the 180-day payment rule, calendar, hourglass and unpaid invoice
GST

ITC Reversal if Supplier Not Paid Within 180 Days

If you claim GST Input Tax Credit (ITC) on an invoice but fail to pay the supplier within 180 days, you must reverse the ITC and pay interest. Learn how to comply and reclaim the credit.

7 min read
GST

GST Advance Ruling: When to Apply

A GST Advance Ruling provides legal certainty on the tax treatment of a proposed transaction before you undertake it, helping you avoid costly disputes with the tax department.

8 min read
Cover: GST on education, coaching and online courses, teacher and student on laptop
GST

GST on Education, Coaching and Online Courses

Most educational services from schools are GST-exempt. However, private coaching, professional training, and most online courses attract 18% GST. Know the rules.

7 min read
Cover: GST valuation for related party and branch transfers, goods moving between linked warehouses
GST

GST Valuation for Related Party and Branch Transfers

GST is levied on supplies to related parties and branches even without payment. Correct valuation is crucial for compliance. Learn how to apply the GST valuation rules.

7 min read
Cover: GST threshold for service providers, freelancer beside a turnover bar reaching the limit
GST

GST Threshold for Service Providers: ₹20 Lakh Rule

The general GST registration threshold for service providers in India is an aggregate turnover of ₹20 lakh. If your annual turnover exceeds this limit, you must register.

7 min read
GST

GST Invoice Format: Mandatory Fields Under Rule 46

A compliant GST invoice is crucial for your business. It must contain specific details like GSTINs, HSN codes, and tax breakdowns as mandated by Rule 46 of the CGST Rules.

8 min read
GST

GST Registration Rejected: Common Reasons and How to Reapply

Facing a GST registration rejection? Understand the common reasons, correct your documents, and learn how to reapply using Form GST REG-01 with our expert guide.

7 min read
GST

Bill of Supply vs Tax Invoice Under GST

A Tax Invoice is for taxable supplies and allows ITC claims. A Bill of Supply is for exempt supplies or by composition dealers, with no GST and no ITC.

6 min read
GST

Filing a GST Appeal: APL-01, Pre-Deposit and Time Limits

To appeal a GST order, file Form GST APL-01 within three months with a mandatory pre-deposit of 10% of the disputed tax amount. Learn the full process.

7 min read
GST

GST on Import of Services: IGST Under Reverse Charge

When an Indian business imports services, it must pay IGST under Reverse Charge (RCM). Learn who is liable, how to calculate the tax, and how to claim ITC.

7 min read
GST

E-Way Bill Penalties and Vehicle Detention Under Section 129

Failure to carry a valid e-way bill can lead to detention of your goods and vehicle, plus a hefty penalty equal to 200% of the tax payable under Section 129.

7 min read
GST

Time of Supply Under GST for Goods and Services

Learn the critical concept of Time of Supply under GST. This determines when GST is payable for goods and services, impacting your cash flow and compliance.

7 min read
GST

Fake GST Invoices: Risks for Genuine Buyers

A fake GST invoice can lead to denied Input Tax Credit (ITC), hefty penalties, and even prosecution. Learn how genuine businesses can protect themselves from fraud.

7 min read
GST

Input Service Distributor (ISD) Registration Under GST

An Input Service Distributor (ISD) helps businesses with multiple GSTINs distribute common input service credits. Learn about mandatory registration and compliance.

6 min read
GST

GST Registration Suspended: Why and How to Restore

GST registration can be suspended for non-filing of returns or other violations. This guide explains the common reasons and the exact process to restore your GSTIN.

7 min read
GST

GST on Software and SaaS: Rates and Place of Supply

Understand the correct GST rate (18%) on software and SaaS in India. Learn how to determine the place of supply for domestic and international clients to avoid compliance issues.

7 min read
GST

Amending GST Registration: Address, Partners and Business Name

A step-by-step guide for businesses to amend their GST registration online, covering changes in address, business name, partners, and bank accounts.

8 min read
GST

GST on Director Remuneration and Sitting Fees

Is GST applicable on payments to directors? Remuneration to employee directors is exempt, but fees to non-executive directors attract GST under Reverse Charge.

7 min read
GST

QRMP Scheme: Quarterly Filing with Monthly Payment

Who can opt into QRMP, IFF mechanics, PMT-06 monthly payment, and the fixed-sum method.

6 min read
GST

GST Registration Fees: Government vs Advisory Charges

The government charges nothing for GST registration — here's what advisory fees actually cover.

8 min read
GST

GST Late Fee and Interest: Section 47, 50, and Notification Reliefs

Late fee caps, Section 50 interest at 18% and 24%, and recurring amnesty schemes.

8 min read
GST

GST Interest on Late Payment: Net Cash Liability Rule

GST interest on late payment is charged at 18% p.a. on the net tax paid in cash. This guide explains the calculation, common mistakes, and how to avoid penalties.

6 min read
GST

GST Audit and Scrutiny: What to Expect Under Sections 65 and 61

Section 61 scrutiny of returns vs Section 65 departmental audit — timelines, notices, and preparation.

11 min read
GST

Place of Supply Under GST: IGST vs CGST+SGST

Determining the Place of Supply is crucial under GST. It decides whether you charge IGST (inter-state) or CGST+SGST (intra-state) on your sales.

8 min read
GST

GST for E-commerce Sellers: Section 52 TCS and Compulsory Registration

Section 52 TCS, TCS reconciliation, compulsory registration under Section 24, and marketplace mechanics.

4 min read
GST

GST Cancellation and Revocation: When and How

Voluntary vs suo-moto cancellation, Section 29 grounds, and how to revoke a cancellation.

7 min read
GST

Form DRC-03: Paying GST Voluntarily

Form DRC-03 is a GST challan for voluntarily paying tax liabilities found during reconciliation or before a notice. Use it to pay tax, interest, or penalties.

7 min read
GST

GST Refund Process: Types, Timelines, and Documents

Refund types (exports, inverted duty, excess balance), RFD-01 flow, and the 60-day statutory clock.

11 min read
GST

GST on Rent: Residential vs Commercial and the RCM Twist

The 18% GST on commercial rent, RCM on renting from unregistered persons, and residential exemptions.

7 min read
GST

GST for Freelancers and Consultants: Registration and Return Filing

When freelancers must register, invoicing to Indian and overseas clients, and LUT for exports.

7 min read
GST

HSN Code Search: How to Find the Right Code for Your Product

HSN structure, GST rate mapping, and why the wrong 6-digit code triggers scrutiny.

7 min read
GST

How to Verify a GSTIN: Format, Portal Lookup, and Red Flags

Decoding the 15-digit GSTIN structure, portal verification, and spotting fake GST numbers.

8 min read
GST

Voluntary GST Registration: Pros and Cons for Small Businesses

Businesses below the turnover threshold can opt for voluntary GST registration. This allows claiming Input Tax Credit and working with larger B2B clients but adds compliance tasks.

7 min read
GST

GSTR-9 Annual Return: Reconciliation and Section-wise Reporting

Who must file GSTR-9, the ₹2/₹5 crore triggers, and the interaction with 9C reconciliation.

14 min read
GST

Reverse Charge Mechanism Under GST: Notified Categories

Section 9(3) and 9(4) RCM triggers — GTA, legal services, unregistered supplier purchases, and self-invoicing.

8 min read
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