29 May Claim of Credit: Fulfillment of ITC Conditions Over GSTR-2B Auto-Population
Introduction
Navigating the intricate web of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations requires not just understanding the law but also its practical applications. One such critical aspect revolves around the claiming of Input Tax Credit (ITC), particularly in scenarios where discrepancies arise between invoice dates and the period of eligibility for ITC. A recent ruling by the Telangana Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) sheds light on the precedence of conditions fulfillment over the automatic population of data in GSTR-2B.
Facts of the Case
- Background of Noori Travels: M/s. Noori Travels, engaged in passenger transportation services, historically discharged GST at 5% as per Notification 11/2017 Central Tax (Rate).
- Change in GST Rate: From August 1, 2023, Noori Travels opted to charge GST at 12%, thereby becoming eligible to claim ITC on goods and services used for their services.
- Purchase of Motor Vehicle: Noori Travels purchased a motor vehicle on August 04, 2023. However, the dealer included this transaction in their GSTR-1 for July 2023.
Issue
The crux of the matter lies in determining whether Noori Travels can rightfully claim ITC on the motor vehicle despite its invoice date predating their eligibility period for claiming ITC.
Held
The Telangana AAR, in TSAAR ORDER NO.08/2024, provided the following ruling:
- Option for GST Payment: Under SAC heading 9964, businesses like Noori Travels have the flexibility to choose between 5% or 12% GST rates. Opting for 5% implies forgoing ITC eligibility.
- Weightage of GSTR-1: The AAR emphasized the statutory nature of GSTR-1, given its filing on the common portal, asserting its superiority over physical invoices.
- Temporal Aspect: Since the motor vehicle transaction was reported in the GSTR-1 of July 2023, during a period when Noori Travels hadn't yet transitioned to the 12% GST rate, ITC pertaining to the purchase was deemed ineligible.
Conclusion
The ruling underscores the primacy of fulfilling ITC conditions over mere auto-population of data in GSTR-2B. It highlights the significance of aligning transactional timelines with regulatory requirements to safeguard ITC claims.
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